Your wedding photos are memories you’ll treasure forever, so it’s crucial to ensure your photographer captures them perfectly. While it’s tempting to focus on great shots at the venue or during the reception, truly exceptional wedding photography tells the story of your entire day. Including your preparations is an essential part of that narrative.
Manchester-based wedding photographer Shane Webber has shot weddings across the North West, the UK and abroad and loves spending time with his couples documenting those final moments before heading down the aisle.
He said: “I love working with couples to capture the story of their wedding day, and the bridal preparation shots are a significant part of that. These are the photos you’ll look back on with your partner, friends, and family, remembering what you were talking about and how you felt. They’re truly special, so getting them right is important.”
Shane has put together his top seven tips for getting the very best preparation pictures on your big day.
Matching dressing gowns
This is a lovely touch for bridal parties and one that’s easy to overlook. I love capturing natural photos of brides and their bridesmaids getting ready on the big day, and matching dressing gowns add a beautiful, cohesive detail.
You can also use the photographs as keepsakes to thank your bridesmaids afterwards. The same goes for gifts for your maids or groomsmen— not only can they enjoy them for years to come, but they also make great photo opportunities.
Don’t leave it too late
There’s a lot to think about on the morning of your wedding, but I always recommend that brides get their dresses on with plenty of time to spare. If you have half an hour before you need to leave, it gives your photographer time to take a few final shots before you make your way down the aisle. Those ‘big reveal’ moments when friends and family see the bride for the first time are among my favourites. Having a few spare minutes also allows for any last-minute adjustments if things don’t run exactly to plan!
Hang the dress
Your wedding dress is likely the most special outfit you’ll ever wear, and you’ll want to remember every detail. If there’s space where you’re getting ready, hanging up your dress can make for stunning photos. Including your gown in the background of your bridal preparation shots adds a special touch that you’ll cherish when you look back on them after the big day.
The devil is in the detail
The little details can be easy to overlook, but they play a crucial role in telling the story of your big day. Whether it’s your shoes, top hats for the groomsmen, or your wedding rings, make sure to have them ready for your photographer. This way, you can enjoy the build-up to your wedding while your photographer captures these special moments without delay.
Keep things tidy
Tidying up is likely to be the furthest thing from your mind on the morning of your wedding, but keeping things neat will ensure great photos. A clean and tidy backdrop makes for the best wedding photographs and saves time on editing later. Perhaps task a trusted bridesmaid or family member with helping to keep things organised while you focus on getting ready.
Don’t forget the boys!
I always recommend getting the guys’ preparation photos done first, leaving your photographer free to capture those final exciting moments with the bridal party. If you’re both getting ready in the same place, it makes things much easier. If not, work with your photographer to plan the day. You can always ask them to meet the guys before the ceremony.
A personal note
One of the things I really love about weddings is when the couple leaves each other a special note to read beforehand. It’s so easy to get caught up in the organisation and forget what it’s all about – the two of you. Leaving a little note is a brilliant way to remind yourselves why you’re here and makes for wonderful photos that you’ll cherish forever.
Shane added: “Having shot hundreds of weddings and picked up a few things along the way, I hope these tips will help brides and grooms get the very best from their preparation photos.
The most important thing, however, is to make sure you enjoy it. Pop the prosecco and savour the build-up. Your wedding day is incredibly special, and you will cherish the memories forever.”
Shane is a Manchester-based wedding photographer who specialises in beautiful, natural images. With eight years of experience, he has photographed hundreds of weddings across the UK and abroad.