When you are getting married, there are so many decisions to make. One of the most important parts of the wedding day is the wedding and reception venue. But, what often gets overlooked is the venue where the bride will be getting ready. This has just as much of an impact on wedding day images as the location of the portraits and ceremony. Choosing the right space to get ready in is so important to the cohesiveness of your pictures and the overall experience of your wedding day.
1. Home or Hotel?
When we are asked if our couples should rent a hotel to get ready, we always say YES! We have been a part of weddings where the bride and groom get ready in their own homes and there is nothing wrong with that at all. What we do see, is that the bride is usually more stressed and worried at home. She always feels as though she is forgetting something and we sometimes find that they are overwhelmed. This is not so in all cases, but we always highly recommend renting a hotel. If brides and grooms get ready in separate locations, like two different homes, it makes it much harder for the photographer to capture both of them getting ready. 
2. If you opt for a hotel, upgrade to a suite. You won’t regret it!
Most standard hotel rooms can be too small for a group of more than 4 people. Hotel suites have larger bathrooms, which means no one is waiting to wash their hands or use the bathroom. They also usually have a “Living room” area in which bridesmaids can relax as they wait their turn for hair and makeup. Brides usually get the wispy eyelash set for their wedding to look good on the photos. Remember, most brides have 4-5 bridesmaids, themselves, their mother, sometimes mother-in-law all getting ready together. Not to mention, at least one, sometimes 2 photographers! That sums up to more than 10 people in one space. With more space, there is less stress and gives everyone a better overall experience.
3. Look for big windows that let lots of light in.
The bigger the better! Floor to ceiling windows or sliding glass doors are the best way to let natural light into the getting ready room. Natural light is the key ingredient to beautiful images. The more light let into the room, the better you and the girls look in the photos.
4. Consider getting ready at the same location as the groom.
The advantage of having a husband and wife wedding team is that you can have a photographer with each person. When the bride and groom get ready in the same location, it maximizes the time and number of photographs you get. If the bride and groom are 30 minutes away from each other, that’s 30 minutes of time lost each way and less pictures. Getting ready in the same location as the groom, is the most convenient and time-saving option.
5. Consider the decor and area in and around the getting ready venue
When the getting ready venue has unique features it is an added bonus. This will add that little something extra to your wedding day images. Try looking for a getting ready location that will tie in to the theme of your wedding. The more it reflects you the better!
Happy Wednesday!
-Kristy & Vic
