Bridal Preparations Photographs

When we arrive for the bridal preparations, it's really lovely to walk into a hotel room, or house, full of atmosphere! This always makes for the best photographs. If there's music playing and champagne flowing (not too much, especially as it gets close to 'dress time') then all the better for calming your nerves and just helping the morning feel... happy. Everybody is in a good mood and the smiles and laughter happen naturally.

Now, some of the purists might disagree with me, and it could be argued that quiet and serene mornings will produce some classic and elegant shots - and of course this is absolutely fine. These are only our suggestions, based on what has worked for us in the past.

The other really important thing about the morning preparations is light. So, when your hair and/or make-up artist ask you where you want to sit, choose somewhere near a window and with plenty of space around you if possible. I cannot recall the number of times I have walked into a room where make-up is being applied in a dark and dingy corner, with nothing but a weak little light bulb for illumination. You are not going to spend much of the day under those lighting conditions, so why should your make-up be applied under those conditions? Light bulbs will generally give off a yellow hue, and if you are made to look good in yellow light, it stands to reason that you will not look good in daylight!

Your morning preparations may include 5 or 6 of your best friends, and this is great for some photos of you all interacting and having fun... but do watch out for the bags, shoes, plastic dress covers and general "stuff" that you will all leave lying around. I have seen photographs of bridal preparations that look like they were done in a war zone... if you don't mind this, then it's just fine. Hey, it's your wedding and generally we'll photograph whatever is there and whatever we see. Occasionally however, when they see the photographs some of my brides have commented, "Oh heck! I wish we had cleared the room up a little". Just something to think about!

Finally, although you may think you have loads of time during the morning, it has a tendency to disappear exponentially! So, if you want some shots of you looking utterly perfect before you walk out of the front door, it's a good idea to aim to be ready at least 30 minutes before you are due to leave. This builds in a buffer, and also allows you to give some time to the photographer to record the moment of you looking your absolute best!

Article by Surrey Wedding Photographer Matt Pereira

Image Courtesy of Matt Pereira Photography

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