When we arrive at a wedding, the first place we go is to the primary getting ready space. This can, believe it or not, set the tone for the day, and your photos. The colors of the room and the amount of light are the very first photographic influence of your wedding day.
Our goal is for your images to look consistent – so those first images need to make sense in the gallery with the rest of your photos. While we can create awesome photos in nearly any space, it’s obviously going to be easier on us if the room has a few key elements to make our job (and the job of your other professionals) easier.
This room is incredibly important – and often overlooked. Who knew that where you get dressed could mean so much for your entire wedding day’s photographs?!?
There are a few things to keep in mind when touring venues and looking at their getting ready rooms. Some of our couples have even opted to rent an AirBNB/VRBO or hotel to make sure that the space has everything that we need – and that your hair and makeup team will need too (because they definitely need a great space even more than we do!)
Lighting & Natural Light
In our opinion, this is the most important part of your getting ready room.
And we aren’t talking about lamps. You need windows and natural light in as MUCH of the space as possible. A dark room doesn’t work well for makeup, or really even hair, and definitely not for photos and video. Most professionals will bring lighting, but again, it’s much easier to work in a space with ample natural light.
Diffused (see-through curtains that are white) natural light works the best, as it isn’t harsh, but still gives a nice soft glow to the space.
Think about when you’re doing your makeup yourself at home – you need light, right? And even better if you can do your makeup by a window, so you can make sure it will look amazing when you go outside.
The same thing happens here – the natural light can help your team know the best way to do your makeup so that it looks amazing in natural light (because that means it will also look amazing when we’re using the lights we bring during your reception or indoor parts of your wedding).
Space
Is the room large enough for your wedding party and whatever getting ready team you may need in there? Think of how many people will likely be in the room – your side of the wedding party, probably a couple of parents, hair and makeup team, photographer, videographer …. it can get crowded pretty quick.
Make sure the room not only has ample space for people to sit, but there needs to be enough space for supply tables (hair and makeup have a lot of things to spread out and use).
There should be plenty of space for snacks and drinks, and for people to put their things without it feeling cluttered. Also consider how close it is to a restroom.
There should also be plenty of space for you to get dressed – and space for your dresses or suits to be hung up and unbagged (it helps the fabric relax before wearing). Closets, not just floor space, can be super handy.
Room Color
Yep, this is important too. Color, especially strong colors, tend to cause what is called a “cast” onto lighter colors – like dresses and even some skin tones. That cast can alter how those colors appear in photos, and using our lighting can only correct it so much – especially if the actual light in the room is a totally different color temperature (some light is cool and some is warm).
The best getting ready rooms to work in have neutral colored walls and ceilings. Whites, light grays, cream are all good. Some light blues can be ok as well.
Harder rooms to work in have bright colors (red, blue, yellow, tan) or wood paneling and sometimes dark or wood ceilings. Light tends to be “sucked up” by these dark tones. Obviously, we prefer the lighter, brighter, and well lit getting ready rooms (you will too, in your photos)!
Outlets & Tables & Chairs, Oh my!
Your getting ready room space needs to have lots of outlets, in easily accessible spaces. There will be steamers, straighteners, hair dryers, curling irons, lighted mirrors, makeup lights, clothing irons and so much more to be plugged in.
Near the outlets, there should be space for tables, chairs and it should be in a well-lit area (preferably near a window for natural light). Your hair and makeup team will need those tables (as mentioned before), and you’ll want somewhere comfortable to sit while having those services done.
If the room or the venue doesn’t have tables/chairs for the ready space, you’ll want to make sure you plan on bringing those in – or talk to your hair and makeup team to make sure they have some for you. Low-back chairs are great for this part of the process, and make sure these chairs are easily movable so your artists can position you where they need you.
If you’re having day-of gentlemen’s grooming done, they will also need outlets, table space and chair space.
You’ll also want to make sure there is plenty of seating for your wedding party that isn’t in the hair or makeup chair and any family members that will be hanging out while you prep for the day – and that you have a table for snacks and drinks for people in the room to make sure everyone keeps up their energy!
One thing we are always shocked by in getting ready rooms is the lack of mirrors. You’ll want to either make sure your room has at least one full length, easy to access mirror or plan to bring one with you. It’s also a good idea to have mirrors near any makeup station, even if they’re handheld.
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