PREP GUIDE
Don’t worry, you really can’t stuff it up and we’ll be there to finesse everything.
What’s important is that you have everything there and out ready.
Welcome to
the prep guide
Please ask your florist if they have any extra flowers or greenery to include that in the delivery to be used for styling.
It’s a beautiful way to create more depth and layering using your Wedding flowers.
Fabrics in your Wedding colours can also be used in styling.
Space + Light Matters
Pick the biggest room with the best light. The first thing we’ll do is turn off all artificial lighting to use natural light sources.
A dining room, lounge room or Master bedroom are most often used.
Clear the room of clutter, think of styling the room for an Open to Sell or like the homes in the Magazines. It’s easy to let small spaces get busy with ‘stuff’ when people arrive with their bags and belongings. Dedicate a private space for these things to keep a staged area for your photographs.
It’s not uncommon to move furniture to create space and utilise the best light. You may also want to remove any unwanted artwork on the walls.
BRIDES/GOWNS
Whether your day is informal and effortless or a formal affair, it’s always a team effort. Let your maids and family know that there will be a photographer present during the prep times and who you would like to help you get dressed and who you’d like to do a reveal too ahead of time so there’s no misunderstandings.
On the morning of your wedding please ensure the following:
Select a space for the photographer to use and ensure this room is tidy, no bags on the floor, rubbish removed, no open food or drinks, have the curtains open. Clear out any unnecessary items like suitcase holders, side tables that can be moved elsewhere. Space is ideal, the more the better. Simplicity is best, keep the décor of the room to a minimum, remove paintings you don't love or soft furnishings that may detract from the beautiful styling of your day - don't worry about hooks in the walls or marks, they'll be removed in the final photographs.
Hang dresses/outfits on matching neat coat-hangers neatly and remove tags. Avoid hanging along a sole window as this will block the light. Find where you want to hang your dress that is not obstructing light, you may want to bring a 3m wall Hook or use a room divider or mannequin.
Something old, borrowed, new and blue.
Wedding Stationary and Invitation
The veil, earrings, hair piece, necklace, shoes, perfume - all of the Bride’s details placed out together.
If the Bride has the wedding rings, place them with the engagement ring.
If you are gifting each other a present, letter or card please do not open that until a photographer is present.
Timing
Dressing shouldn’t be rushed - leave enough time for Formal pre-Ceremony Portraits after dressing as Photographers/Videographers will leave 30 minutes ahead to the Ceremony to photograph the Ceremony styling and set up, guest arrival, coordination with your Celebrant and anticipate the arrival of the Bride.
It takes time to dress, it does get emotional. Nobody likes to rush, to give yourself time to enjoy putting on your gown.
Order of Proceedings - Gowns
Photographing details
Faux makeup/hair styling shots
Robe/PJ champagne shots + gift giving
Brides tribe to dress privately, finishing touches like gifted jewellery to be photographed
Bride to dress
Reveal + Family photographs
Portraits of the Bride solo
Reading of the letter/opening of the gift
If you’d like to see a Pinterest with lots of inspiration for Bride Prep Click Here.
grooms/suits
If words aren’t your thing, don’t worry, there’s a link at the end to photos. Follow the photos and you’ll be right!
On the morning of your wedding please ensure the following:
Select a space for the photographer to use solely, ensure this room is tidy, no bags on the floor, rubbish removed, no open food or drinks.
This is the stage for your prep photographs.Your Suit jackets are removed from bags and hung uniformly with matching coat hangers. There are very nice clothes racks available second hand to display suit jackets.
Ties, bow ties, belts, cufflinks and socks placed uniformly on table or bed. Please also include your shoes and anything sentimental.
If you have the rings, please have the rings on the table or bed.
Have your watch, buttonhole (flower), aftershave, socks, cufflinks and any other mementos set out and ready for the photographer with the space tidy.
If you are gifting your Bride a present, letter or card, a Flower Box from Blossom Box Co or a Cannoli box and want this photographed, please make sure to schedule the arrival time after the Photographer has arrived.
how to
tie the tie
Click here and head to YouTube
DOUBLE WINDSOR
Order of Proceedings - Suits
Photographing details
Casual, candid photo’s, Groom crew gifts given
Gents to dress in pants and shirts privately
Finishing touches like shoes and socks, belts, ties/bowties, cufflinks, jackets, pocket squares and buttonholes to be photographed
Grooms crew to dress first together, followed by the crew assisting the Groom.
Family Portraits/Group portraits
Portraits of Groom solo
Reading of the letter/opening of the gift
If you’d like to see a Pinterest with loads of inspiration for Groom Prep Click Here.