Your wedding day is fast approaching, you’ve made all necessary arrangements and everything is going according to plan. You agreed with your wedding photographer(s) to have a bridal and/or groom session because you’ve seen those gorgeous photos on Pinterest and Insta and you want them, too. Perfect! That’s where we step in. As wedding photographers, we thought we’d give you a few tips on how to prepare for this, so that you achieve those fabulous images. It’s not just the photographer, you know, it takes two to tango :)

Before we dive in, we just wanted to clarify what we mean by bridal/groom “session”. On your big day, your wedding photographer will be at yours (or at the location where you are getting ready) at the time agreed (hopefully!). It is totally up to you WHEN you want them to come, no photographer can impose a certain hour, but to be able to photograph as many details and candid moments, it is preferable to allow for a good hour for the groom prep and at least two hours for the bridal prep. Once there, they will start taking photos, of course. It doesn’t have to be a formal, posing session! What we always tell our couples is to be natural, to continue with their preparations, ignore us, especially if they’re camera shy, just enjoy the day, have fun with those present. And the rest…leave it all to us. That’s it! As simple as that. This is an important part of your wedding day and it’s a must if you do want those types of photos in your album. Our most fun wedding in Reading had a bridal AND a groom prep session!

So let’s go ahead and have a look at what you should consider. 

1. Is there anything SPECIFIC that is really important to you? This can be many things, a person, your family, a gift, a detail with sentimental value. Anything you want us to focus our attention on, other than you, obviously? If it’s someone dear to you, someone really close, this can also be a priority throughout the day. That way, both the photographer and the said person(s) can already start to build a good rapport and then feel more comfortable with each other during the day. This leads to more natural (not awkward) photos. 

2. Gather the details you want in your photos. Sure, the photographer can do that, too, but it would be better to save those 15-20 minutes and focus on taking photos rather than on finding the earrings/shoes, etc. For grooms, think cufflinks, shoes, watch, suit, tie, for brides think dress, shoes, jewellery, accessories - have them at the ready. You may or may not want detail shots, but if you do it would save time to have them ready. You will see on your wedding day that time is of the essence! Trust us, we’ve been to a few :) 

3. Who are the VIPs for assisting? Who do you want to be there with you on your big day. Your parents, sisters, brothers, nanas, best friends, bridesmaids, best man… Ask if they would like to be there with you (they would be honoured, make no mistake about that). Again, this is a perfect chance for the photographer to get to know a bit better your team and vice versa. Remember, the more at ease you feel with your photographer, the better the photos, fact. 

4. Your VIPs, get them involved in the prep. But first, ask if they would like to be involved and help you get ready. For the groom, things like arranging your tie, helping you with the cufflinks, putting your suit on. For the bride, helping you put your shoes on, helping with the dress, of course or just having a glass of bubbly with you! Having your dear ones with you will be invaluable, you’ll see. Have them involved and then leave it to your photographer to focus on them and make sure you are all in as many photos and special - REAL - moments as possible.

5. Are there going to be any activities? Lads, we’re thinking cards, poker, hang out by the pool, watch tv, play Fifa, go to the bar and have a pint. Girls, we’re thinking champagne toast, getting into your robes, going out for a walk, opening gifts. Again, this will give the photographer the opportunity to create realistic, journalistic, very natural, in the moment images.

6. Have the room clean and set. It is so important to have a tidy room. If you just ask the hotel room service, they’ll be happy to do it for you. So when the photographer shows up it’s not an absolute nightmare and they can just focus on taking fabulous images of you and your party. We have been to weddings where we had to take a good 10-20 minutes to clean the tables, floors, bed. We DON’T MIND!! It’s absolutely ok with us, but remember that time and what you do with it is so important on such a day.

7. Last, but certainly not the least, understand the photographer is a professional and, in order to capture documentary, natural images, they will have to move in the room, sometimes get a bit close to the participants, looking for a specific detail, looking for a good angle or shooting from a perspective that would bring meaning to a moment. It’s OK! They’re just doing their job. Trust them! They’ve done this before, they know what to look for. Of course, always be open and  communicate with them. If at any point you are uncomfortable with something they say or do, if they are “in your face” and you just want to enjoy YOUR day, don’t feel bad to say something. Also, if you want a certain pose or any time you want a photo, just ask them! They would be happy to do that for/with you. Remember, talk to them, it’s the single most important thing to make sure you are on the same page and you are happy with the end result of their work. 

That is it. We hope this helps with your preparation for your bridal/groom prep session. If you have  any questions or just want to have a chat about your big day, give us a shout!