Why Getting Ready Photos Are Worth It (And How to Make Them Beautiful)

Sarah Bagley
Aug 13, 2025
2 min read

by Imagery by Sarah Beth – North Florida Wedding Photographer

When couples plan their wedding photography timeline, one question often comes up:

“Do we really need getting ready photos?”

And my honest answer? If you want to capture the real story of your day- not just the posed portraits and ceremony, then yes, getting ready photos are so worth it.

They’re where the anticipation builds. The quiet nerves. The laughs. The tears. The little details that make this your day.

Let’s talk about why these photos matter (and how to make the most of them).

✨ What Are “Getting Ready” Photos?

Getting ready photos document the time before your ceremony — typically a couple of hours spent getting dressed, sharing moments with your closest people, and building anticipation for what’s ahead.

These aren’t just makeup and ties. They’re:

Your mom zipping up your dress with trembling hands
Your best friend laughing so hard she nearly cries
A handwritten note from your soon-to-be spouse
You, standing in the mirror, soaking in the moment

💖 Why They’re Worth Including

1. They Tell the Full Story

Your wedding day is more than just the ceremony and reception. The quiet, emotional, beautiful parts happen long before you walk down the aisle. Getting ready photos fill in that story and make your gallery feel complete.

2. They Capture the People Closest to You

This is usually when you’re surrounded by your closest friends and family — and those moments deserve to be documented, too. These are the people who’ve helped you get to this day.

3. You Get Comfortable in Front of the Camera

Starting coverage earlier helps you ease into being photographed. No pressure, no posing; just you being yourself. By the time we get to portraits, it feels natural.

4. It’s a Chance to Document the Details

The dress. The florals. The jewelry passed down from your grandmother. You’ve put so much heart into planning- let’s capture those beautiful little pieces before the day sweeps you away.

5. You’ll Appreciate It More Over Time

These photos may not be the ones you post right away but they often become the most meaningful. The quiet tears. The smiles. The way your parent looked at you before you walked out the door. It’s pure emotion.

📸 How to Make Your Getting Ready Photos Even More Beautiful

Choose a space with natural light (big windows are a dream!)
Keep the room tidy: clutter-free backgrounds let the emotion shine
Wear something you love: robes, matching PJs, or anything that makes you feel confident
Have your details ready: shoes, dress, rings, vow books, invitations, etc.

Don’t stress about “doing it for the photos”, just be present. I’ll capture everything naturally and quietly, as it unfolds.

💌 Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, it’s not about getting more photos, it’s about remembering how you felt. The excitement. The calm before the storm. The deep breaths.

Getting ready photos give you a window back into those sacred, fleeting moments and I promise, you won’t regret having them.