With everything else that’s going into your wedding prep, one question you might not have answered yet is where you’re going to get ready for your wedding.
Where you choose to get ready is such a significant part of your wedding day that I don’t want you to overlook, as this is where you’ll share special moments with your wedding party, where you’ll be getting dressed, where you’ll be getting some of your wedding photos taken, and where your wedding day is going to start. Your getting-ready location is going to set the vibe for your entire day – it should take space in a place you love.
As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the chance to photograph many different getting-ready suites and I personally love it when couples incorporate fun colors, bright wallpaper, vintage tile bathrooms, or have a dramatic wardrobe moment. Maybe these are all things you hadn’t even considered that could be a part of your wedding day and wedding album!
I’m sharing with you how you can choose your perfect getting-ready location, some different location options that you can consider, and some unique features that can be a part of your getting-ready location to have wedding photos that are fun and unforgettable!
How to Choose Your Location
First, I just wanted to mention that you don’t necessarily have to get ready at the wedding venue you’ve chosen if they don’t have all the features you’re looking for.
A lot of wedding venues will include areas where you can get ready but if you don’t love the options they have then just because it might be more convenient to use remember, you don’t have to opt-in for that option. Or perhaps the wedding venue doesn’t have an area where you can get ready which means that you’ll need to consider other locations you can use.
Here’s a quick mini-checklist to use when you’re choosing your desired location:
- Pick a space with lots of natural lighting for the best photos.
- Assess the walls. That might sound a bit strange when you first read that but I highly encourage you to do this. As I mentioned above I love bright wallpaper and fun colors but make sure that the getting-ready location you’ve chosen has walls with colors that you like as they will be a part of your photos. If you are trying to keep things more neutral make sure your background matches with what you’re wanting. Also, if the walls have a bunch of artwork and decoration on them make sure that the room/space has your stamp of approval first.
- Make sure you have lots of room and space. This is definitely not a problem you want to have to worry about on your wedding day so it’s good to know in advance that there will be enough space for everyone prior to your wedding day. You’ll also want areas where everyone can prep such as a sufficient amount of tables, chairs, good lighting, etc.
- Consider your wedding aesthetic. When choosing your location think about how the room/area you’re choosing will match with the rest of your wedding. Again if you’re having a really bright and colorful wedding perhaps you don’t want to pick a location that has white walls with fluorescent lights. Or vice versa if your colors are more neutral you probably won’t want to get ready in a space that has colorful wallpaper or painted walls with bright colors to serve as your backdrop.
- Find a place you love. In case you needed the reminder your wedding is about what you want – not anyone else. If you find a location to get ready that matches your wedding vision and that you are happy with that’s the most important thing.
- Find a place that also has an outdoor space. If you pick a getting-ready location where you can also get photos taken outdoors it’s a win-win!
These are all my personal suggestions/ opinions so feel free to adjust this list to align with what you’re looking for.
Location Options for Getting Ready for Your Wedding
There are so many different options you can consider for your getting-ready location. I’ve rounded up some different ideas for you to help you figure out which one is right for you!
Rent an Airbnb
Did you know that you can rent an Airbnb to get ready for your wedding? This is a great alternative if you don’t have a house that you can use to get ready at. Also as an added bonus when you arrive you’ll be able to check into a clean and clutter-free home, and you’ll definitely have plenty of space to get ready. You won’t have to worry about prepping your home beforehand to get everything ready and you can pick an Airbnb with an aesthetic that you love!
A House
If you have a family or friend whose house you adore then this is another great option for a place to get ready for your wedding. It’s even better if their house is close to your wedding venue. If you pick a house to get ready at you’ll definitely have plenty of space to use and you can find one that fits your style.
A Hotel
Hotels are also good options for getting ready as you could even consider getting ready at a resort or perhaps even renting out a penthouse or large suite. The other plus of choosing a hotel is that you can choose one that’s super close to your wedding venue and they are convenient.
Your Wedding Venue
Of course, I have to add your own wedding venue to this list. The benefit of this option is that you’ll already be at your wedding location so you don’t have to worry or stress about transportation and making sure everyone in your wedding party arrives at the venue on time. The other huge plus is that you can leave all of your items and the wedding party’s items at the getting ready suite such as makeup, a change of clothes, a change of shoes, styling tools, etc.
Unique Attributes To Add to Your Location
Getting ready locations that are a little different from the norm have such a fun vibe. I’ve taken some of my favorite photographs in getting-ready locations that have a unique atmosphere whether that’s through the interior decor, the different spaces and rooms inside of the location, or even the outside appearance of the chosen destination.
The great thing about choosing your own getting-ready location is that you can incorporate different backgrounds into your photos. If you want to have a fun wallpaper as the backdrop, you can do it. Want to add a little edge and want vintage-inspired photos? I’ll pack my flash, and we’ll give you a paparazzi moment! Your getting-ready location can provide you with wedding photos that are fun and unforgettable!
If you want to add a unique spin to your getting-ready location then I’d encourage you to find a location that offers you variety whether that’s with different backdrops inside the interior, through the architecture or decor, different lighting opportunities, and even to assess the outdoor space (if there is one) and what you can do with it.
Final Thoughts: Where to Get Ready for Your Wedding
I hope this article gave you some ideas on different locations you can choose from to get ready at and that you found the mini-checklist on choosing the perfect getting-ready location helpful!
And if you are still looking for your dream wedding photographer – someone who’ll capture all the little moments of your love story, feel free to contact me. I’ll be super excited to document your wedding too and capture the vibe true to you!
