How to Maximize Your Getting-Ready Time for the Best Photos & Film
The getting-ready portion of your wedding day sets the emotional tone for everything that follows. It’s where nerves turn into excitement, where anticipation builds quietly, and where some of the most intimate moments of the day unfold.
As a wedding photographer and videographer working throughout Chattanooga, Nashville, and across Tennessee, I can confidently say this:
When getting-ready time is planned well, your photos and film feel more relaxed, emotional, and intentional.
Here’s how to make the most of that time—without adding stress.
1. Choose a Getting-Ready Space with Good Natural Light
Light is everything during this part of the day.
The best getting-ready photos and film happen in spaces with:
Large windows
Neutral walls
Minimal clutter
Room to move
Natural light creates soft skin tones, cinematic shadows, and a calm atmosphere on camera. If you’re choosing between spaces, always prioritize light over size.
2. Finish Hair & Makeup Earlier Than You Think
Running late here is the fastest way to lose meaningful moments.
When hair and makeup finish early:
You’re not rushed getting dressed
There’s time for letters or gifts
Emotions unfold naturally
You can pause and breathe
Aim to finish hair and makeup 30–45 minutes earlier than the “must be ready” time. That buffer protects the entire morning.
3. Be the Second Person Finished
One of the biggest timeline secrets: the bride should be second-to-last or second finished, not last.
Why it works:
You don’t sit around waiting
You’re not rushed into your dress
There’s flexibility for touch-ups
You’re calm when the cameras focus on you
This single adjustment makes a huge difference in how relaxed you feel—and how natural everything looks on film.
4. Have All Details Ready in One Place
Searching for rings, invitations, perfume, or jewelry eats into valuable time.
Create a small “details box” with:
Rings
Invitation suite
Vow books or letters
Jewelry
Shoes
Any meaningful heirlooms
This allows your photo and video team to capture details immediately without interrupting you.
5. Plan for Emotional Moments—Don’t Squeeze Them In
Some of the most meaningful moments happen during getting ready:
Reading letters
Gifts exchanged
Parent reactions
Quiet moments alone
These shouldn’t feel rushed or accidental. Build space for them intentionally, and they’ll become emotional anchors in your wedding film.
6. Limit Who’s in the Room
Energy matters.
A crowded room can feel chaotic on camera and overwhelming in real life. Keep your getting-ready space to the people who truly support you and help you feel grounded.
Calm rooms create calm moments—and better photos and film.
7. Keep Food and Water Accessible
It sounds simple, but it’s often overlooked.
Hydration and light snacks help:
Keep energy up
Prevent stress spikes
Avoid mid-day crashes
Keep emotions steady
A nourished couple photographs and films better—because you feel better.
8. Trust Your Vendors and Let Go
The more you try to manage everything, the less present you’ll be.
When you trust your planner, photographer, and videographer to guide the morning, you create space for authentic moments to happen naturally.
That trust shows up in your photos and film.
Why Getting-Ready Time Matters So Much
This isn’t just prep—it’s transformation.
It’s the transition from anticipation to commitment. From individual to married. From planning to presence.
When this time is calm and intentional, your entire wedding day benefits.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need more time—you need better pacing.
By choosing the right space, building buffer time, and protecting emotional moments, your getting-ready coverage becomes one of the most meaningful parts of your wedding story.
If you’re planning a wedding in Chattanooga or Nashville and want help creating a timeline that supports beautiful, emotional photos and film, I’d love to help guide you.