Should you include 'Getting Ready' coverage in your elopement or wedding day?
So you're on the search for a photographer, or maybe you've already booked one and you're trying to decide whether or not getting ready coverage is worth it...Let's discuss it!
Picture it's the morning of your elopement or wedding day. Maybe you're envisioning a fresh cup of coffee in hand, your favorite breakfast foods, mimosas, being surrounded by loved ones...maybe getting your hair and makeup done, all the things! Although this might seem like such a small sliver of such an important day, it's all still part of the experience. Why not capture it?
When you look back at your wedding photos, you should feel like you're traveling back in time. It should be more than flipping through some posed group shots. You should feel those memories pouring in like they happened just yesterday.
Your elopement/ wedding gallery is like a time capsule. I encourage you to allow your photographer to tell the full story...those moments when you're laughing with your friends and family, making a video to the latest Tik Tok trend, feeling all the emotions as you're about to enter a new chapter of life.
If you're on board with having these memories captured, how much coverage should you include? I suggest 1-2 hours. Your photographer will need enough time to capture the candid moments between you and your friends as well as your partner's perspective and of course all the fun details (your outfits, rings, invitations, etc) that went into planning your day. Chat with your photographer about what you hope to capture and he or she should be able to give you an estimate on timing and what this looks like.
Your gallery is like a time capsule...it should tell the full story of your day.
Getting ready ideas for your elopement or wedding:
These can be done separately (if you don't want your partner to see you before you're ready) or enjoyed together...
1. Write your vows (even if you already have them done in your phone, you can use this time to transfer them to paper)
2. Make coffee
3. Make breakfast - imagine making pancakes with either your bridal party (wedding) or your significant other (elopement) before heading out for the day!
4. Enjoy a cocktail
5. FaceTime friends and family that may not be there with you to share your excitement
6. If your parent or best friend is there, allow them to help you get into your dress and jewelry
7. Provide details for your photographer (shoes, jewelry, flowers, invites/ announcement cards, any other sentimental pieces)
8. Have your hair and makeup done (honestly, I think it's even more special if you're choosing to do this yourself! Capture this!!)
9. Play music - such a great way to set the tone for the day and help you feel relaxed (I suggest creating a playlist ahead of time!)
10. Exchange gifts (this could be done however you want- with your partner, with your friends, your parents, etc)
11. If you're planning an adventurous elopement that involves a hike, have your photographer capture the transition from hiking gear to wedding attire