Some of my brides as me how to plan a bridesmaids first look. They are an absolute delight to include in your wedding coverage! While not every bride chooses to incorporate them, they can truly bring an extra dose of fun and excitement to your photo gallery.
Picture this: as your bridesmaids gather in anticipation, the air is full with excitement and anticipation. The moment arrives, and the look on their faces when they lay eyes on you, transformed into a stunning bride, is simply priceless! Isn’t that what BFFs are for? The bridesmaids I work with are always so excited to see their friend/sister as a bride “officially” for the first time. It’s really fun to capture this moment!
These candid shots also add depth and authenticity to your wedding album, showcasing a gallery that reflects the love, laughter, and incredible friendship that surrounds you.
If you’re looking to infuse your wedding day with even more joy and excitement, don’t hesitate to include bridesmaids first looks in your photography plan. The addition of these moments will not only add to the storytelling aspect of your album but also create lasting memories that you and your bridesmaids will treasure forever.
How to plan a bridesmaid first look
Do your bridesmaids need to get ready in a totally different location? Nope! The first part of your wedding day can be exactly like you would normally have it – all of the bridesmaids getting ready together in one location. Play some music! Reminisce! Get hair and makeup done together! This is a really fun part of the day, and it’s best to enjoy with the special people in your wedding party!
After all of the hair and makeup is done, the bridesmaids can get ready in whatever location they’d like. Some of them choose to get into their dresses in the same room as the original prep, which sometimes this is a large conference room or a hotel suite. Other times, they will go to their individual hotel rooms to get ready and into their dresses or suits.
While the bridesmaids are getting ready, it’s the bride’s turn to get into her dress. I usually ask the bridesmaids to clear the room with the exception of whoever may be helping the bride to get into her dress. At that time, the bride will get into her wedding dress, shoes, veil, and jewelry. This is also a great way to do things, because it ensures that there is not too much of a crowd watching the bride at this special time and she can have a little quiet before everything really kicks off!
Where to do a bridesmaid first look?
Another question I’m asked in how to plan a bridesmaids first look – Where should we do this?! The most important thing for a good bridesmaid first look is to have a nice large location with plenty of light. I love photographing this moment with nice big windows for light. Once the bride is all ready, the bridesmaids line up – eyes closed. We count to three and the bridesmaids are able to see their gorgeous friend for the first time as a bride!
If a conference room won’t work, hotel rooms can also be great choices – or even outdoors as long as the groom isn’t around!
How long does a bridesmaids first look take?
Not long! Once the bride is ready to go, it’s simply a matter of bringing the wedding party into the larger space without anyone peeking! The actual first-look usually only takes about five minutes, and then we pack up all of our things and head out for the rest of the wedding day events!
