Make sure to document these meaningful behind-the-scenes moments in the hours before your ceremony.
Published on August 21, 2025 09:10AM
Photo by Samm Blake
While your ceremony may serve as the official start to your nuptials, most brides and grooms would argue that the affair actually begins hours before you even walk down the aisle. Regardless of the time of day in which you're tying the knot, in the moments leading up to your celebration, you're likely engaged in an extensive getting-ready process. Depending on your desired hairstyle, the extent of your glam, and how complicated your ensemble is to get into, you may start preparing for the occasion hours before you even need to head to the venue. Yet, even though this pre-wedding process may feel long and tedious, it's also an opportunity to spend quality time with your close friends and family members, as well as document the anticipation you're feeling before saying "I do" to your partner.
While some soon-to-be newlyweds opt to just get ready with immediate family members, others choose to invite a number of friends to get their hair and makeup done alongside them. Whether you have two or 20 people next to you as you prepare for your ceremony, the candid, behind-the-scenes snaps taken by your photographer during these moments may just become your most beloved ones. However, with so much occurring during this period, it may feel overwhelming to figure out which photos you want to add to your photographer's must-take shot list. Luckily, we've got you covered.
Below, we've rounded up 21 of our favorite getting-ready photos to give you inspiration for your own big day. Read on to see them all.
01 of 21
Getting Your Makeup Done
Photo by 515 Photo Co
It's one of the first parts of the getting-ready process: getting your makeup done. If you opt to have your glam done alongside one of your loved ones, such as your mother, sister, or best friend, make sure to tap your photographer to document this special moment you're sharing with them.
02 of 21
Giggling With Your Inner Circle
Photo by Sasithon Photography
While your big day celebrates the love between you and your partner, you likely wouldn't have arrived at the occasion without the support of your friends and family. Before heading down the aisle, snap a playful photo alongside some of the members of your inner circle.
03 of 21
Putting on the Final Touches
Photo by Sophie Epton
Before you slip into your dress, your makeup artist will likely have a few finishing touches for your glam. And while you may only be interested in capturing the final look, take a cue from this bride—and have your photographer snap a picture of the process behind your gorgeous glow.
04 of 21
Receiving a Good-Luck Kiss
Photo by Caroline Lima Photography
Your parents have been there for you since the start. While you may be embarking on a new chapter with your soon-to-be spouse, make sure to tell your parents how much their love and support means to you. A kiss on the cheek or a tight hug from them will also help ease your nerves before walking into the ceremony.
05 of 21
Gliding on Your Favorite Lip Product
Photo by Abby Jiu Photography
While you may be turning to a makeup artist to nail your dream bridal look, you may be doing a few touch-ups yourself before heading off to your ceremony site. A shot of you doing so next to a loved one perfectly captures a behind-the-scenes moment that feels both intimate and editorial.
06 of 21
Initiating a Celebratory Cheers
Photo by Lacie Hansen Photography
Prior to slipping into your gown or suit, reserve a few moments for a celebratory cheers with the members of your wedding party. With so much unfolding on such a special day, it's essential to set aside some time to truly let the excitement of occasion sink in.
07 of 21
Displaying Your Ring
Photo by Moments Collective Studios
Before adding your wedding band to your ring stack, take the time to document your engagement sparkler on its own. This type of photo, especially if taken at the time when you're still wearing your pajamas or bridal set, is the ideal way to highlight the undeniable beauty of your diamond.
08 of 21
Previewing Your Dress
Photo by Valorie Darling Collective
While you already know what your dress looks (and feels!) like, there's something undeniably magical about seeing it for the first time on your big day. Make sure to soak in the moment of viewing your gown on the hanger before slipping it onto your body.
09 of 21
Styling Your Hair
Photo by Alexes Eides Photography
In addition to your makeup, your hairstyle is a key part of your bridal look. Whether you're turning to a stylist, friend, or family member to nail your vision, capturing them working with your hair is a must-have photo when documenting the getting-ready process.
10 of 21
Stepping Into the Gown
Photo by Samm Blake
Depending on the gown you select for your nuptials, you may need the assistance of one, two, or even four friends to help you into it. In addition to capturing the task of you being zipped into the showstopping piece, consider asking your photographer to document other behind-the-scenes moments of you with your dress.
11 of 21
Fixing Your Cufflinks
Photo by The DV Image
The more delicate or subtle aspects of your ensemble—including your cufflinks—may not be as visible in the majority of your wedding photos. As a result, it's crucial to capture these detail shots during the getting-ready process.
12 of 21
Zipping It Up
Photo by Heather Waraksa
It's one of the quintessential moments of the getting-ready process: a loved one zipping you into your dress. However, such a shot also gives you an opportunity to show off the back of your gorgeous gown, something that's harder to do in a portrait session.
13 of 21
Securing the Clasp
Photo by Sophie Epton
Emotive and sentimental photos often feature an unexpected angle. Instead of capturing the moment of a loved one securing your dress with a traditional shot, consider asking your photographer to capture it in an unexpected way, such as through a mirror.
14 of 21
Slipping on the Shoes
Photo by Mason Neufeld Photography
While your gown may be the star of the show, you likely spent countless hours carefully selecting your shoes and accessories. And while you slipping into your heels or flats may seem like a forgettable part of your big day, we would argue that these smaller, more intimate moments are worth documenting.
15 of 21
Adjusting Your Train
Photo by Stories Matter
Once you've slipped your dress on, you'll likely need a bit of assistance adjusting your train before heading out of your suite. Such a moment is a great opportunity to capture the close relationship between you and a loved one, such as a sister, mother, or best friend.
16 of 21
Displaying Your Accessories
Photo by Bre Jane Photography
In addition to securing your veil, make sure to take time to show off some of your other accessories—from the heirloom studs you borrowed from your grandmother to the simple necklace gifted to you by your future mother-in-law. These smaller pieces deserve a place in the album chronicling your big day.
17 of 21
Revealing the Final Look
Photo by Lance Nicoll
On your wedding day, your bridesmaids are there to support you, standing next to you as you marry your partner. And regardless of whether they've already seen photos of your gown or you're keeping it a complete surprise from them until your big day, make sure to document their initial reaction to your final look.
18 of 21
A Casual Portrait
Photo by Erika Delgado Photography
Even though you'll take formal portraits after your first look or ceremony, ask your photographer to capture the more casual moments of your finished appearance before heading to your wedding. These softer and more laid-back pictures often showcase the excitement you have before saying "I do" to your partner.
19 of 21
Spending Time With Friends
Photo by Kelly Hornberger
On the morning of your wedding, you may opt to go for a run, take a walk, play a round of golf, or simply sit and spend time with some of the members of your wedding party before heading to your venue. These more intimate moments between friends are a key part of the getting-ready process—and certainly worth capturing.
20 of 21
Holding Your Bouquet
Photo by Nirav Patel
One of the final to-dos before heading off to your ceremony? Grabbing your bouquet. While your portraits will likely include the showstopping arrangement, make sure you take the time to snap an up-close photo of your beautiful blooms.
21 of 21
Buttoning Your Suit
Photo by Cedar & Pines
As the groom, buttoning your suit or tuxedo jacket is one of the last tasks you'll do before heading to your wedding. While you'll want to capture the full ensemble during your portraits, we love how this type of photo features a bit of movement, giving it an anticipatory feeling.
