Bridesmaid Guide: Preparing for Picture-Perfect Moments

Welcome! As your photography and videography team, our focus is on capturing the beauty, emotion, and detail of the bride's preparation. These tips will help us create stunning, magazine-worthy imagery while keeping your morning relaxed and fun.

1. Optimize Your Space: Follow the Light

Just like the guys, great photos need great light. The preparation room should prioritize this above all else.

* Best Location: We need a space with large, uncluttered windows and plenty of natural light. This soft, directional light is essential for beautiful skin tones and flattering portraits.

* Avoid the Bathroom: Please avoid doing makeup, hair, or dressing in windowless bathrooms, as the light is often harsh or unflattering.

2. Clear the Clutter: The Clean Zone

A tidy room provides a clean, elegant backdrop for the most important photos.

* Clear the Backgrounds: Before we arrive, please clear the area around the windows and the bed of all distractions: luggage, shoes, plastic bags, trash, and half-eaten food.

* Gather Personal Items: Keep personal bags, phones, and water bottles tucked away in a corner or closet where they won't accidentally end up in the background of the bride's portraits.

3. Prepare the Details: The Bride's Photo Kit

To avoid delays, have all the bride's details gathered in one place before we arrive.

* Gather Everything: Place the following items in a small box or bag:

* The Dress: Hanging neatly on a beautiful, non-plastic hanger (we love wooden or satin hangers).

* Rings: All three rings (engagement and both bands) for detail shots.

* Shoes, Veil, Jewelry, Garter

* Invitation Suite/Paper Goods (if you want these photographed).

* Any sentimental items or gifts being exchanged.

4. The Timeline: Hair and Makeup First

We aim to capture the fun and connection, not just the finished looks.

* Be Ready Early: All bridesmaids should have their hair and makeup complete before the scheduled dress time. This ensures everyone looks polished for group shots and can assist the bride without rushing.

* Plan the Dressing: Please wear your getting-ready robes or matching outfits until it's time to put on your final dresses/attire.

5. Dress-Up Moments: Save the Final Steps

The moment the bride steps into her dress is the most sentimental part of the morning.

* Wait for the Camera: Please save the final stages of dressing (stepping into the gown, zipping/buttoning up, putting on the veil, and the final shoes/jewelry) for when the photography and videography team is ready.

* Designate Helpers: Have 1-2 bridesmaids/Mothers pre-selected to help the bride into her gown. This keeps the space intimate and organized.

6. Pocket Protocol: Keep Phones Away

While you may want a quick snap, we promise the professional photos will be better!

* Focus on the Moment: During the pivotal moments—like the bride getting dressed, the gift exchange, or the first look—please keep your phones out of your hands and out of the shot. This helps the bride stay present and ensures we don't have phones visible in the professional photos.

7. Group Shots: Toast and Interact Naturally

We are looking for genuine connection and joy.

* Pre-Planned Moments: If you're doing a toast, have the bottle and matching glasses ready for a clean, cohesive image.

* Engage: Relax, talk, and laugh naturally! The best photos are created when you're simply being yourselves and celebrating the bride.

We look forward to capturing your beautiful story with artistry and impact!

Quamina Image Wedding Photography and Videography

Does this capture all the necessary preparation points for the bridesmaids?