Choosing Your Getting Ready Space
There are so many details to take into consideration when planning your wedding - location being one of the biggies. We put a lot of thought into where we'll say our vows, where we'll dine and dance and maybe even where we'll take some of the photos. But have you thought about the fact that you can choose where you'll get ready?! Sure, logistics play into this, BUT I want you to know there is room to think outside the box on this one! This is me giving you a little push + permission to do something different here.
Many brides and grooms get ready in the comfort of a generic hotel or Sunday school room of the church. It seems convenient, but I challenge you to shake things up a little.
Here are a few things to keep your eye out for when looking for the perfect spot to get ready:
ONE
Personality
Specifically, YOUR personality. Picture yourself hanging out with all your best girlfriends in a cool downtown loft with exposed brick, beams, huge windows looking out to the city and modern art hanging everywhere. Or picture yourself in a cozy cabin nestled in some trees with an outdoorsy vibe. Or picture yourself in a historic bed and breakfast with intricate wood details and that vintage look you love. Get to brainstorming, girl!
TWO
Lighting
This maybe isn't something at the forefront of your mind, but your photographer, videographer and hair / makeup artists will LOVE YOU LONG TIME if you take this into consideration. Trust me. So what is good lighting? Hint: it's not fluorescent. Look for spaces that have plenty of WINDOWS to bring in lots of natural light.
THREE
Room to move
Be sure to take into account how many people will be using the room (you, your mother, mother-in-law, bridesmaids, makeup and hair people, photographer, videographer, etc.). Try to keep all the clutter in one location, out of sight so your photos aren't full of stuff.
FOUR
Convenience
Questions to consider: Will people be able to park and leave their own cars at the location or will they need to carpool? Is it close to the ceremony venue? Will people be able to leave stuff there while you take photos and be able to pick it up before or after the ceremony? How much time will it take to commute to the ceremony venue?
BONUS
A first look location
This isn't a must, but it can be really convenient to do your first look close to or at the location you're getting ready. Especially if you've found a place with character you love!
WHERE TO LOOK?
Airbnb
It can often be cheaper than a hotel and allows you to choose the "look" you want. You also have the option to rent a whole house which is great if you plan on having a lot of people around or will be having the guys and gals all getting ready at the same place.
Bed and Breakfasts
Find yourself a cozy bed and breakfast with some character. One of my good friends did this and it was amazing!
Rent a Cabin
Getting married in or near a park or forest? A cabin rental may be the perfect option!
Ask your photographer if they have any recommendations
Wherever you end up getting ready, just promise me this: you'll be surrounded by all your best friends, music will be playing and mimosas will be in hand!
...AND there will be plenty of windows!
⚡️ Kaylie
