a wedding planning guide
getting ready together: how to plan photos while you both get ready
by sophia + colby, chasing robins media · provo, utah
- what it is: you both getting ready in the same place or nearby
- best for: couples who skip a first look or want a calm morning
- time: 30 to 45 minutes of photos
- tip: pick a room with window light
more couples are choosing to get ready together. it is calm, it feels like a morning instead of a performance, and the photos feel like you. but it takes a little planning so it does not turn into a mess.
here is how we plan it.
pick the space
you need a room with big windows and enough floor space. a bright living room or suite beats a dim bedroom. tidy it the night before. hide the suitcases.
plan the order
- hair and makeup first, in a quiet corner
- details laid out near the window
- dress and suit moments together
- a quiet exchange: letters, gifts, or vows
- a few minutes of just the two of you
if you still want a reveal, read our first look guide to see how the two choices differ.
keep it natural
- music you actually like
- coffee, snacks, and water
- no script, we just give a few small prompts
- phones put away for the quiet parts
use the planner
the printable planner lays out the space, the order, and the moments you want. fill it out together the week before, and hand a copy to us.
free printable
the getting ready together planner
plan the space, the order and the quiet moments.
download the planner (pdf)questions we get a lot
can we get ready together for our wedding?
yes. many couples do, especially when they want a calm morning and relaxed photos.
what is the best room for getting ready photos?
a bright room with big windows and some open floor space.
how long do getting ready photos take?
about 30 to 45 minutes.
is this the same as a first look?
not exactly. getting ready together is a shared morning, while a first look is a planned reveal.
if this sounds like the kind of wedding photos you have been looking for…
hi, we think we would get along. we do photo + video together, and we would love to hear about your day.
tell us about your day