The morning of your wedding day is full of excitement, anticipation, and just a little chaos — and that’s totally normal! A bit of prep before your photographer and videographer arrive can make a huge difference in how relaxed the day feels and how beautiful your photos and film turn out.

Here’s a friendly, stress-free checklist of things to know and do before your photo + video team shows up.

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1. Gather Your Wedding Details Ahead of Time

One of the first things your photographer and videographer will capture are your details — the small pieces that help tell the full story of your day.

Try placing items like these in one spot:

• Invitation suite (invite, envelopes, RSVP card)
• Rings (both partners!)
• Jewelry
• Shoes
• Vows or letters
• Perfume / cologne
• Any heirlooms or sentimental items
• Flowers

Having everything ready means we can jump right in without interrupting your morning.

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2. Do a Quick Tidy of the Getting-Ready Space

No one expects a spotless room — but clutter can sneak into photos and video quickly.

Before we arrive:

• Clear food wrappers, water bottles, and bags
• Move suitcases or garment bags out of the main room
• Open curtains or blinds for natural light

Just a few minutes of tidying makes your space feel brighter, calmer, and more photo-friendly.

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3. Build in Buffer Time for Hair & Makeup

Hair and makeup always take longer than expected — and that’s okay! The key is building in extra time so nothing feels rushed.

Helpful tips:

• Aim to finish hair & makeup 30–45 minutes before getting dressed
• Plan who goes first and stick to the order
• Expect small delays and give yourself grace
• Plan your timeline with your photographer’s arrival in mind. The bride should still be in hair when they arrive so those final, beautiful moments can be captured.

When the morning flows smoothly, your photos and film reflect that energy.

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4. Eat Something (Seriously — This Matters)

Between nerves and excitement, it’s easy to forget to eat — but your body (and your future self) will thank you. You’ll have more energy, look more relaxed, and enjoy the morning way more.

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5. Set the Vibe of the Room

The energy in the getting-ready space plays a big role in how your photos and video feel.

Consider:

• Playing music you love!
• Keeping the room limited to people who bring calm, positive energy. People who you really want in the room.
• It’s also important to consider who you want to be in getting ready photos with you. This could mean your mom helping you get in your dress, or your father helping your with your tie.

Some of the most meaningful moments happen naturally in these quiet, in-between moments.

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6. Write Letters or Read Vows Beforehand (If You’re Planning To)

If you’re exchanging letters or private vows before the ceremony:

• Write them ahead of time ( you don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute!)
• Decide when and where you’d like to read them (or if you need help spotting a location, please feel free to let me know)
• Leave enough time for you and your partner to enjoy this moment. There will be plenty of moments on the go during your wedding day, so make sure you cut out enough time to really enjoy heartfelt moments like this.

These moments are often emotional, intimate, and incredibly powerful on both photo and video.

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7. Trust Your Photographer & Videographer

Once we arrive, your job is simple: be present and enjoy the day.

You don’t need to know how to pose or act — that’s our job. We’ll guide you when needed and step back when moments unfold naturally.

The best images and films come from real connection, not perfection.

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8. Remember: This Is Your Day

Things don’t have to go exactly according to plan for your wedding to be beautiful. The laughter, the nerves, the happy tears — those are the moments that make your photos and film truly meaningful.

Take a breath. You’ve done the planning. Now it’s time to celebrate!