How Long Does It Take to Get Ready on Your Wedding Day? | A Ballarat Wedding Photographer's Guide

Alright, let’s talk about the morning of your wedding day—those first few hours that set the tone for everything to come. You’re probably wondering, “Do I really need photos of me getting ready?” Well, let me tell you, the answer is a big YES! Those early moments are filled with a lot of unscripted magic—think heartfelt chats, laughs, maybe a few happy tears, and the whole ‘hair, makeup, dress’ transformation. It’s a vibe you’ll definitely want to remember. So, here’s the lowdown on how much time to set aside and why those getting-ready shots are totally worth it.

Timing Is Everything: Scheduling Hair and Makeup on Your Wedding Day

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably stressed over fitting every tiny detail into your wedding day timeline. So, when it comes to getting ready, my best tip is to carve out a solid 2 hours for your photographer to capture all the action—trust me, you won’t regret it. Not only does this give us plenty of time to snap those candid moments of your mum helping with your dress or your besties popping champagne, but it also keeps things relaxed and fun. And hey, the groom’s side of things? Way quicker—think about half the time.

Let’s Talk Hair: How Long Does It Take?

Now, about the hair. I usually like to arrive when your bridesmaids are all glammed up, your hair is styled, and makeup is just kicking off. This way, we’re not running around trying to fit in photos while someone’s still getting their eyeliner done. Here’s a rough breakdown: bridesmaids’ hair takes about 30-45 minutes each, and for you, the bride? Plan on about an hour for your hair, plus another 20-30 minutes to get into that gorgeous dress. It’s always best to keep communication clear with your crew—nobody needs last-minute surprises, like Aunt Sue deciding she needs a quick updo just as we’re about to leave for the venue!

And here’s a hot tip: if you’re debating on whether to do a makeup trial, absolutely go for it! A perfect excuse is your hen’s night or bridal shower—basically any day that isn’t the morning of your wedding. That’s not the time for experimenting, believe me.

Keeping Your Cool on the Big Day

The key to a smooth, stress-free morning is all about planning and keeping things on track—without turning into a bridezilla, of course. Make sure everyone knows where they need to be and when, and keep those communication lines open with your hairstylist, makeup artist, and, of course, your photographer (that’s me!).

I hope these tips help take some of the guesswork out of planning your morning. If you’re still feeling a bit overwhelmed, don’t worry—you’ve got this. And hey, if you haven’t booked your Ballarat wedding photographer yet, what are you waiting for? Let’s make your day as epic as you’ve always imagined!

Now that you have worked out the ins and outs of your wedding prep, make sure that your photographer is booked and don’t forget to give me a call!

Fran Jorgensen is a wedding photographer based in Melbourne but available around Australia and Destination weddings. Wedding photography is also available in Ballarat and Daylesford.

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