6 reasons why you need wedding prep photos
let me tell you a secret
Alright, let’s talk about something CRUCIAL that often gets overlooked in the wedding planning process: your prep photos.
Yes, those shots taken before you even put on your wedding outfit.
Why do we even bother to take photos in SMALL HOTEL ROOMS wearing our pyjamas?
Let’s dive into five solid reasons why your photography session should kick off way before you say I do.
1 - it’s a story not separate photos
When people plan their wedding and think of their wedding photos, they envision one, maybe 2, maybe three good images that they’ll print and hang on the wall. As if these photos were isolated moments, separated from each other.
The truth is, in the future, when you’re flipping through your wedding memories, you’ll go through THEM ALL.
Each photo is like a chapter in the BIGGER STORY of your wedding day and honestly, who wants to read a book without the first chapters?
So, why just start with the ceremony when you could CAPTURE THE WHOLE JOURNEY?
2 - it’s about emotions, not about getting dressed
When people think of wedding prep photos, they often imagine it’s just about snapping a few shots of hair, makeup, and the dress.
But here’s the thing: those pre-ceremony moments are an EMOTIONAL GOLDMINE! This is where the excitement, anticipation, and sometimes nerves, REALLY KICK IN.
Picture this: your best friend helping you with the dress, your parents seeing you in your wedding outfit for the first time, the laughter, the happy tears, the bear hugs, the tension — THESE ARE THE MOMENTS that you’ll want to remember, long after the cake’s been eaten and the flowers have wilted.
Capturing the pre-wedding moments ADDS DEPTH TO YOUR STORY, and hey, you’ll even get to remember the journey to your dream destination.
3 - share these moments with those who couldn’t be there
When you travel to ANOTHER COUNTRY to get married, it’s pretty hard to bring with you ALL THE PEOPLE you’d want there.
Especially if you come from overseas or your parents live in different time zones.
These photos are a great way to include loved ones who couldn’t join the wedding and show them how it was.
4 - get cozy with the camera
Let’s be real — getting your photo taken while you’re in your pyjamas or without makeup might not be YOUR IDEA OF FUN.
And I get it, but here’s the upside: it’s a fantastic way to BREAK THE ICE with the camera before things get crazy.
By the time the formal portraits roll around, you’ll be A PRO at ignoring that lens, and you’ll feel WAY MORE COMFORTABLE and natural.
Trust me, the more time you spend in front of the camera, the more relaxed you’ll be.
5 - this is when you have time for friends and family
Weddings can be hectic and chaotic events. Between the ceremony, the reception, and all the mingling in between, there’s barely a moment to catch your breath, let alone spend QUALITY TIME with your nearest and dearest.
That’s why those pre-ceremony hours are SO PRECIOUS — they’re your chance to slow down, hang out with your closest crew, and soak in the moment before the day kicks into high gear.
6 - you might regret this later
Yes, hiring your photographer for a longer session means spending a bit more money. And with all the wedding expenses piling up, it’s tempting to cut corners wherever you can.
But hey — your wedding photos are an INVESTMENT IN YOUR MEMORIES.
Years from now, when you’re flipping through your wedding album, you won’t remember the cost — you’ll remember THE MOMENTS.
And as your life changes — kids growing up, loved ones aging, some no longer with you — those photos will only GROW MORE VALUABLE.
You don’t want to look back and regret you didn’t capture those fleeting, emotional moments JUST TO SAVE A FEW BUCKS.
Bonus - How to make the most out of prep photos?
Now that you’re convinced you need prep photos, let’s make sure they’re top-notch.
Here’s a quick checklist to help you out:
Pick a SPACIOUS SPOT
You’ll need room for everyone to move around without feeling cramped.Let in the LIGHT
Natural light from big windows is a photographer’s best friend.Gather your ACCESSORIES
Keep all your important items — jewelry, vows, rings — in one place for easy access.DECLUTTER the area
A tidy space makes for clean, beautiful photos. Remove anything you don’t want in the shot.Start EARLY
Begin the prep session at least 15 minutes before makeup is done or before you’re dressed.Capture the DETAILS
Little moments like shaving or hairstyling make for great candid shots.Write LOVE NOTES
Exchange hand written cards with your partner and read them during the session. I know, it sounds super cheesy but — TRUST ME — you’re gonna thank me for the rest of your life.