A Guide To Groom Prep
I’ll let you into a secret - sometimes I like photographing the gents getting ready more than I do a bridal party.
I’ve photographed over 400 weddings, seen countless numbers of matching pyjamas, and thousands of uneaten croissants. So what makes capturing groom prep fun for me? Well, usually it’s so much more relaxed and I can be a bit more creative.
I’ve put together a guide to groom prep using all my years’ knowledge and experience, to make sure the chaps have fun and I get great photos, so make sure you share this with your grooms and groomsmen.
I will capture prep if you’re either in the same vicinity as your partner (eg on-site at the venue), or if you have a second photograher in your package, as long as you’re not far from your ceremony venue, they can come and take some snaps of you getting ready.
If your venue doesn’t have a space on-site for you to get ready in, and your home isn’t nearby, consider hiring a nice bright sunny AirBnB to get ready in. If everyone chips in, it may cost the same or less than getting several dingy hotel rooms.
Before the day:
Get booked in for a hair cut the week before your wedding ✂️ Hairdressers say your hair will look at it’s best if you get it cut about a week before the big day, so it beds in nicely.
Think about treating yourself to a manicure or similar. Yes, really!
Once you’ve picked up your suits, make sure the groom and all groomsmen try them on before the wedding day. My laid-back husband refused to try on his suit until I forced him into it the day before our wedding, and of course it didn’t fit. We did sort it the night before the wedding, but you don’t need this unnecessary stress in your life.
Practice how to tie your tie, and how to fold the pocket square. YouTube is your friend for this. Wear new shoes in around the house and maybe a quick walk up the street in them, too.
On The Day:
Make it a vibe by bringing a bluetooth speaker for some tunes. I’ve curated a wedding day groom prep playlist on Spotify HERE
Bring drinks including enough water for everyone, and some beers or similar if that’s your bag (and the venue allows) 🍺 Also remember to bring plasters, painkillers (ibruprofen/paracetemol), sun cream and some snacky snacks (not chocolate in case it melts).
Doing gifts? 🎁 Let me and your videographer know so we can capture these before they’re opened.
Please get all your accessories together for some detail shots; this can include any/all of the following: tie/bow tie, cufflinks, watch, aftershave, sunglasses, buttonhole, rings, anything else meaningful.
I usually start photographing around an hour / hour and a half before you’re due to leave for the ceremony. This is enough time to get the detail shots and some fun photos of you putting ties on, cufflinks etc. I try to make this as documentary as possible - being in the background while you get ready.
Once you’re all ready, I’ll look to take a handful of group photos while you’re looking your best.
What if you’re meeting somewhere before the ceremony?
Again, if there’s time or you have a second shooter in your package, we can get some fun, relaxed photos of you meeting up with people prior to your ceremony. Having a second shooter is great to get these types of photos, as I can’t be in two places at once!
To recap: Dos and Don’ts:
DO get your hair cut a week or so before the wedding, not the day before so it doesn’t look like you’ve been unexpectedly drafted to ‘Nam.
DON’T try an experimental new hair style.
DO wear new shoes in. Brand new formal shoes need some love.
DON’T assume everyone knows where to be and when. Contact your groomsmen/close family and make sure everyone knows where they need to be, and by what time.
DO try your suit on BEFORE your wedding day. I cannot tell you how many times men haven’t tried their suits on until their wedding day and they don’t fit, or elements of it are missing. Try. It. On.
DO practice tying a tie and how to fold your pocket square.
DON’T forget the usual things you need if it’s a sunny day. Sunglasses, sun cream, water.
DO look after yourself. Physically and mentally. Ask people for help if you need it.
That little pocket of time where you get ready before the main event can be nerve-jangling but it’s also pretty fun. Give yourself plenty of time and enjoy it!
