Where are you getting ready on your big day?! My couples struggle with this one because you’re often battling convenience and aesthetics. Usually, you’re deciding between your venue’s suite options, your house, a hotel, or an Airbnb/rental property. When it comes to choosing the space you’ll be getting ready in on your big day, there are a few things to consider! I’m all about doing what feels right to you for your wedding, so I want to give you some points to keep in mind when making this decision! Your morning and getting ready time will be a big chunk of your wedding day AND your wedding gallery, so I want you to feel 100% happy with the space you’re choosing!

Hotels

Hotels are great for convenience and some standard amenities (breakfast, cleaning, pool, etc.); however, space is often limited and having multiple (sometimes 10+) people getting ready with hair and makeup in one hotel room gets packed, overwhelming, and messy really easily. You also can’t really choose the style/aesthetics, so keep that in mind if you’re big on having a getting ready space that matches the overall vibe and feel of your day! In the end, it’s a hotel room – you don’t always get the cutest decor or best lighting, but sometimes it makes the most sense! We always make it work. Promise 🙌🏼

View the full gallery from this wedding:
Caitlin & Kevin – Palace at Somerset

Airbnb/Rental Property

I’m always an advocate for looking into a local Airbnb (within 15-20 minutes from your venue). When you’re at a styled home, you have so much more space than a hotel room. Bags and alllll the things you need for your wedding (plus all wedding party members’ things) can get hidden away so your getting ready space is clean, spacious, and attractive! You have multiple rooms for everyone and everything, it’s nice to get to stay in a comfortable house the night of your wedding over a hotel room, your wedding party can stay with you (and maybe even split the cost, which could end up being cheaper than a hotel), you can pick a place with beautiful, natural light, and you get to choose how you want your getting ready images to look and feel. You can find a place that’s cute, unique, and fits the overall vibe of your day!

Images photographed for Jennifer Larsen Photography!

Your House

Choosing your home or a parent’s home can be a good option if it’s nearby to the venue! It can add some nice sentimental value to your day, as well! However, keep in mind the key aspects of a solid getting ready location: space, natural light, and overall aesthetics again! Some houses are a perfect fit for your style, while others may be dark, crowded with furniture and #lifethings, or just might not be close to the venue!

View the full gallery from this wedding:
Sarah & Matt – Lakewood Country Club

Your Venue

Your venue’s getting ready suite is definitely an ideal option to keep everything at one location, so you can avoid having to drive all over the place on your big day! Howevaaa, you want to make sure they have (again!) a spacious, naturally lit option for the best possible images. Some venues have a perfect option while others seem to stick my couples in a windowless, crowded space – not the most ideal!

You don’t have to completely write off your venue if you don’t love their getting ready space, though! Consider the other areas they have available! Sometimes a beautiful, shaded outdoor area or a well-lit cocktail hour space or something surprising and unexpected could work better than their suite!

View the full galleries from these weddings:
Erin & Austin – Scotland Run Golf Club
Gianna & Victor – Rock Island Lake Club
Maloree & Eric – Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm
Nikki & Ryan – Jack’s Barn

Here’s the thing: we can only plan so much!

Regardless of which option you choose and how you determine it (convenience, budget, light, aesthetics, etc.), my team knows how to work in any sized space with any type of light. Your images will be beautiful regardless, and I will always find that good light for you.

Tell me:

What’s your fave option? Any other fun ideas to add to the mix?!