When touring a wedding venue, there's a lot to consider! It doesn't typically creep into a couple's mind to consider what makes for great lighting or photos, or what will make sense practically as you're getting ready for your wedding day. Again, there's so many other things to be thinking about!


So, I'm here to help! Here are 8 things to look for in your bridal suite or getting ready space. These focus on the things that will help make the lighting (and your photos) excellent that morning. And on some more practical guidelines that will make your wedding morning less stressful!

1. NATURAL LIGHT OR A BIG WINDOW.

Bridesmaids in mauve dresses help adjust a flowing white wedding gown in a sunlit room.
Close-up of intricate lace details being adjusted on a white wedding dress.
A white wedding dress flows elegantly in a bright room with arched windows and natural light.

2. ENOUGH SPACE FOR YOU, YOUR WEDDING PARTY, FAMILY AND VENDORS THAT WILL BE PRESENT. HONESTLY, THE MORE SPACE THE BETTER!

Wedding party members in blue dresses gather around with bouquets of white flowers.

3. SEATING, TABLES AND STORAGE SPACE.

Joyful wedding day moments shared in an elegant white interior setting.
Wedding preparation moments captured in a bright room with white and pink accents.

4. LIGHT OR NEUTRAL COLORED WALLS.

Wedding party members in teal dresses share laughs during pre-ceremony preparations.

5. MIRRORS - BOTH FULL LENGTH AND VANITY MIRRORS WOULD BE IDEAL!

Wedding dress displayed on a mirror in a bright white room with elegant details.
Getting ready scene with ornate patterned wallpaper and mirror reflections in light neutral tones.
Elegant white lace wedding dress with delicate details photographed in a room with hardwood floors and mirrors.

6. A RESTROOM, OR EASY/PRIVATE ACCESS TO ONE.

Black and white close-up detail shots showing delicate wedding day accessories and lace.

7. LOCATED A DISTANCE FROM THE CEREMONY. THIS IS KEY SO THAT YOU DON'T FEAR GUESTS PEEKING IN OR TRYING TO CATCH GLIMPSES OF YOU DURING PRE-CEREMONY PHOTOS.

Wedding dress preparation with delicate white fabric details and jewelry accessories.
Sunlit bridal preparation scene near large windows with flowing white dress.

8. EASY ACCESS TO THE OUTSIDE. THIS IS TO SNEAK IN AND OUR FOR PRE-CEREMONY PHOTOS!

Wedding dress fitting scene with attendant in pink helping with white gown details.
Close-up shots of pearl earrings being fastened during wedding preparations.
Wedding preparation scene showing white dress adjustments with emerald green bridesmaid dress.

to recap...


  1. Natural light, or a big window
  2. Enough space for you, your bridal party, family and vendors that will be there - the more space the better!
  3. Seating, tables and storage
  4. Light/neutral colored walls
  5. Mirrors (full length and vanity would be ideal)
  6. A restroom, or easy access to one
  7. Located a distance from the ceremony (so guests don't peek in)
  8. Easy access to the outside (to sneak in and out for pre-ceremony portraits)