Because it's your day too!
I love covering groom prep and spending time with the boys. Over the last 4 years I have seen a lot of grooms treated so differently to the brides. From the space they are allocated to get ready in, to the language used in blogs.
There is so much content aimed towards brides and I'm officially starting my "it's their day too" movement.
So here are some of my top tips for grooms.
CHOOSING WHERE TO GET READY
If you are getting ready on site at your venue, ask where you are getting ready. If this space is not up to the same standard as the brides / first partners prep space, it would be a red flag for me. The venue should be providing equally beautiful spaces for both partners.
The chaps have just as many bags and shoes and people around them on the morning and space and size of the room is crucial.
Most blokes will say "well I'm not that fussed about my prep photos anyway" but my response to this will always be... but your partner is! Your partner will LOVE looking at what you got up to while they were getting ready. They will relive the morning from your point of view. And the backdrop to these photos will always be your prep space and venue / location.
Photo taken at Abbey Barn - Unique Norfolk Venues
BREAK IN THE NEW SHOES
Surprisingly - those brand new leather brogues will not be comfortable for the next 13 hours like your sketchers are from new! If your shoes are new, wear them around the house. Start doing this at least 4 weeks before the wedding.
No one will notice a few creases across your toes on the shoes, but they will notice you hobbling around with broken feet by 3pm. And newsflash - plasters won't help much.... wear them in and thank me later.
BE PREPARED
Like a boy scout.
At least 2 days before you can do the following:
- Iron your shirts.
- Cut off clothing tags.
(cuz no one ever has a pair of scissors on a wedding morning).
- Peel stickers off the bottom of new shoes.
- Polish shoes if necessary.
- Have your aftershave, cufflinks, watch and lucky socks all in a bag together
(we will want all these bits to photograph anyway before you get ready).
Photo taken at Norfolk Mead Hotel
PRACTICE THOSE BOW TIES
The main stress I see, is suddenly you have 20 minutes to go, and no bugger knows how to tie a bow tie or do a Windsor knot in a tie and someone opens up YouTube to find a video.
If I had a pound for every time a groom had said "oh... I haven't actually done a tie since I was at school".
Practice them NOW even if you are months away from your wedding!
Photo taken at Norfolk Mead Hotel
KEEP THINGS TIDY
If you are getting ready at home allocate one room to getting ready in. Ideally a room with lots of natual light or a big window. Tidy it and leave it free of clutter.
Keep all your stuff like shoes and bags in another room out of the way.
If you are in one room at a venue and you have cupboards and a wardrobe - use them. Put stuff you do not need away. Tell your groomsmen to only bring what they need and to leave anything else in their own rooms or better still in the car.
If you are getting ready in clutter and chaos, you will feel stressed!
Photo taken at Will and Izzy's home.
WAIT TO OPEN GIFTS
If you're lucky enough to have been given a card and gift to open from your other half - wait until we arrive before opening it. These make great photos and will feel unposed as I just sit you down and shoot silently to capture your reaction.
Your partner will LOVE seeing your reaction.
GET READY EARLY
Aim to be ready at least an hour before you want to leave. This will give you time to sit, chill, have a beer (or a cuppa tea)!
Also allow time for getting ready a lot slower than you usually would...
I know most of us throw on a shirt and jeans in 5 minutes flat, but you are getting into clothes with extra buttons and fastenings. You will probably all be helping each other get ready and doing each others ties so allow time for this and any hiccups to be fixed. Cufflinks not working, belts breaking etc.
Phil and his 4 bestmen taking a casual stroll to church with loads of time to spare.
HAVE FUN
If you want to blare out your favourite music - do it!
Do what makes you feel relaxed and enjoy this time with your pals.
The more you are yourself, the better I can capture the real you and grab those really authentic moments. Like Harry's groomsman here standing in his pants on the sofa, singing his heart out to Oasis - don't look back in anger.
Photo taken at Manor Mews - Unique Norfolk Venues
USE THE VENUE / LOCATION
If you have booked a really swanky hotel in London with an incredible cocktail bar - head there for some pre wedding drinks with your best man and make the most of the backdrop.
Just remember, if it's a hotel open to the public be sure to ask the hotel permission as some do not allow photography as it impacts on other guests experience, but most are fine.
Photo taken in the Landmark Hotel in London, cocktail bar.
BRING A SPARE SHIRT
If you are getting married on a hot day or are worried about being hot and clammy - bring a spare shirt. Compared to the cost of your wedding a spare white shirt will not break the bank. Have a spare hanging in your room. After the ceremony if you want to feel fresh - pop back and swap it.
OR if you spill something down it at dinner you can change.
You can even keep the tags on it and return it if you don't use it.
Photo taken at Butley Priory when second shooting for Darina Stoda.
LEAVE NON ESSENTIALS IN YOUR ROOM
Especially things like your car keys and phone.
Seriously who is phoning you while you are getting married?
Give your guests a point of contact before your day - ideally a groomsman or your best man. This can be added to the invite and RSVP details.
During group shots and couples portraits, I am always emptying blokes pockets. Leave all non essentials in your room. We want nice sleek trouser pockets not bulging iPhone shaped thighs...
Thanks. from every wedding photographer in the world.
Photo taken at Norfolk Mead Hotel
I hope you found some of these tips helpful.
More wedding tips blogs coming soon.
All venue tags from photos included are below.
