The floodgates of informational input start to open when a bride begins to plan her wedding. Every vendor you hire (photographers included!) can make, or break, the wedding day – so ample thought and planning is given when deciding who to hire. However, it is rarely discussed that those who hold the most power on the day of the wedding (aside from the bride) may very well be… the bridesmaids.
Think on this for a moment.
The bridesmaids set the tone for the morning; if a bride is nervous, nothing puts her at ease faster than her closest friends laughing and celebrating around her. They can make the day run behind with hair and make-up. They can be vendors best friend, or, yes, even worst nightmare. (Before you jump the gun – I am not at all bashing bridesmaids!) Nothing helps our day as photographers go more smoothly, than when we are welcomed into a room with laughter and over joyous hellos from the girls in the room. 
That being said, bridesmaids have a H-U-G-E impact on the wedding day – specifically during the PREP portion of the day.
Here’s a few tips to help the time before the “I do’s” flow as smoothly as possible:
Over-plan. Over-prepare. When setting aside time to get hair and make-up done, allow MORE time than what you think is needed, even if it’s just 10-15 minutes.
The robe shot. Chances are, you may have been given a robe from the bride to wear the day of the wedding. If this is the case, once the bride is close to be finished with her preparations we will grab a quick shot of everyone in their robes. No, you don’t have to be completely finished getting ready for this shot! After the shot is over, you will be able to finish your last minute touch-ups! 
Be sure to have all of your thing set aside in one place that you will be wearing the day of the wedding (jewelry, shoes, perfume, clutch, etc.). All of the ladies in the room (moms included) should be in their dress before the bride gets into hers. As soon as you have finished with hair and makeup, go ahead and put your dress on. This not only looks better in photos, it make sure everyone is ready to head out the door when it comes time to go!
Not everyone can help the bride get into her dress. Usually only one or two extra hands is needed once she is IN her gown. However, everyone should still be fully present while she is getting buttoned up! 
When the morning goes smoothly, the day goes smoothly. Happy Wedding Wednesday, everyone!
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