What to Have Ready
- Suit or tuxedo, pressed and ready before photography starts
- Tie, bow tie, or pocket square
- Cufflinks and watch, if you're wearing either
- Boutonniere, kept somewhere it won't get crushed before photos
- Shoes, polished if you have time
Laying these out together in one place, the same way you'd set out a flatlay, makes them easy to photograph as a detail shot and quick to grab when it's time to get dressed.
How Much Time It Takes
Getting-ready and early portrait coverage for the groom's side typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. With a second photographer, this often happens at the same time as the bride's getting-ready coverage, so neither side of the morning competes for the same time slot.
Quick check: getting dressed a little earlier than you think you need to gives a buffer for last-minute adjustments without rushing through photos.
Getting Ready With Your Groomsmen
If your schedule allows it, getting ready alongside your groomsmen tends to produce more relaxed, candid photos than getting ready alone — there's more natural conversation, more genuine moments, and generally a looser, more comfortable atmosphere than a quiet solo getting-ready scene.
Want to see how groom coverage looks in a real wedding gallery?
See Real Wedding Stories →You Don't Need to Know How to Pose
This applies just as much to grooms as it does to brides: you don't need to know how to pose, where to put your hands, or how to stand for photos. Posing is guided in the moment throughout the day. If you feel a little stiff or self-conscious at first, that's completely normal, and it tends to fade fast once the day gets moving.
First Looks and Portraits
Depending on your timeline, your day may include a first look, groomsmen portraits, and couple portraits before or after the ceremony. None of these require advance planning on your part beyond showing up and following direction — we'll handle the logistics of where to stand and what's happening next.
It's Easier Than It Feels Right Now
If wedding photography feels like a lot to think about right now, that's normal — and it's also far less complicated on the actual day than it feels while reading a guide about it. Most of what's described here happens naturally once the morning starts, with guidance from us at every step.
