Bridal suite ideas – why you want a window in your getting ready room

The getting ready room for the bride needs a good amount of window lighting, and I’m going to tell you why. It may not seem like that big of a deal, but if you want those beautiful, soft-lit getting ready photos, a window can make all the difference! These are great bridal suite ideas to keep in mind when thinking about where you’ll get ready on your wedding day!

The number one way to get the best getting ready photos on your wedding day: Window lighting. The getting ready room for the bride needs to have a good amount of window lighting, and I want to give you two big reasons why. I know It may not seem like that big of a deal, but if you want those beautiful, soft-lit getting ready photos, a window can make all the difference!

Reason number 1: Natural light is more flattering than overhead lighting

Natural light is such an amazing light source, and it is often more flattering. Soft, diffused sunlight is more flattering because it smooths a lot of things out that harsher light might bring to attention. Have you ever noticed when you are outside in the middle of the day in the open sun, the shadows from your eye sockets can make it look like there are gigantic dark circles under your eyes? That is always something I want to avoid when I am having my picture taken.

Overhead lighting can cause the same effect, which is why when there are big windows in the getting ready room I am often walking around turning off other light sources while I’m taking photos. (After I check with hair and makeup that it’s okay of course!) 

Reason number 2: The window effect

If you get ready near a large source of natural light, you’ll get the window effect – which is when that harsh midday lighting that is so often the case while a bride is getting ready is diffused through the window.  And, when that sunlight is diffused through a window, it is a soft, flattering light like you see outside in open shade. Whenever I take photos indoors, I love to find the area with as much natural light as I can. I will open all the curtains and blinds to just flood the room with sunlight. 

Why does this matter?

And here’s why all of this is important:  If you want bright and airy photos while you’re getting ready, that all starts with picking a room with windows (and preferably lots of them!) to get ready in and/or near. Talk to your venue coordinator about your getting ready room options! And know that we can make the best of any situation, but if you have the option for a bright and airy room, I highly suggest taking it. 🙂

Want to get in touch?

I am so excited you found me! Just so you to know your email is going to make my day, and I’ll probably do a little happy dance when it hits my inbox. I love email because it helps me keep all our important conversations in one place versus spreading the conversation out over email, text, Instagram DMs, Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, etc. You can expect to hear from me within 24 hours. You can contact me here, or just shoot me an email at kelsey@kelseyalumbaugh.com

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Post originally published on September 1, 2017.