The Day Before Your Pre-Wedding Shoot

The Night Before

• Hair: Wash it and dry it completely. Skip conditioner and hold off on hair products for now. If your hair feels very dry, you can work a treatment into the ends; just be sure to rinse it out well.
• Skincare: After washing your face, use a hydrating sheet mask you already know suits you, and put on lip balm before bed.
• Sleep: Sleep is the best skincare! However busy you are, try to be in bed by around midnight.
• Body: Brides, make sure your underarm hair is completely removed.

For the Groom

• Haircut: Get it cut 1–2 weeks before the shoot.
• The night before: Trim your nails and nose hair, add a face mask if you like, then get an early night.
• The morning of: Give yourself a clean shave.
• Socks: Bring long socks in both black and white.

Don't Leave These Until the Day Before

Done the day before, these can leave you red or irritated, or leave no time to fix anything, so it's best to get them done early.

When you book, let them know it's for your pre-wedding shoot.

• Hair colour and cut: 1–2 weeks before the shoot
• Nails: 3–7 days before the shoot
• Facial: 2 weeks before the shoot
• Laser, injectables and other aesthetic treatments: 1–3 months before the shoot

Have These Ready the Night Before

Before bed, double-check you have everything:

• A button-up shirt or zip-up top to wear in the morning
• NuBra; if your gown is fitted or has lace or cut-out details, seamless nude underwear too
• Your own jewellery
• For outdoor shoots: comfortable flats or slippers
  • Summer: insect repellent, a handheld fan, sunscreen
  • Winter: a wide scarf, hand warmers, a flask of warm water

No jewellery of your own? No problem, I'll style you with pieces I bring (your veil is usually arranged by your bridal shop, so I don't provide one).

Getting-Ready Time

The bride's first look takes about 2.5 hours, and the groom's about 30 minutes.

The Morning of Your Shoot

• What to wear: A button-up shirt or zip-up top, so changing into your gown won't disturb your hair and makeup. Skip underwired bras, which can leave marks.
• Skincare: Come bare-faced! After washing your face, apply toner and a thin layer of lotion. No sunscreen, no makeup.
• Contact lenses: Put them in before we start your makeup; your usual pair is fine. If your eyes get dry easily, please bring eye drops.
• Breakfast and water: Be sure to eat breakfast so you have the energy for the day. Once your makeup is on, drink through a straw so nothing drips onto your gown.

One Last Thing

Rest well the day before, bring your good mood and enjoy the shoot together! See you on shoot day!