What to Wear While Getting Ready on Your Wedding Day (That Actually Looks Cute in Photos!)

When brides think about their wedding day outfits, most of the focus goes straight to their dress, but what you wear while getting ready actually matters more than you might expect!

Those early-morning moments are filled with photos, laughter, and anticipation, and what you’re wearing during this time will show up in some of the most candid (and your favorite!) images from the day. The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style.

Here’s how to choose getting ready outfits for your wedding day that will look beautiful in photos and feel great to wear! 

Choose Something That Comes Off Easily

This is the golden rule of getting ready outfits.

Anything you wear should:

Open in the front (button, zip, wrap, tie)

Slide off without going over your head

Not disrupt your finished hair or makeup

Robes, pajama sets, button-down shirts, and wrap dresses are all popular for a reason, they’re functional and photo-friendly!

Prioritize Comfort (You’ll Be Wearing It for Hours!)

Hair and makeup can take several hours, especially if you’re getting ready with a large bridal party! Choose fabrics that are:

Soft and breathable

Non-restrictive

Comfortable to sit in for long periods

Avoid anything tight, itchy, or structured. The more relaxed you feel, the more natural and joyful you’ll look in photos! 

Be Mindful of Color, Pattern, and Balance

All colors and patterns can photograph beautifully when chosen thoughtfully.

Instead of avoiding color or pattern altogether, focus on balance:

If your outfit has a bold pattern, keep accessories simple

If you love vibrant color, consider softer textures or clean silhouettes

If multiple people are getting ready together, mixing solids with patterns can help photos feel intentional rather than busy

The key is visual harmony, not limiting yourself to neutrals only!

Coordinate Without Over-Matching

If you’re getting ready with bridesmaids or loved ones, coordinated outfits can look great in photos, but they don’t have to be identical!

Consider:

A shared color family with varied shades

Mixing solids and subtle patterns

Keeping silhouettes similar while allowing personal style

This approach keeps photos cohesive while letting everyone feel comfortable and confident! 

Think About the Overall Vibe of Your Day

Your getting ready outfit can reflect the tone of your wedding just as much as your dress does!

For example:

Romantic or classic wedding vibes may lean toward soft fabrics and flowy styles

Modern wedding style pairs beautifully with clean lines or bold color

A relaxed or bohemian celebration may include patterns, texture, or layered pieces

There’s no rule here, just intention!

Skip Anything Distracting or Uncomfortable

Some things tend to pull attention away in photos or cause discomfort:

Very stiff or structured clothing

Anything overly tight that leaves marks on the skin

Accessories that jingle, snag, or distract

When in doubt, choose ease. It always photographs better than discomfort!

Think About Footwear 

You don’t need shoes while getting ready, but if they’re included in photos, simple footwear works best.

Slippers, slides, cute matching socks, or bare feet all fit the moment, choose whatever feels natural and comfortable to you!

Choose Something That Makes You Feel Like Yourself

At the end of the day, the best getting ready outfit is one that makes you feel relaxed, confident, and excited for what’s ahead!

If you feel good in it, it will show, in the laughter, the quiet moments, and the photos you’ll look back on for years to come!

At Updos For I Dos, we’ve seen firsthand how the right getting ready outfit helps set the tone for a calm, joyful wedding morning, and how thoughtful choices (not strict rules!) truly make all the difference. When you feel comfortable, confident, and supported from the very start of your day, it shows in your energy, your photos, and your overall experience!

That same philosophy is exactly how we approach bridal hair and makeup. Our team is here not just to create beautiful looks, but to help your wedding morning feel organized, relaxed, and genuinely enjoyable!

Ready to Book Your Wedding Hair & Makeup Team?

If you’re looking for a professional bridal hair and makeup team that prioritizes both stunning results and a stress-free experience, we’d love to be part of your day! From custom timelines to a calm presence on wedding morning, Updos For I Dos is here to support you every step of the way.

Reach out to check our availability and reserve your wedding date with our team of beauty professionals today! 

Cover Photo Credit: Peach May Photography