Let’s talk about something that’s often overlooked when choosing a wedding venue: the getting-ready spaces. Yes, I know—when you’re envisioning your big day, you’re probably thinking about the grand ballroom, the breathtaking ceremony view, or the cocktail hour with the bougie hors d'oeuvres. But before all of that magic happens, there’s the pre-game: hair, makeup, tying ties, adjusting cufflinks, and maybe even a mimosa or two (or three—no judgment). And where you do all of this? That matters. A lot.

It’s the Groom’s Day Too—So Why Is He in a Broom Closet?

Listen, I get it. The bridal suite always gets the VIP treatment. Plush chairs, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, stunning natural light—because, obviously, the bride needs to look like she’s floating on air. But then there’s the groom’s room. More often than not, it’s a dark, windowless space with a single chair, a dusty leather couch from 1994, and—if he’s lucky—a mini fridge with two sad bottles of water. Why? Because somewhere along the way, someone decided grooms don’t deserve aesthetic spaces. Let’s change that narrative, shall we?

Your groom and his groomsmen deserve a room that matches the vibe of your wedding. They should have great lighting, comfortable seating, and a space that doesn’t look like an abandoned office breakroom. It’s his day too, and frankly, the photos will thank you later. Because trust me, trying to make a cluttered, dark room look romantic and stylish? That’s a battle no DC wedding photographer wants to fight.

Your Getting-Ready Space = Your Photo Backdrop

Now, let’s talk about the real reason you need to care about this space: your wedding photos. That dreamy, elegant, once-in-a-lifetime aesthetic you’re aiming for? It starts in your getting-ready room. If your venue sticks you in a room with neon green walls and fluorescent lighting, no amount of editing wizardry is going to make that look timeless.

If your wedding is giving classic and elegant, consider a space with neutral tones, soft lighting, and clean backgrounds. If you’re going for a moody, modern aesthetic, maybe a room with rich, deep tones and stylish decor. The key here is intentionality—because nothing kills a wedding vibe faster than getting-ready photos that look like they were shot in a high school locker room.

What to Look for in a Getting-Ready Space

So, how do you avoid getting stuck in a less-than-ideal space? Here’s what to look for when touring venues:

• Natural Light: This is a non-negotiable. Natural light makes for the best, most flattering photos—period.

• Spacious Layout: You, your bridal party, your makeup artist, your photographer, your videographer—everyone needs room to breathe.

• Aesthetic Interiors: Think clean walls, chic decor, and no clashing colors.

• Comfortable Seating: Because no one wants to spend two hours perched on a hard folding chair.

• Good Groom’s Quarters: No closets, no basements, no sad leather couches—your groom deserves better.

The Bottom Line

The getting-ready space sets the tone for your entire day. It’s where the excitement builds, the pre-wedding jitters kick in, and the first set of wedding photos happen. So choose wisely. Because the last thing you want is to be reminiscing about your wedding day and thinking, Wow, I wish my bridal suite didn’t look like a dentist’s office.

And if you need a DC wedding photographer who actually cares about capturing your day in all its beauty (including making sure your getting-ready space looks as stunning as you do), you know where to find me. Click HERE and let’s chat! 😉