Build a cushion into getting-ready time

In my book, I recommend asking your hair and makeup team to have you finished one hour before the photography start time agreed with your photographer. That cushion gives you room for a touch-up, getting dressed or a small delay without immediately losing portrait time. Tell the beauty team when you need to be ready, and keep that target separate from the time photographs actually begin.

For family and wedding-party photographs, ask people to arrive 30–45 minutes before their scheduled portraits. Give them the exact meeting place and ask them to arrive dressed and ready. Someone who regularly runs late may need an earlier reminder. Share both the arrival and photo times with your planner and photographer so everyone understands the buffer. A little waiting is easier to manage than starting your portraits with someone missing.

Adapted from The Secrets to Spectacular Wedding Photography by Robert Evans.