Groom's Getting Ready Guide

How to Capture the Groom’s Morning Perfectly – Brisbane Wedding Photographer

Compared to the bride’s side, groom getting ready sessions tend to be more relaxed and straightforward. There’s no makeup artist or elaborate dress fittings—just a suit, a few personal touches, and time with your family and friends. Still, this part of the wedding day is full of moments worth capturing.

The groom enjoying a drink on a stylish couch at a Brisbane wedding venue

What to Prepare Before the Groom’s Getting Ready Photos？

As we explain in our bride’s getting ready guide, the groom is typically ready before the bride. That’s why we recommend having your wedding suit and accessories—including your watch, cologne, tie, cufflinks, shoes, and wedding ring—laid out and ready before the photographer arrives. This makes it easy to jump right into those important groom detail shots, which usually take around 10 to 15 minutes.

The groom and groomsmen, dressed in singlets, having fun at a beautiful Brisbane wedding venue

When the photographer arrives, we’ll begin by photographing the groom’s wedding accessories. If some of the groomsmen are still waking up or grabbing coffee, no problem—it’s totally fine to take a quick shower or relax while we get started. On average, we spend about an hour at the groom’s location.

Groom Getting Ready Photos

Once the details are done, we’ll move on to the main groom preparation photos. The order usually goes like this:

  • Cufflinks

  • Tie or bowtie

  • Watch

  • Cologne

  • Suit

  • Boutonnière

  • Shoes

Just like the bride’s getting ready session, each item you put on will usually involve one or two groomsmen helping out. It’s a great way to feature individual groomsmen in the shots. This is also a great opportunity to capture some of the best groomsmen photos for your album.
The groom is getting ready, and a Brisbane wedding photographer captured the moment.

Need Help with Ties or Boutonnières?

If you’re not used to wearing formal wear, here are a couple of helpful video tutorials:

We suggest watching these ahead of time so everything runs smoothly on the day.

Family, Groomsmen & Groom Portrait Photos

Once everyone is dressed, we’ll take a few family photos—starting with parents, followed by siblings, groomsmen, and any other close family members. These are usually quick and easy, but they add great variety to your photo gallery.

Before we wrap up, we’ll take a few fun group shots with the groomsmen. If you’ve got a bottle of whisky or a few beers on hand, feel free to bring them out for a casual toast—these always make for relaxed, memorable photos.
A few Australian groomsmen relaxing with drinks outside the wedding venue in Brisbane
Time permitting, we’ll also take a few solo groom portraits. You might sit near a window, walk outside, or relax with a drink in hand—whatever feels natural to you. These portraits often end up being your favourite shots (and make great profile photos, too).

A handsome Indian groom enjoying his drink by the window at a Brisbane wedding venue

Conclusion

Compared to the bride, the groom’s getting ready process is usually more relaxed and low-key. It’s a time to hang out with mates, enjoy a quiet drink, and ease into the day without the rush. That calm atmosphere often leads to some of the most natural, candid photos—full of personality and genuine emotion.

At Viva Weddings – brisbane wedding photographer, we know how to capture those quiet moments with creativity and style. Whether it’s a laugh with your groomsmen, a quiet toast, or a thoughtful pause before the ceremony, we’ll document every detail in a way that feels true to you. No awkward poses—just real memories, beautifully photographed.