Bridal party photos before slipping into formal attire are some of the most fun, relaxed, and candid images of the day. While many brides lean toward matching pajama sets (and for good reason—they’re cozy, coordinated, and easy to manage), pajamas don’t have to be the only option. If you’re a bride in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, or Maryland planning a wedding, you’ll want these photos to feel stylish, personal, and unique to your story.
👉 Looking for pajama inspo? Check out Bride’s guide to the 14 Best Matching Bridesmaid Pajama Sets for some cute and cohesive sets.
Here are some alternatives to consider when planning your “getting ready” look:
3 Alternatives to Pajamas for Bridal Party Photos
1. Robes with Personality
Silky robes are timeless, but consider taking it up a notch with bold prints, embroidered monograms, or even robes in fabrics that match your wedding vibe—linen for a rustic barn, velvet for winter elegance, or floral cotton for a spring garden wedding.
2. Coordinated Lounge Sets
Think soft knit tops with matching shorts or joggers. These not only look chic but can also be worn long after the wedding day. A neutral palette with one pop of color for the bride sets everyone apart without looking overly staged.
3. Button-Down Shirts
Oversized button-downs—classic white, pastel, or even patterned—can feel effortlessly cool and photograph beautifully. Personalize them with embroidered initials or wedding date details for that extra layer of meaning.
(Bonus: These are easy to take off without messing up hair and makeup.)
3 Tips to Make Sure Attire is Photo-Ready
1. Steam or Iron in Advance
Wrinkles show up fast in photos. Assign a bridesmaid (or your planner) to make sure everything is steamed or pressed the night before. A portable option like the Beautural Handheld Steamer works wonders for travel and tight prep spaces.
2. Play with Color Coordination
Keep the palette cohesive, but don’t be afraid of variety. For example, the bride in white and her party in blush tones—or mix and match in shades of blue. Color storytelling makes photos visually stronger.
3. Add Meaningful Details
Tie in unique touches: slippers embroidered with inside jokes, shirts with subtle nods to your alma mater, or garments sourced from Etsy that reflect your personalities. These little elements help your bridal party look like your bridal party—not just a Pinterest board.
Final Thoughts
Your “getting ready” photos set the tone for the entire wedding album. Whether you go with robes, lounge sets, button-downs, or classic pajamas, the key is choosing something that feels comfortable, polished, and personal. Brides between 25 and 34 in NY, NJ, CT, MA, and MD often tell me these casual photos become some of their most treasured memories—they show real laughter, love, and anticipation before the big reveal.
Your Day, Captured Your Way
💍 Your wedding deserves more than just documentation—it deserves to be remembered in a way that feels true to you. Fill out the contact form below and let’s talk about how I can serve you with photo and video coverage that reflects your love story.
