Beyond Pajamas: Creative Attire Ideas for Bridal Party Photos

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.

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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.

Buttons or Zipper? Choosing the Right Back for Your Wedding Dress

A quiet moment of joy—every detail coming together before the big reveal.

When it comes to picking the perfect wedding dress, most brides focus on the silhouette, fabric, and neckline. But there’s one detail that doesn’t always get the spotlight until it matters most: how the dress actually closes. Whether you choose delicate buttons or the ease of a zipper, that small detail can make a big difference on your wedding day.

A row of delicate buttons adds timeless charm and detail to the gown.

The photos above of one of my past brides getting ready show just how much care goes into those final moments—every button fastened, every detail perfected. That simple process of getting into the dress can be either smooth and stress-free or unexpectedly tricky, depending on what you’ve chosen.

Why Choose Buttons or a Zipper?

Here are three reasons why a bride might choose one over the other:

1. Aesthetic Appeal
Buttons add a timeless, romantic touch. They often give the illusion of being hand-sewn down the back, which photographs beautifully. Zippers, on the other hand, keep the look sleek and simple while staying hidden behind fabric.

2. Functionality
A zipper is quick and efficient, perfect if you want to minimize time spent getting dressed. Buttons, while more intricate, can feel more secure once they’re fastened and can hold the structure of a gown firmly in place.

3. Tradition vs. Convenience
For many, buttons feel classic and bridal, a nod to tradition. A zipper is modern, practical, and less of a hassle. The choice often comes down to whether you want that timeless bridal feel or a more streamlined experience.

Making the Buttoning Process Easier

Final touches—buttons secured with love and care before the ceremony.

If you do choose buttons, don’t worry—it doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are three ways to make the process easier:

1. Use a Crochet Hook (or Similar Tool)
A small crochet hook slips the loops over buttons quickly and saves fingers from cramping. I’ve even used a short hex tool from my keychain in a pinch—it works just as well!

2. Start from the Top
Fasten the top button first to anchor the dress in place. From there, work downward. This keeps the fabric from shifting and makes it easier to stay aligned.

3. Have Patience (and a Steady Hand)
Don’t rush. Give yourself extra time in the schedule for buttoning. Having a calm, steady hand—whether it’s your mom, maid of honor, or a bridesmaid—makes all the difference.

Whether you go with the classic row of buttons or the ease of a hidden zipper, it’s all about what feels right for you. Remember, this is one of the last steps before you step into the day you’ve been dreaming of. The details matter—but so does the experience of getting there.

If you’re in the middle of wedding planning and would like to chat about photography and videography for your day, fill out the contact form below—I’d love to connect with you.