10 Tips for getting ready – How to start your wedding day with a bang
Tips for a Stress-Free, Relaxed, and Refreshed Morning before your Wedding!
Hello, beautiful brides-to-be! I’m thrilled to be sharing some invaluable tips on how to make the morning of your wedding day as calm, joyful, and memorable as possible. I understand that, after months (or even years!) of planning, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when the big day finally arrives. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!
As a wedding photographer with over 10 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless unforgettable wedding moments. I know just how important it is for brides to feel relaxed and confident during the morning preparations. Not only does this ensure a smoother, more enjoyable day, but it also makes for stunning, natural-looking photos. My approach to wedding photography is documentary-style, meaning I capture real moments as they happen. That’s why I want to help you start your day feeling refreshed and worry-free, so those joyful moments shine through in every picture.
So, grab a coffee, sit back, and let’s make your wedding morning the absolute best it can be!
Table of Contents
1. Set a Timeline
Getting ready is one of the most exciting parts of the day, but it can quickly become stressful if you don’t have a clear timeline. I always recommend starting with a solid plan to keep track of time and avoid any last-minute chaos. Ensure you’re realistic with how long each activity will take, and give yourself a buffer in case of any delays.
For expert advice on how to create a wedding day timeline, check out this wedding coordinator guide.
2. Plan Ahead for Hair and Makeup
Hair and makeup take time, and it’s important to plan this aspect well in advance. I recommend starting with the bride’s makeup first, then moving on to the bridal party. Here’s a general guide:
- Makeup: 30-45 minutes per person, 60-90 minutes for the bride
- Hair: 30-45 minutes per person, 60-90 minutes for the bride
Having your makeup artist arrive early and leaving room for any touch-ups can make a world of difference. If you’re traveling to a salon, plan for extra time—it often takes longer than expected.
For professional makeup tips, check out some bridal makeup artist’s blog.
3. Prepare the Getting ready room.
If you’re getting ready at your parent’s house or at home, make sure to tidy up the room you’ll use for hair and makeup. Most homes have clutter that could end up in your wedding photos, so take 5 minutes to remove any unnecessary items the night before. This will help your wedding photographer take great shots without having to crop out clutter or only shoot from certain angles. Also, make sure to create enough space for your hair and makeup artists to set up their products.
The same goes for getting ready in a venue room. Give it a quick tidy-up before your hairdresser, makeup artist, and photographer arrive. Hide your luggage, ask the personnel staff to clear breakfast dishes and any leftover drinks and glasses.
4. Get plenty of sleep
A good night’s sleep is essential for feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead. Aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep the night before your wedding to ensure you wake up feeling your best.
Don’t drink any alcohol before sleep. Alcohol is a sedative, and although it can help you fall asleep faster, it also causes disruptions in your sleep patterns, leading to lighter, less restful sleep. This can leave you feeling tired and groggy the next day.
5. Plan a relaxing breakfast
Start your day with a healthy, nutritious breakfast to keep your energy up. Smoothies, avocado toast, or a full spread with your bridal party are great options. A wholesome meal will set a positive tone and fuel you for the busy day ahead.
You can find some fantastic, easy breakfast recipes from my favorite wedding nutritionist.
6. Get help from Bridesmaids.
Don’t try to do everything alone. Get your bridesmaids or pro stylists to help with hair and makeup so you can kick back and relax. This will keep stress low and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Your girls got your back: Remember, you’re not in this alone. Your bridesmaids are there to help with everything wedding-related and they want to be involved. Don’t be shy to ask for their help. Chances are, they’ll be more than happy to lend a hand. Assign tasks like organizing the room, chatting with makeup artists, or moving your dresses, shoes, and other stuff to one room. They’re eager to help make your day as seamless as possible.
For more tips on coordinating with your bridesmaids, check out my bridesmaid duty checklist.
7. Gather all your special items in one spot!
Wherever you’re getting ready on your wedding day, make sure all your important details are together so I can snap pics of all the thoughtful touches. This includes invites, rings (don’t forget the groom’s!), a veil, shoes, a dress, perfume, jewelry, flowers, and any other little things you want to be captured. Pro tip: having two sets of invites makes my job easier and lets me take pics of both sides at once.
Take off all the tags, including on your jewelry, veil, dress, and shoes. A cute hanger can show off your dress before you put it on. And last but not least, have your bouquets and boutonnieres delivered to the getting-ready spot for when I arrive so I can capture them before the first look!
8. An emergency kit can be a lifesaver on your wedding day.
You never know what unexpected hiccups might arise, so it’s always good to have an emergency kit on hand. Items like stain removers, safety pins, pain relievers, and bobby pins can be lifesavers. Ask a trusted bridesmaid or your wedding coordinator to carry it with them throughout the day.
For a complete list of essential items, you can download my wedding day emergency kit checklist here
9. Say No to Ring Lights.
When getting your makeup done, it’s crucial to choose a location with ample natural light or makeup stations. While many makeup artists prefer using a ring light, it can produce harsh, unflattering light that accentuates skin imperfections and leaves an unnatural orange tint on your makeup. The harsh light from the ring light can also cause technical difficulties for cameras and be an unwelcome distraction in photos. To ensure beautiful, soft light in your photos, have your makeup done near a window where natural light can shine through. Make sure that the location you choose has enough space for both the makeup artist and your bridal party to get ready comfortably, without having to compete for natural light.
11. Think about matching bathrobes while getting ready.
When getting ready for your wedding, wearing matching outfits is a fun and practical way to create a cohesive look while you’re getting your hair and makeup done. Consider matching robes for the bride and her bridesmaids. Not only will it add to the special ambiance of the day, but it can also make for a memorable and photogenic moment, like a champagne toast in matching attire. Choosing coordinated outfits for the morning of the wedding can be a great way to bond with your bridal party and create lasting memories.
To avoid ruining your hairstyle, it’s best to wear something that can be easily taken on and off, like a robe or a button-down shirt. Additionally, if your wedding dress is strapless or backless, it’s recommended to not wear a bra on the morning of your wedding to prevent strap marks from showing in your photos.
12. Practice the process of Putting on Your wedding dress.
Practicing putting on your wedding dress is a crucial step in the preparation process, yet it’s often overlooked. It’s important to choose someone to help you with your dress, who will stay with you until you are ready to walk down the aisle.
This person should practice putting on your dress, even if it’s just on the hanger, to familiarize themselves with the process. Some wedding dresses have intricate bodices, delicate buttons, and unexpected loops that can be difficult to manage. To ensure a smooth process, consider bringing the person who will help you get dressed to the bridal shop or dressmaker, where they can receive instructions on how to properly put on the dress and pin the skirt in place. It’s especially challenging to put on dresses with small buttons on the back, so it’s important to consider the length of your helper’s nails.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
All You Need to Know about getting ready
The number of bridesmaids is a personal choice, it’s recommended to choose those who are important and close to you
Tissues, bobby pins, safety pins, needle and thread, lipstick, makeup, pain relievers, stain remover, and deodorant.
Use waterproof products, touch-up items and make sure to follow the advice of your hair and makeup professionals.
Research looks you like, bring inspiration photos, and communicate your preferences and any concerns to your artist.
Exercise, eat well, get enough sleep, practice relaxation techniques and seek support from friends and family. Avoid drinking alcohol.
A wedding day timeline helps ensure that the day runs smoothly and everyone knows what to expect. Here are some steps to follow when creating a wedding day timeline:
- Determine the start time: Consider the ceremony start time and allocate enough time for pre-ceremony preparations, such as hair and makeup.
- Allow for travel time: Factor in travel time between the getting-ready location, ceremony venue, and reception venue.
- Consider the ceremony length: A traditional ceremony usually lasts between 30 minutes to an hour.
- Plan for post-ceremony photos: Allocate time for taking photos immediately after the ceremony, considering the available light and locations.
- Schedule the reception events: Plan the reception timeline, including cocktail hour, dinner, speeches, and dancing.
- Communicate the timeline: Share the timeline with the wedding party, vendors, and anyone else who needs to know.
- Be flexible: Allow some buffer time in case things run behind schedule, and be prepared to adjust the timeline as needed.
It’s helpful to have a wedding coordinator or planner who can assist with creating the timeline and ensuring that everything runs smoothly on the day of the wedding.
Conclusion:
By following these tips for getting ready and giving yourself time to prepare, you can ensure a relaxed, stress-free start to your wedding day. Remember, this is your moment to shine, and the more organized and calm you are, the more you’ll enjoy every second of it. I’m here to capture all the little moments of joy and love that make your wedding day truly unforgettable.
And here’s the best part: When you book me as your wedding photographer , you’ll get more than just beautiful photos. With my decade of experience, I’ll be there to assist you throughout your wedding day, helping you with everything from timeline planning to making sure all the little details are in place. I’ve seen it all, and I’m here to make sure your day goes smoothly, stress-free, and is captured in the most stunning way possible!
