Wedding Prep: Tips for a stress free morning.
it’s finally here!
The morning of your wedding is a magical time, filled with anticipation, excitement, and maybe a few nerves. But it can also feel a little chaotic if you don’t have a plan. The good news? With just a bit of prep you can make your morning smooth, stress-free, and absolutely enjoyable. Here are some top tips to help you sail through the getting-ready process with ease:
1. Gather Your Details the Night Before
Want those dreamy shots of your invitation suite, rings, jewelry, shoes, and other special items? Pop all those bits and pieces into a box the night before. This way, your photographer can dive right into capturing those beautiful flat-lay shots without having to hunt down your earrings or vow books. Bonus: Doing this ahead of time ensures you haven’t forgotten anything important.
2. Declutter Your Space
A tidy space equals a calm mind (and prettier photos). Whether you’re getting ready at home, in a hotel, or at a venue, take a few minutes the night before to clean up. Toss out any trash, organise belongings, and create an environment that feels serene. This also makes it easier for your photographer to focus on capturing memories rather than moving piles of stuff out of the frame.
3. Choose Your Getting-Ready Spot Wisely
Natural light is your best friend! When picking your getting-ready space, look for a room with large windows and neutral decor. It’ll make your photos look fresh, clean, and timeless. Also, think about space: you’ll need enough room for your bridal party, hair and makeup artists, and (of course) your photographer/ vidoeographer to move around comfortably.
4. Create a Morning Timeline
Plan, plan, plan! Knowing when vendors will arrive, when hair and makeup will finish, and when you need to be dressed will help keep everyone on track. Ideally, hair and makeup should be done by the time your photographer arrives or no later than 90 minutes before you’re set to leave for the ceremony. This gives time for portraits, final touches, and a few moments to breathe.
5. Start Your Morning Early
Wedding mornings aren’t the time for a sleep-in. Set your alarm early enough to enjoy a relaxed breakfast and have time to ease into the day. Pro tip: Eat something substantial—you’ll need the energy and you more than likely wont feel like eating once the nerves have set in!
6. Get Everything Out and Ready
Lay out your suit / dress, shoes, accessories, and anything else you’ll need for the day. This simple step ensures you’re not rummaging through bags at the last minute. If you realise you’re missing something, you’ll have time to fix it without a mad dash. If dresses or suits need steaming, do this the day before! It takes a lot longer than everyone expects and can also ruin hair and makeup from the humidity the steamer causes.
7. Stay Hydrated and Snack Smart
Keep water bottles handy and have a few snacks on hand to nibble on throughout the morning. Trust us, no one wants a hangry bride or groom. Fruit, nuts, or granola bars are great options that won’t mess up your lipstick.
8. Limit Foot Traffic
Too many people coming and going can be overwhelming. Keep your getting-ready area limited to the bridal party, close family, and vendors. This helps maintain a calm and focused vibe.
9. Prep Your Playlist
Nothing sets the mood quite like music. Create a playlist with your favorite tunes to keep the energy upbeat and positive. Whether you’re into pop hits, soulful ballads, or 90s throwbacks, let the music keep spirits high.
10. Communicate With Your Vendors
Know when your hair and makeup team, florist, and photographer are arriving, and be ready for them. A little preparation here ensures a seamless morning and keeps everyone on the same page.
11. Give Yourself a Buffer
Things might take longer than expected, so build some buffer time into your schedule. This way, you’re not racing against the clock—you’re soaking in the moment.
12. Have Fun!
Finally, remember to enjoy yourself. Sip some champagne, share laughs with your bridal party, and soak in the joy of the day. This is the start of one of the most memorable days of your life, so savor every second.
By following these tips, your wedding morning will feel less like a whirlwind and more like the calm before the best party of your life. You’ve got this—and your photographer (that’s me!) will be there to capture every beautiful moment along the way. Cheers to a smooth start and an unforgettable day!
