5 getting ready + morning tips
From a wedding photographer's perspective...
Hey friend! If you’re reading this, you’re probably engaged and planning the wedding of your dreams. Let me say first-CONGRATULATIONS! This is such an exciting season!
The getting ready time of wedding days is often looked over. I have found that when this part of the day is not intentionally planned, it can cause stress and feelings of rush-which you don’t want on your wedding day! This guide is to help you plan the getting ready portion of your day with ease.
EXAMPLE PRE-CEREMONY TIMELINE
11:00 a.m. Start Hair & Makeup
12:00 p.m. Photographer Arrives // Flat lay & candid photos
1:00 p.m. Hair & Makeup is complete // PJ photos with bridesmaids
1:15 p.m. Put on Dress // Reveal to bridesmaids
1:30 p.m. First Look
1:45 p.m. Couple's Portraits
2:15 p.m. Bridal Party Photos
3:00 p.m. Back to bridal suites (an hour of buffer time)
4:00 p.m. Ceremony
1. PICK THE RIGHT SPACE
This will depend on the venue you have chosen and if you will be getting ready at your venue. If you have the ability to choose your getting ready space, be sure to pick a room that has good sized windows with natural light. You want it to feel inviting and comfortable. The natural light adds a clean element to photos as well.
If you can, find a getting ready space that has a unique couch or bed. Furniture adds a nice touch and can be used as a prop for photos. Find a space that has at least one full length mirror for you and your bridesmaids to use. It should include a few regular sized mirrors with tables or vanities as well. That will really help your bridesmaids get their hair and makeup ready without having to wait for each person to finish at the mirror.
Be aware of the cleanliness of the space as well. You want it to be seamless for your wedding day. I would avoid getting ready in hotel rooms if you can. Of course, it depends on the type of hotel. If the hotel room is larger and has big windows and space to move around, it might work just fine. However, if the hotel room is small, cramped, and dark, it probably will not be a great space to get ready in. For photos, hotel room lighting is rarely ideal and inviting.
One thing to keep in mind is whether or not the space has hangers. Remember that you and your bridesmaids will have lots of dresses that will need to be hung and possibly steamed. If your getting ready space has three to four wall hangers, that should work great.
Hanger ideas:
-White hanger with wire
-Dark Brown hanger with wire
-Light brown hanger with wire
-Ornate brass hanger
-Acrylic hanger
-Acrylic hanger with pearls
2. KEEP YOUR BELONGINGS ORGANIZED
Make sure you have your getting ready items together in one bag. I recommend a tote bag that has pockets.
Here are a few ideas:
-White duffle bag for bride
-Fringe tote bag for bride
-Simple white tote bag for bride or bridesmaids
-Burlap tote bag for bride or bridesmaids
Also, communicate with your bridesmaids beforehand and send them a packing list. That way everyone is on the same page!
3. START GETTING READY EARLY
Being ahead of schedule is better than being behind schedule. If your ceremony is at 4pm and you are getting ready at your venue, I recommend that you start hair and makeup at 10 or 11am depending on how many bridesmaids you have. You’ll have plenty of time to leisurely get ready and enjoy the time without feeling rushed. That will also ensure that you are ready to go by 2pm for your first look, if you choose to do one. Read my blog about first looks here.
4. WEAR A FUN OUTFIT
Your wedding dress doesn’t have to be the only fun outfit you wear on your wedding day! The options are endless for your getting outfit-robes, bridal gowns, silk pjs, and slippers, to name a few. Dress up to your heart’s content! It’s always nice to have your bridesmaids wear something fun as well. This article from BRIDES has some great bridal robe recommendations.
More ides:
-Ruffled robes for bridesmaids
-Satin ruffle robe from Birdy Grey
-Long white robe with pearls for bride
-Long white robe with feather fringe for bride
-White satin romper for bride
-Soft white slipper for bride
5. INCLUDE AN ACTIVITY
To make the morning of your wedding even more enjoyable, include an activity. Here are some ideas to get your wheels turning:
-Coffee or tea run
-Smoothie run
-Morning walk
-Prayer time
-Devotional or Bible time
-Spa time
-Morning stretch or workout
-Dress reveal to bridesmaids
-Love letters to groom
-Exchange wedding gifts with your groom
-DIY bouquets with bridesmaids
-Include a brunch or fun meal
However you decide to go about your wedding morning is totally up to you! You want to do what will be best and most enjoyable for you. Be intentional with your getting ready time and soak in every moment!
4. WEAR A FUN OUTFIT
Your wedding dress doesn’t have to be the only fun outfit you wear on your wedding day! The options are endless for your getting outfit-robes, bridal gowns, silk pjs, and slippers, to name a few. Dress up to your heart’s content! It’s always nice to have your bridesmaids wear something fun as well. This article from BRIDES has some great bridal robe recommendations.
More ides:
-Ruffled robes for bridesmaids
-Satin ruffle robe from Birdy Grey
-Long white robe with pearls for bride
-Long white robe with feather fringe for bride
-White satin romper for bride
-Soft white slipper for bride
