Wedding days are meant to be fun and stress-free as much as possible. But often times, I walk into bridal suites and getting ready spaces to find brides and their bridesmaids in a semi-stressed out state for a few reasons. After watching it happen a few times, I thought it might be helpful to share a few getting ready tips to help make your wedding day as stress-free as possible!
Do the bride’s makeup and hair first!
Since we’re photographing the bride the most, it’s important that you’re ready when we arrive. This is extra true if you want portraits of you getting into your dress, or more than one or two bridal portraits that morning. The bridesmaids can take their time getting ready – and be finishing up while we are working with you, but we need you ready! If you don’t have make up done, you won’t want to get in your dress, and then we will quickly run out of time for all of those classic getting ready portraits. Bottom line: be ready first!
Have your details together before your photographer arrives.
We recommend putting any details you want photographed in a bucket, basket, or together on an easy to find table in the bridal suite. This means get your shoes, perfume, jewelry, and anything else you want photographed together. And if you can, have all three rings together (engagement, bride/groom wedding bands) in the bridal suite. We can return the groom’s ring before the ceremony, but it allows us to capture all the details at once without having to bug you (or your bridal party) for the pieces we need!
Get rest the night before!
It’s tempting to stay up long into the morning hours before your wedding day from the excitement – especially if you’re with all your girls. But, trust me, wedding days are LONG! Make sure you get a good night’s rest and drink lots of water the day before and morning of your wedding day. You’ll feel way better all day long.
Have fun the morning of your wedding!
Enjoy yourself!! How often do you get to have all the people you love in one place? Enjoy the time you get with them the morning of your wedding. They’re such special moments! And take advantage of having a photographer to capture that morning. Let’s do something fun like pop a champagne cork or throw confetti. Celebrate!!! You are getting married after all!! Laugher does wonder for the stressed soul!
Make your wedding morning special.
Think about exchanging a small gift or letters/cards with your fiancé. This can be a great way to settle your nerves and remember what the day is all about. It doesn’t have to be big or grand, and we’ll help make sure you each get the item (so no stress there!). You could also plan to do a first look. A lot of couples say this helps with their nerves before the rest of the wedding day!
Bottom line? Enjoy your wedding morning! Try to take your time getting ready and remember this day only comes once. Enjoy it, laugh, smile, and have fun with your girls. With a little bit of planning, you can enjoy a stress-free morning while you’re getting ready for your wedding!
