Wedding Morning Tips for Brides

I’ve had the pleasure of sharing this with hundreds of brides over many years, so my knowledge is now very extensive. I bring to you a wealth of experience.

I will create a detailed schedule for your morning so you know exactly when I’ll arrive and who will be having their makeup done at what time. I work alongside your hairdresser so we don’t overlap or clash.

Choose someone to be in charge of your playlist and get the system set up if needed. This doesn’t need to be your responsibility, but make sure it’s your favourite music, not someone else’s.

Presents are best opened early, as things can become quite rushed towards the end. Everyone will want to be involved, but two people will likely be having hair and makeup done, and it can be difficult to gather everyone as they move around getting ready or doing jobs.

It can also be quite emotional, so it’s better not to get teary just before or during your makeup. Plus, if it’s rushed, you won’t fully enjoy the experience.

Remove all tags from dresses and shoes. Remember to bring scissors if you’re not getting ready at home.
Lay everything out the night before so you can check you have everything, especially if you’re moving to a venue in the morning.

If you need an overnight bag, prepare it the night before or first thing in the morning so you’re not rushing when you should be getting dressed.

Give yourself more time than you think you need. There’s nothing worse than feeling under pressure if time starts to run out. A loose timeline is helpful, but remember that delays can happen.

If you’d like specific photos during the prep time, make sure you allow time for them. Ensure everyone knows what they need to be doing and when. These moments should be built into the timeline, as suppliers need to work around them. It can be tricky to gather everyone if people are in the hair or makeup chair or getting dressed when you suddenly remember a photo you wanted.

Have a contact list of suppliers ready in case you, or someone in your bridal party, needs to reach anyone. It’s much easier than searching through emails on the day.

Surround yourself with calm, supportive people. Choose your bridal party carefully, or stagger the arrival of anyone who might cause stress, if possible.

Phones can be a wonderful way to receive well wishes, but if you think they’ll stress you out, give yours to someone else to manage.

Assign roles to your bridal party, it’s what they’re there for. Most people love having a job and feeling helpful, so give them their tasks the day before.

Don’t forget to eat, even if it’s just something small or you graze throughout the morning. It’s never ideal to feel faint because you haven’t eaten. Have some of your favourite snacks ready so you can keep your energy levels up and your blood sugar stable. Stay hydrated throughout the morning, not just with bubbly, and try to avoid too much alcohol the night before to prevent puffy eyes and restless sleep.

Emotions can take over, don’t fight them. It’s all part of the day. Makeup can always be touched up, and I can show you techniques to help preserve it if needed after I leave, which won’t be until you’re ready to go to the ceremony.

For hair and makeup, wear something that can either be easily removed or, ideally, doesn’t need to go over your head at all. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve seen someone cut out of their top.

Whoever is helping you into your dress, and you, should wash your hands as the very last step before getting dressed to avoid any transfer marks. I’ve seen this happen more times than I’d like.

Dry your flowers when your florist recommends it. Ask someone to set an alarm, as this is often forgotten when everyone starts getting dressed. I’ve dried many bouquets myself to avoid water marks on dresses.

This is an important one, don’t steam dresses on the day. I’ve seen meltdowns over dress steaming, there’s rarely enough time, and things can go wrong. If it absolutely must be done, do it first thing in the morning.

Trust your suppliers, they know what they’re doing, which is why you hired them. I’ve done hundreds of weddings, and there’s very little that could faze me. Put your complete trust in us to keep everything on time, running smoothly, and to troubleshoot any issues so you don’t have to worry.

Designate someone to keep the prep room tidy. This helps when the photographer arrives, so they don’t need to ask you to move bags or clothes, and it keeps clutter out of your photos.

Sometimes, things don’t go to plan, not with your makeup, of course. Embrace it, it all becomes part of your wedding story. Life isn’t perfect, and in the end, what matters most is that you’re marrying your best friend.

Most importantly, enjoy your morning. It’s one of the most special and fun parts of your wedding day. Let your suppliers, family, and friends take on any stress for you.

Wonderful Photos by Tim Stephenson Photography, James Davidson Photography and Gina Manning.