So, your big day has finally arrived and it’s time to get ready! The months, even years of stress, tears, excitement, budgeting, planning & the day is finally here! I know how you're feeling….
“ I hope everything goes to plan now, I’ve put a lot into this!” ……
“ What if I have forgotten something??”
“Do I need to give the bridesmaids a schedule?!!” …….. the list could go on right!!?
You’re feeling a mixture of nerves and excitement, but we don't want any stress to creep in! We have witnessed hundreds (if not close to a thousand) wedding mornings over the years. We have seen what could go wrong and what not to do! With this experience, it would be criminal not to share these gems with you, for a stress free morning!
So, let’s dive in…..
1: Delegate: Get a bridesmaid clued up!
They will be at your beckon call for everything you need. This is the one day you get to be a diva and have your tribe run around for you….. make the most of it and put them to work! 😉
Things you can prepare them for:
The schedule for the day
Supplier phone numbers & arrival times (just in case)
When your partner and their party arrive, so they can keep you from bumping into each other and communicate with them if needed.
Cut labels out of dresses
Dry flower stems close to leaving (or as advised by florist)
How to take your veil out after photos
Holding on to your bridal bag for your top-ups etc
They can be making sure everything runs smoothly so you can sit back, relax and bridal up!
2: Prep wear
It’s best if you and your bridal party are all wearing something front opening while you're being pampered, so not to affect the hair & makeup. If you have pyjama sets for your bridesmaids, get them all in them before they get in the hot seat!
Note - Try and avoid wearing tight bras or socks so they don't leave a visible mark when wearing the dresses.
3: Logistics: Bridal party arrival & location for prep.
Venue: What time does the venue let you in for bridal prep? This is so important to consider when getting ready for your big day. If they don’t let you in until 10:00 and you're getting married at 12:00, this only leaves you 90 mins to get you all dressed and ready (leaving time for your registrar meeting etc)
If this is the case, I would recommend thinking about renting a near-by Airbnb for your bridal prep, then move over to the venue for dressing and final touches. Just make sure you discuss this with your hair & makeup team during the booking process, as this could effect start time and cost.
Bridal party: When will your bridal party be arriving?? Is everyone coming together or at different times throughout the morning? This will need to be factored in when we are working out the prep schedule.
4: Photos
If there are particular shots you would like such as:
Everyone in their robes with hair & makeup done
Bridal portraits
A toast with your favourite people
Bridal reveal pictures
Then your hair & makeup crew, photographer etc, will need to allow some time for these to be done. Normally we aim to have you ready 60/90 mins before your ceremony for getting dressed and pictures, so if you need more time than this please let your suppliers know.
Always allow longer than you think for getting ready. Make sure everyone knows what time they will be needed for their hair/makeup.
5: The Setup
You may be getting ready at home, rental or at your venue, but there a couple of things to consider when setting up the prep space.
Where is the most natural light? Most makeup artists can provide extra lighting if needed but natural light is the best light to work with.
Where are the plug sockets? We will always bring extension leads but just check there is at least 1 socket near the setup.
Are there surfaces we can put our kits on? Be prepared for us to come in and totally rearrange the furniture, we like to make ourselves at home! :)
6: The Dress/outfit - Your big moment!
Who is putting you into your dress and how long does it take?
Some dresses are super quick and easy to get into and some are not.
Make sure that whoever is doing your dress up has practised and knows what they are doing. The last hour of getting ready can be hectic, I've seen many people defeated by the fiddly button & fancy long wedding nails combo.
7: Bridesmaids Dresses/outfits
It's also a great idea if your bridal party are in their outfits ready for when you are getting into yours. This ensures that whoever is helping you into your dress is ready and can focus solely on you. It also means everyone is ready and waiting for the big reveal.
I’ve also been known to help fasten shoes, zip up dresses, attach button holes, hold babies and be on hand with tissues at emotional moments!
Extras:
Avoid spraying perfume on satin and silk dresses - I have literally had to scrub and blow-dry a bridesmaids dress, moments before she heads out!
Create a playlist for morning prep!
Don't forget your engagement ring needs to be off when you go down the aisle
Make sure you have your lipstick and some powder at hand for top-ups later (speak to your makeup artist)
Expect to start prep a little earlier then your initial thought. You will have suppliers coming in and out all morning, distractions and interactions will be in full force the morning of your wedding!
Follow your skin care/prep advice from your makeup artist, this makes a HUGE difference to how the makeup sits and compliments you.
Don't try any new products or treatments so close to your big day! If you want to opt for a spray tan, lashes or facials etc, make sure you have a couple in good time before hand to make sure you don't react, your skin doesn't purge and you're happy with the look!
Helpful Checklist:
Speaker & Wedding Morning Playlist
Lipstick - Charlotte tilbury JK magic
Powder - By Terry
Blotting Papers (LF sell them - use code)
Snacks - No fainting brides please ;)
Chewing Gum or Mints, tooth brush & paste
Robes or PJs to get ready in
Hair accessories & extensions etc
Nipple covers/tit tape!
Hook to do up your dress
Your bridal jewellery
Underwear
Your veil
Garter (something blue etc, if you're going for tradition)
Sewing kit….. just incase!
SCISSORS (I’m forever leaving mine at weddings with last min label cutting!)
Tissues
Blister Plasters
Paracetamol & Imodium - nerves can get the better of us sometimes!
A mini fan
Calms drops or gummies, natural way to ease the nerves!
Deodorant, Body Spray, Perfume
Most importantly guys..... try not to sweat the small stuff. People will not know if your vision isn't perfect. They will not notice if there's a flower you don't like in the arrangements or you have forgotten party favours. I can't remember any of those details from any wedding I have been to! All I ever remember is the feel of the big day and the happy couple. It's YOUR DAY, so do it your way and enjoy every minute of it!
Wishing you all the happiest day, for you and your partner!
The Totally You team xx
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