Spending many hours behind the scenes, I’ve had the opportunity to see first hand what works and doesn’t work when it comes to getting ready on your wedding day. From getting enough food to creating a relaxing environment, I’m sharing my top tips on ensuring your getting ready time is almost as fun as your wedding itself.
MAKE SURE TO EAT
If you don’t have a wedding planner, have a member of the wedding party make sure your getting ready room is filled with food all day. Depending on what time the day starts, consider having breakfast and lunch delivered and always keep lots of easy to eat snacks available. Consider snacks like whole fruit, crudite, hummus and other spreads which are both healthy and filling.
DON’T FORGET THE WATER
Of course, you should have mimosas, scotch or whatever your drink of choice is, but don’t forget about the water. It’s the key to being able to dance the night away!
Photo by Lauren and Abby from Samantha & Matt’s Napa wedding.
DISPLAY YOUR ACCESSORIES
In addition to having the dress out, don’t forget to set out jewelry, gifts, robes and of course your shoes. If you don’t have a planner, your dressing room is also a great place to set out invitations or other wedding details you’d like your photographer to capture.
Photo by Steve Steinhardt from Jenny & Joe’s wedding in Mexico.
LEAVE ENOUGH TIME FOR HAIR & MAKEUP
I can’t stress enough how important it is to allow enough time for hair and makeup. It makes the day so much less stressful when it gets closer to ceremony time. Plus, you’ll have more time for photos with your bridal party and family. If you don’t have a planner, ask each artist how much time they need for each service and pad that time with an extra 10 to 15 minutes to account for late bridesmaids or an instance where someone doesn’t like their hair or makeup and it has to be redone.
Photo by Braedon Photography from Kim & Chase’s Palm Springs wedding, featuring makeup Beauty by Chloe.
BRING MULTIPLE SHOES
When selecting the shoes for your wedding day, I’m a big fan of choosing the style you’d like for the ceremony, then switching into something a little more practical for the reception. Just make sure you’re prepared to dance in either option! If you choose to change into a second pair for the reception, have a family member or bridesmaid (or wedding planner) set them under your chair at the reception, so you can change as soon as you’re ready without leaving the party!
Photo by Lauren and Abby from Samantha & Matt’s wedding.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR FLOWERS
Your bouquet will likely be delivered to your getting ready space in a vase with water (even the flowers need hydration!). Make sure you have towels handy right before pulling them out of the water so they don’t drip on anyone’s dress. Be wary of lilies or flowers with bright yellow pollen that will stain. Most florists will know to cut the pollen out but if you notice pollen have your planner or makeup artist cut this out before handling it.
Photo by Lauren and Abby from Samantha and Matt’s Wedding at Meadowood.
LEAVE TIME FOR SELF CARE
Be sure to take however much time you need for a little relaxation and time with yourself. This could look like a morning hike or massage before you start the day, or a 10 minute meditation in the bedroom while your wedding party gets ready in the another space. Whatever you do, take the time to absorb every minute so you can fully enjoy the day.
Photo by Caroline Tran from Hannah & Steve’s Ojai wedding.
xoxo,
