Throughout my years in college my friend Jessie - who is now more family than friend - taught me the art of getting ready. While I typically tried to squeeze in an errand and a run before a shower, she valued breathing room. When possible, she'd take her time, let her hair dry, waltz about in her robe, drink tea, and walk out the door relaxed, ready, and fabulous.
On your wedding day: be fabulous like Jessie.
There are so many things I love about the "getting ready" time of day before a wedding. You are surrounded by your best women. Prepping with some good coffee or good mimosas (or both) involves some lounging, some primping, and best of all: anticipation of the day to come.
As you think about your own wedding day, here are a few ideas to help things run smoothly and set yourself up for great images:
- Mirror, mirror, on the wall: Make sure your space has enough mirrors and outlets, or arrange to bring them yourself.
- Girls only: Can you get to the bathroom half dressed?
- Don't go hungry! Arrange to have (healthy) finger food delivered so bridesmaids can eat between hair / makeup appointments. Even better: have packable snacks like granola bars to take with you.
- Clear the clutter: Consider keeping bags and belongings in one room (or part of the room) to minimize clutter in your space. That great photo of your mom helping you into your dress is best without the clothes you threw off and empty Starbucks cups in the background.
- Don't get dressed...before your photographer arrives. He or she will photograph your accessories using your surroundings and show off your style.
- Go where the light is: Expect your makeup artist and photographer to have a say in where you sit for appointments and put on your dress. You are free to disagree, but remember, you hired them to make you look good!
- Maximize time: Your wedding planner or photographer will talk to you about the timeline of your wedding day and can recommend when he or she should arrive. In general, I arrive earlier than a couple expects to capture this morning of emotions and pretty dresses.
And finally....The biggest challenge I've seen is transitioning from the mirror (getting ready) to the lawn (for portraits). If you are aiming to keep your party on time, here are a few ideas:
- Delegate: If you are working with an event planner, you're set. If not, consider talking to an organized bridesmaid - or better, friend who isn't in the bridal party - to help keep you on track.
- Communicate with all stylists and vendors. I talk through a timeline with couples well ahead of time. Once you have that timeline, communicate relevant times to your makeup artist, hair stylist, bridesmaids, mother(s), etc so they can plan when to apply that last minute lipstick.
- Accept it: Transitions take time! Allow time to grab purses, use the restroom, find keys, pack a snack, review the transportation situation, etc. Your event planner (or that organized friend) will help with this.
But, you know, I've had weddings run ahead of schedule and behind schedule, and you know what? They are all married. :) Yes, aim for a relaxed morning on your wedding day, but work your little tushy off to get through the hiccups in marriage. Can I get an "amen"?
What do you think? Do you have anything to add? What worked (or didn't!)?
xoxo
Planning your own wedding day? Give me a call and we can talk through the details of your day!
