Tips for a stress-free wedding morning
Half the story of your wedding day happens before the ceremony. For us, it’s the chance to show a bit of an insight into you as individuals. Who you are with your best mates and closest family members and what you mean to them. It’s the time when stoic mums and dads get all teary, groomsmen forget that they haven’t tied a tie in… well ever, and brides and grooms put the finishing touches on their speeches. It’s a time to take a deep breath and let the excitement build. We wouldn’t want to miss any of that. Whether you choose to get ready at home or hire a place, here are a few practical things that will minimise stress and help you relax and enjoy the day.

#1. Think about who you want with you
… and limit the extra people. There is a pretty clear correlation between the number of people in the house and stress levels for those getting ready. Bathrooms have to be shared, shoes get lost, pets get anxious, kids get hyped, mouths need to be fed – it doesn’t leave a lot of space to relax and be excited. Focus on including the important people who you know will keep things positive and calm.


#2. Create space to get ready together.
Set up hair and makeup for everyone in the same room. Being able to chat and share the excitement is something that is often overlooked in the quest of finding a space next to a power point. If you have several people getting their hair and makeup done together, it’s ideal if the bride can have her hair and makeup done second to last.



#3. Clear the clutter.
Homes don’t need to be perfect, but you don’t want your luggage or breakfast dishes to forever be a part of your wedding photos. Ask your crew to keep an eye on the clutter.

#4. Give yourself extra time.
Decide on a finish time that still allows you plenty of time to get dressed and make sure you share this time with your hair and makeup artist well in advance of the day. If you have several people getting their hair and makeup done together, it’s ideal if the bride can have her hair and makeup done second to last. Your hair and makeup artist are the best person to guide you with how long they will need for each person. Every hair and makeup artist works differently, so check what their preferences are.
We suggest asking for everyone to be finished hair and makeup at least an hour before you need to leave for the ceremony (more if you have a complicated outfit!) This gives you some buffer time if things run a bit behind, plenty of time to get dressed and take a breather, and have time for a few photos with your crew before you head out the door.
Guys – you don’t have to all shower at once! Rather than leaving showers last-minute, try to be available to hang out and enjoy the anticipation in the last hour rather than everyone disappearing to different parts of the house. (Or if you do decide it’s absolutely necessary to shower together… know that we WILL capture it).



#5. It’s all about light.
Where you get ready is no exception. Ask your makeup artist to set up close to a window, so you’re facing the natural light. If you’re having several hair and makeup artists for your crew – find out which artist will be doing the bride’s makeup and give them the best light. This is almost always nearest to a window. Get dressed in a room that has windows. You can always close the curtains for any part you don’t want to share with the neighbours. This is your moment of transformation – make it awesome.

#6. Spend time with your VIP’s.
When you arrive at your ceremony, you’ll have a lot of guests wanting to see you. The morning is a great opportunity to spend time with your VIP’s
If you have kids, set aside some time to help them get ready. This can be a big day for your kids too, so make some time for them in your morning to spend some quality time with them.
If your Grandad is your favourite person in the world, see if he wants to come and help put your tie on or ask Mum and Dad to help you with the finishing touches.



#7. Do it for real.
I could write a whole article on this (and maybe I will!) but your wedding morning doesn’t need to be a performance.
If you’ve booked us for the full day, we ideally want to capture the actual getting ready process rather than a re-enactement. Trust us, there’s a huge difference in the anticipation and excitement that builds while you’re having your hair and makeup done, or the confused looks while figuring out how to tie that bow-tie vs someone posing for a photo after the fact. We can tell and you’ll be able to tell too.
Similarly, If you want to do a first look with your parents / bridal party, by all means we can give you a little guidance on where might practically work. But the less we can direct this moment (and every moment!) the more meaningful it will be for you and your people. A simple “Dad, wait there I want to show you my dress” is so much more meaningful of a moment than a photographer saying “ok father of the bride, come on down this hallway and close your eyes and now… look surprised!”
You’ll get a much more genuine response if:
A. They’re doing it for YOU the bride or groom and not because the photographer asked them to
and
B. They’re not being reminded that they’re being photographed by the photographer or videographer directing them.

Hopefully this inspires you to approach your wedding morning with a focus on the people and the moments that will bring you joy and calm and set you up for an incredible day.
xoxo