1. Consider the space you’re getting ready in

Think about the kind of location you’d like to get ready in the morning of your wedding? Does your venue have somewhere suitable you could use? Or otherwise you could look at getting an Airb&b or a hotel room, that really suits your style and wedding day. Whatever you do choose, make sure it’s plenty big enough to be able to house your bridal party as you’re running around getting ready. You want to be able to get ready in a comfortable space, and not be all cramped in.

It’s also important to think about the LIGHT in the place you’re getting ready. Natural light is your friend here, as it’s super flattering – a nice and bright location with plenty of natural light will result in better photographs.

 

2. Consider distance to the ceremony

You don’t want to be worrying about running late due to a long drive/traffic to get to your ceremony, so where possible I recommend picking a location to get ready that’s close to your venue.

3. Turn off phones and TV

Try and stay off social media and turn off the telly in the background and instead pop some tunes on! It’s hard to take beautiful candid photos when everyone’s eyes are glued to their screens. By eliminating these distractions you can truly be present in the moment, build a stronger connection and ENJOY this part of the day that is so special.

 

4. Keep numbers down where possible

Think about WHO you want there on the morning of your wedding day. Sometimes family politics and drama can get in the way and you don’t need any added stress or pressure during this time, it’s supposed to be a fun morning right?? Keep numbers down if you can to reduce the stress and a more chill, relaxed experience!

5. Keep the space tidy

Who wants orange Sainsbury’s bags in the background of their getting ready photos? Not exactly wedding-y and can be so easily avoided! I recommend designating one of your bridesmaids to help keep the area as tidy and free of rubbish as possible. I understand it’s pretty hectic morning of a wedding and it’s easy for things to get a little cluttered, but try keeping the majority of the getting ready space as clear as possible as this will make for much better photos.

6. Get any details together that you’d like photographed put to one side for when I arrive

When I arrive at prep, one of the first things I tend to do is start photographing all those beautiful details I know you’ve spent so long deciding on! Things like shoes, jewellery, hair pieces, stationary, perfume. If these can all be gathered together in one place in the morning before your photographer gets there, this is ideal as it saves time as your photographer knows exactly what needs to be photographed.

7. Think about the hanger for your wedding dress

Consider the hanger for your wedding dress! A nice wooden one looks wayyyy better than a cheap plastic one, it’s the little details that make a whole lot of difference.

8. Make sure everyone is on time

When your bridemaids or any family are coming to get ready with you, make sure they are on time! Your hair stylist and make up artist will have a schedule that they’ll need to stick to ensure everybody gets ready on time. So if it’s a late start, it could delay everything else that morning which will cause a mad rush towards the end! So give them a time, that’s earlier than the time you actually need them by, we always have that friend that arrives half an hour late to everything!

9. Think about the outfits you and your bridesmaids are in whilst getting ready

I often see bridesmaids in matching outfits the morning of the wedding and it is SO cute and makes for really awesome photos. Maybe some cute pjs or silk dressing gowns to match the colours of the wedding? You could even get them personalised with your names and the wedding date!

 

10. Aim to get in your dress 1 hour before you need to leave for the ceremony

More often than not, hair and makeup runs late, so this will make sure you get to ENJOY yourself and there isn’t a crazy rush towards the end. Allowing for extra time means you won’t feel flustered if time does get short, and you can enjoy your nice relaxed morning with your girls! Also having extra time allows you to get some lovely portraits with your bridemaids!