What To Expect During Morning Prep On Your Wedding Day
Morning prep is honestly one of my favourite parts of the whole wedding day. It’s where the excitement starts to build, the nerves kick in a little, and all those lovely in between moments happen.
Over the years, I’ve learned that a little bit of preparation goes a long way in making your morning feel calm, fun and completely stress free. So I thought I’d share some of my best tips to help you make the most of it.
One thing I always chat through with my couples is coverage for the morning. I photograph the bridal prep as standard, and if you’d love both sides of the story captured at the same time, you can add a second photographer to your package. This means we don’t miss a thing, from both of you getting ready right through to those final moments before the ceremony.
The Girls
Your morning should feel relaxed, fun and full of good energy. Here’s how to set yourselves up for that:
01.
Get those dresses out early
Please take your dress and bridesmaids dresses out of the bags at least the day before. This lets them breathe and gives you time to check if anything needs steamed. Trust me, steaming dresses on the morning is not the vibe.
02.
Have all your details together
Pop everything into a box or bag for me when I arrive. Things like your invite, shoes, jewellery, perfume, rings and any sentimental pieces. It saves so much time and means I can get straight into photographing them beautifully.
03.
Create a playlist
This is such a simple one but makes a huge difference. Good music lifts the whole atmosphere. Think feel good songs, a few throwbacks and maybe some proper party tunes to get everyone buzzing.
04.
Hair and make up timing is key
I will arrive around two hours before your ceremony, hair and make up should be nearly finished. This gives us time for those gorgeous relaxed photos in your PJs, some laughs, maybe a champagne toast, getting into your dress and those special first looks. I can grab a few touch up moments but we don’t need full make up still happening.
05.
Please eat something
I cannot stress this enough. It’s a long morning and an even longer day. Even if you feel nervous, try to have something light like toast, fruit or a smoothie. It will help keep your energy up and stop you feeling faint later on.
06.
Save gift giving for when I arrive
If you’re giving gifts to your bridesmaids or parents, a gift from your soon to be husband, wait until I’m there. These moments are always so emotional and I love capturing them for you.
07.
Keep one room clutter free
If possible, have one tidy room where you’ll get into your dress. It makes such a difference to your photos. A full length mirror is also a great addition if you have one.
08.
Wear something easy to take off
Button up PJs or a zip hoodie are perfect so you don’t mess your hair and make up when getting changed.
The BOYS
If you’ve added a second photographer to your package, this means we can capture both sides of the morning at the same time which is amazing for telling the full story of your day.
Your second photographer will usually arrive around an hour before you’re due to leave, and here’s how to make the most of that time:
01.
Have your details ready
Just like the girls, pop everything together in one place. Things like your invite, shoes, watch, cufflinks, tie or bow tie, aftershave and buttonhole. It means we can get straight into capturing those details.
02.
Wait to open gifts
If you’ve got a gift from your bride or something for your groomsmen, hold off until your photographer arrives. These reactions are always brilliant to capture.
03.
Be mostly dressed
Have your shirt and trousers on, but leave the final touches like your tie, jacket and cufflinks until we’re there. Those moments make great, natural photos.
04.
Keep one room tidy
A clutter free space makes such a difference. It keeps everything looking clean and relaxed in your images.
05.
Make sure you eat
It’s a long day ahead, so even something small will help keep your energy up.
06.
Check labels and stickers
Give everything a quick once over. Suit labels, sleeve stitching and especially those little stickers on the soles of shoes love to sneak into photos.
07.
Share anything important
If there’s something meaningful happening, a gift, a surprise, or a moment you’re looking forward to, just let your photographer know so nothing is missed..
08.
Have everything ready the night before
Shoes polished, suits steamed and everything laid out. It keeps the morning running smoothly.
Morning prep really does set the tone for your whole wedding day. The more organised and relaxed it feels, the more you’ll actually enjoy it and that always shows in your photos.
And honestly, I’m not just there to take pictures. I’m there to help, calm nerves, fix dresses, pin buttonholes and make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible.
If you ever have questions about your morning timeline or you’re not sure how much time to allow, just ask.
I’ve got you 🤍
