THE
BIG DAY
HAS FINALLY ARRIVED!
I’ve been to countless weddings and I’ve witnessed first hand how the whole process of getting ready on the morning of your wedding can potentially be rather stressful. There's such a build up leading to your celebration. Before you know it, you're waking up on your wedding day excited and nervous. There are people coming and going, there's a timeline to stick to, and when combined with all your emotions on the day, it's easy to become overwhelmed. To help you prepare for your wedding day and make it as easy-going, relaxing and fun as possible, I've put together some tips - JUST FOR YOU.
GETTING READY
Let's chat about getting ready and what it entails.
Groom Preparation
In most cases, the groom and his groomsmen will "get ready" first. Often they will do a mock getting ready session whereby they'll get dressed as normal, have a few portraits, group and candid photographs taken and then they'll get undressed and back into their casual clothes until closer to the time of the ceremony. I set aside roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour for this portion of the day. If this is logistically not possible, we can always discuss having a second photographer who can capture this simultaneously to when I would be photographing the bride and her bridesmaids.
Bride Preparation
Brides generally take longer to get ready which is why I allocate more time ( usually around 2 hours) with them and their bridesmaids. During this time I am able to take photographs of your details, hair and make-up being done, popping a bottle of champagne, getting dressed, first looks with anyone important to you followed by individual portraits and group photographs.
Tips & Tricks
- Get dressed close to the venue - A shorter drive will mean less travel time, traffic and less stressful should you run late.
- Free the dressing room from clutter - Food, clothes, undies and bags can be rather distracting, try and have these hidden or moved out of sight.
- Have all your details ready prior to your photographer's arrival - This will save time especially if you have opted for a smaller wedding package.
- Book the same team for hair and makeup - This will be easier from a planning perspective and could save you some money too. If you're going to have a trail, try and book it for the same day as your engagement session. This way you can see beforehand how your make-up will last as well as look in photographs.
Groom's Details
On your wedding day!
Hang up your Suit and have your Accessories ready
* Suit (An elegant hanger goes a long way in showing off your expensive suit)
* Tie/Bow Tie
*Belt
* Watch, Cuff-links or Badges etc
* Cologne
* Wedding Rings
* Shoes & Socks
* Boutonnière
* Anything that ads to the wedding day or that is special
Stay Hydrated
Have a good breakfast, drink plenty of water and have some snacks, it will be a long day on your feet!
Be Prepared!
Double-check the day before the wedding that you and your groomsmen have packed everything you need and are on time!
Get Sentimental
Why not send your bride a gift on your wedding day. Something small like flowers or a sweet note to read while she’s getting ready.
Go All Out!
Hit Play On Some Sweet Sounds - Prepare a playlist of your favourite songs to listen to and pack a set of portable speakers in your overnight bag if you’re not getting ready at home.
Pack Your Favourites - Have a pair of sunnies you can't leave the house without let alone get married without or have a pack of cigars you've been keeping for the special occasion? Bring these with and we can include them in a few photographs.
Get The Celebrations Started - Grab some glasses, ice and open up your favourite bottle of whiskey. Otherwise pop the top off your go to craft beer and have a toast with your best men!
Bride's Details
On your wedding day!
Hang Up your Dress and have your Accessories ready
* Jewellery & Earrings
* Perfume
* Wedding Rings
* Shoes
* Wedding Dress (An elegant hanger goes a long way in showing off your expensive dress)
* Veil
* Wedding Stationary (Invitations etc)
* Bouquet
* Anything that ads to the wedding day or that is special
Wedding Tip
* A small clutch with essentials (lipstick, mints, rescue remedy, safety pins etc) is always a good idea too.
* Some MUA's will give their client's a touch-up kit. Ask your MOH to keep this on hand so that should you want to re-apply some lipstick or powder your nose she's got all you'll need with her.
Stay Hydrated
Have a good breakfast, drink plenty of water and have some snacks, it will be a long day on your feet!
Make-up & Hair
Choose your suppliers carefully, I can’t stress how important it is to use reliable professionals. Also consider having a trial run beforehand to avoid disappointment on the day.
* To ensure you are not late or rushed to be finished in time for your ceremony, request that your make-up and hair be done first or in the middle of the queue.
Bridesmaids
Ensure they are all dressed and ready to go. Having your bridal party looking their best, whilst helping you into your dream dress, always makes for beautiful photographs.
Getting into your Wedding Dress & Accessories
This process and putting your accessories on may take more time than you think, At your last fitting, time how long it takes to get into your dress. The last thing you want is the added stress of feeling uncomfortable!
Go All Out!
Pack Some Pretty Prep Attire - You’ll feel fabulous and you won't be worried about having your picture taken in your usual scruffy pyjamas!
Hit Play On Some Sweet Sounds - Prepare a playlist of your favourite songs to listen to and pack a set of portable speakers in your overnight bag if you’re not getting ready at home.
Get The Celebrations Started - Pop some bubbly and have a toast with your bridal party!
HAPPY PLANNING
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT!
Breathe. Try and enjoy the planning process and ultimately, enjoy your special day whilst being with all your loved ones. If something doesn't go according to plan, you're more likely than not the only person who will know, and you'll be surrounded by people who are willing to help and support you in any way you may need.
