For today’s Wedding Planning & Photography post, I’m going to talk to you about a very special part of your wedding day… The morning you wake up to say ‘I do’! When you look through wedding blogs, you always see beautiful images of girls drinking champagne, chatting in gorgeous rooms, looking oh so happy, and you think, ‘I want my big day to start off like that’. Sadly, that doesn’t always happen. Some girls actually find the morning of their wedding stressful or rushed and end up completely disappointed with it.
So I’ve decided to put together a list of my top tips on how to make your morning fun and stress free as well as things to consider to ensure you get those all important beautiful photos (I am a photographer after all!)…
1. Pick Somewhere Beautiful to Get Dressed
This may seem like a no brainer but it’s really important. There is nothing better then waking up in a beautiful place ahead of one of the most special day’s of your life. When picking where you get dressed, think about the light in the room (this is hugely important if you want bright and dreamy photo’s), look around and see if the room is cluttered and consider whether you actually like the décor because it is going to be in the background. Also, be realistic about how much space there is in the room. There are going to be quite a few people joining you in the morning; including your bridesmaids, flower girls, mother and possibly mother-in-law, make up artist, hair stylist and your photographer. Is there enough room for everyone to move around comfortably?
2. Get Organised
As a photographer, there is nothing better then arriving at the brides pre-wedding venue and having a box of details set aside, ready to be photographed! it’s the perfect way to kick off the day for both photographer and bridal party because it means that you can enjoy your girl time together without being asked for things, and I can get shots of all your pretty accessories in one go.
3. Manage Your Mum
This is an incredibly emotional day for you but it is the same for your mum. Very often she is as nervous as you and wants everything to be as perfect as you do – or possibly even more than you do as she’s your mum and she loves you. But sometimes, although she means well, mum can cause extra stress in trying to help. It’s always a good idea to have one friend on standby, an unofficial bridesmaid so to speak, to help out if mum gets a little emotional or stressed out. The person you pick for this important little job should be someone mum gets on with well who can take her mind off things, change the subject, make a cup of tea and just distress the situation without making it obvious.
4. Limit The Numbers
On your wedding day, after you’ve said ‘I do’, your time will be spent greeting guests, being congratulated, eating, drinking, dancing and speeching. It will be wonderful! But it will also mean that you will be busy. I have always found that the most calm brides are the brides who limit the number of people who get ready with them in the morning to their bridesmaids and parents. This way you can really focus on enjoying your last morning as a ‘Miss’ and getting ready with out distraction.
5. Be Time Conscious
I have found that the most relaxed brides always aim to be dressed and ready 30 minutes to an hour before they have to leave for the church. In doing this, you have the time to take those all important photos with your father when he sees you in your dress for the first time. You will also have the time to get some relaxed portraits with all your bridesmaids and to reflect on the excitement to come. In aiming to be ready early, you are effectively allowing yourself extra time so if anyone or anything runs late, you won’t be rushing to get to the church, ensuring a calm arrival at the top of the aisle.
There’s nothing more special than getting ready with your best friends and closest family. I hope you find these tips useful in making your morning both an exciting and happy affair filled with precious memories.
x
