GET a GOOD NIGHT's SLEEP

OK, so this may be tricky with all the excitement and stress of a wedding day, but aim for an early night the night before. Limit any caffeine and alcohol, and make sure you are well hydrated.



PLan to BE READY EARLY

If you are having your hair and makeup done, don't be the last in the queue of your bridal party in case things run late. Allow plenty of time to get your dress/outfit on so you are not getting hot and flustered at the last minute and ruining all your good work. Allow extra time for your photographer to take some bridal portraits, for you to have a first look and also if you have to meet with the registrar before your ceremony. This usually happens about 30 minutes prior for grooms and 15minutes prior for brides.


DITCH YOUR BRA AND SOCKS

The last thing you want in your wedding photos is any strap or sock marks. If you are wearing a strapless dress in particular, make sure you don't have on anything tight when you're getting your hair and makeup done. The best things is to wear a robe or a button up shirt that won't have to go over year head and ruin your hairdresser's good work.

HAve BREAkFAST and STAY HYDRATED


Even if you are nervous, make sure you eat a good breakfast as it may be a long time until your 'wedding breakfast'. Have some mess free snacks on hand. Protein bars can be a great idea to keep you going. You don't want to be fainting because you haven't eaten. Make sure you drink plenty of water too. Have a cup with a straw so that you can sip it whilst you are in hair and makeup.

Bridesmaids steaming wedding dress at Stanhill Court Hotel in bridal suite

DELEGATE SOMEONE TO STEAM YOUR DRESS

Make sure your wedding dress is hanging somewhere clean and dry. If you want your photographer to photograph it, make sure it's on a nice sturdy hanger where the hook part is able to turn. Have a clean white cloth on hand to put over your dress whilst steaming it, and if you don't trust anyone, hire a professional to do it for you!

Wedding details flat lay.  Invitation, wedding rings in box with flowers.  Veil and wedding shoes.

Have a BOX of WEDDING DETAILS

If you have items you want photographed such as your perfume, wedding invitation, shoes, garter, veil or jewellery, have them ready for your photographer. This may include your 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue'. These shots can often be in the form of a flat-lay and can be great for your wedding album to remember all the little details of your day. If you want the wedding rings photographed, have the contact details for groomsman or whoever will be in charge of them.

Bridal bouquet, Blackstock Country Estate Wedding

TAke your flowers out of water


Take your bouquet out of water in plenty of time so it doesn't drip on your wedding dress. Have some napkins on hand to dry them off.

Have a Playlist

Having the right music playing as you're getting ready can really help put everyone in a great mood.

Bridesmaid in makeup chair with Makerover, Stanhill Court Hotel

SuRROuND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE

From picking your makeup and hair artists, to your bridesmaids: Pick people who will make you feel special and will help you with whatever you need. This is your big day!

PLan who will Help you get dressed


Have a practice with your bridesmaid, or your mum, or whoever will help you into your dress. Zippers can be tricky and if you're not used to lacing up corsets, it takes a bit of practice and can also take quite a long time. Also, if your dress bustles up for the evening, make sure you have a designated person to help you. If you have small buttons down the back of your dress, a long hair pin can come in handy to do them up. You may also need help putting on your shoes, so decide if it's easier to put them on before or after your dress.

Bridesmaid helping bride, Blackstock Country Estate

The wedding morning is a great time of excitement and expectation. Some of my favourite memories from my wedding day are the ones my photographer captured in my bridal suite while I was getting ready. Enjoy every moment, as the day goes fast but if you are having the 'getting ready' part captured as part of your photography package, I am sure you will love looking back at the photographs in the years to come!