How to Get Ready For Getting Ready? A Guide for the Bride

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but at its heart, your wedding day is simply a celebration of your love. The most important thing to remember is that your day should feel authentic to you as a couple, comfortable, meaningful, and uniquely yours. While so much attention goes to the ceremony and reception, the getting ready portion of your day is just as special. It’s where the emotions begin, the excitement builds, and some of the most genuine moments unfold.

This guide will walk you through how to get ready for getting ready, so your morning feels calm, joyful and stress free.

Getting Ready: Setting the Tone for Your Day

The morning of your wedding sets the emotional tone for everything that follows, and if this part of the day is important to you, it’s worth choosing a location that makes you feel good from the very beginning. Whether you decide to get ready separately or in the same space as your partner, focus on creating an environment where you feel calm, comfortable, and fully present.

If possible, look for a space with plenty of natural light—it not only elevates your photos but also creates a softer, more relaxed atmosphere. It’s also helpful to keep the area tidy before your photographer arrives, or at least have one clean, clutter-free room where key moments can take place. This allows everything to feel more intentional and visually cohesive without adding stress to your morning.

Timing is Everything

A well-paced morning allows everything to unfold naturally.

We typically recommend:

• • Having hair and makeup nearly complete before the photographer arrives
  • Setting aside at least 1h to 1.5h for getting-ready coverage
  • Building in buffer time for unexpected delays

When there’s no rush, you’re able to actually experience the moment—and that always shows in your photos.

Creating the Perfect Morning Atmosphere

There’s no “right way” to spend your wedding morning—it’s all about what makes you feel your best.

Some brides prefer a peaceful start with calming music, journaling, yoga, or meditation. Others enjoy a more upbeat vibe—laughing with friends, sipping coffee, or even dancing around the room.

A few ideas to set the mood:

• • Create a playlist that makes you feel happy and relaxed
  • Keep your space tidy and clutter-free
  • Surround yourself with supportive, positive people
  • Light a candle or bring a small personal item that grounds you

The goal is simple: protect your energy and enjoy the moment.

Protect Your Peace

Not every moment will go perfectly—and that’s okay.

The most important thing is how you feel, not whether everything goes exactly as planned.

Give yourself permission to:

• • Let go of small imperfections
  • Delegate tasks to trusted people
  • Step away for a quiet moment if you need it

This is your day. You deserve to experience it with joy, not stress.

Prepare Your Details for the Photographer

One of the first things your photographer will likely do upon arrival is photograph your details—and this is where you can truly personalize your story.

We recommend gathering everything in advance and keeping it in one place. This allows us to style and capture these items beautifully without interrupting your morning.

Consider including:

• • Your dress and veil
  • Shoes and accessories
  • Rings (both yours and your partner’s, if available)
  • Invitations and stationery
  • Perfume
  • Jewelry
  • Vow books or handwritten letters

But beyond the essentials, this is also your chance to include meaningful items:

• • A family heirloom
  • Something borrowed or sentimental
  • A photo of a loved one
  • A special gift exchanged with your partner

These details help tell a deeper story—one that reflects your history, your relationships, and what matters most to you.

Champagne Toasts & Celebrating with Your Bridesmaids

There’s something undeniably joyful about popping a bottle of champagne with your bridesmaids. It’s playful, a little chaotic (in the best way), and full of energy.

From a photography perspective, these moments are gold—laughter, movement, candid reactions—it all comes together beautifully.

A few tips to make the most of it:

• • Do it near natural light if possible
  • Use real glasses or fun flutes for a polished look
  • Don’t worry about perfection—embrace the mess and the laughter

It’s less about the champagne itself and more about celebrating with the people who’ve supported you along the way.

Mum Helping with the Dress

One of the most intimate and quietly powerful moments of the morning is when your mum (or someone close to you) helps you into your dress.

There’s something deeply emotional about this transition—the shift from getting ready to being ready.

As photographers, we look for:

• • Gentle, candid interactions
  • Small details like hands adjusting buttons or smoothing fabric
  • The expressions that pass between you

It’s not just about the dress—it’s about the connection, the pride, and the love in that moment.

First Look with Bridesmaids

A first look with your bridesmaids is always a fun and emotional moment—but it’s completely optional.

If you love the idea of a big reaction (and often, happy tears), this can be such a special memory. Seeing your closest friends react to you in your dress for the first time adds a layer of excitement and connection to the morning.

On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, more relaxed vibe, you can absolutely skip it.

There’s no right or wrong choice—just think about what kind of energy you want to feel in that moment.

First Look with Dad

Few moments are as heartfelt as a first look with your dad (or a parent figure). These are often some of the most emotional images we capture throughout the day.

It’s a chance to pause, connect, and share a meaningful moment before everything begins.

To make it even more special:

• • Choose a quiet, private space
  • Allow enough time so it doesn’t feel rushed
  • Consider exchanging a few words or a hug without distractions

These are the moments that stay with you long after the day is over.

Bridal Emergency Kit: Be Ready for Anything

A little preparation can go a long way in avoiding stress. Consider putting together a small “just-in-case” kit with:

• • Safety pins
  • Double-sided tape
  • Tissues
  • Lipstick for touch-ups
  • Snacks and water
  • Pain reliever
  • White chalk in case your dress gets a stain

Having these on hand can save the day in small but important ways.

What to Wear While Getting Ready?

From a visual perspective, what you wear during the morning can make a big difference in how your photos feel.

Some brides choose:

• • Matching robes or pyjamas
  • Neutral-toned outfits for a clean, timeless look
  • Coordinated colours that match the wedding palette

Others go for comfort above all—and that’s completely fine too.

A helpful tip: wear something easy to change out of (like a button-up shirt or robe) so you don’t mess up your hair and makeup when it’s time to put on your dress.

Including Your Pets in the Morning

If your pet can’t be part of the ceremony or reception, the getting-ready portion of the day is the perfect opportunity to include them.

These moments are always incredibly personal and meaningful—because pets are family too.

Whether it’s:

• • A few quiet cuddles before you get dressed
  • A quick photo with your dog while you’re in your robe
  • Or even just having them present in the space

These interactions add warmth and authenticity to your story in a way nothing else can.

Eat, Hydrate and Take Care of Yourself

It’s easy to forget, but your body needs fuel—especially on such an emotional and busy day.

Even if you’re nervous:

• • Eat a light, balanced meal
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Avoid too much caffeine or sugar

Taking care of yourself will help you stay energized and fully present.

Final Thoughts

Getting ready isn’t just about hair, makeup, and photos—it’s the beginning of one of the most meaningful days of your life.

When you plan it intentionally, surround yourself with the right people, and give yourself space to breathe, it becomes more than preparation—it becomes a memory you’ll carry forever.

So take it all in. Laugh, breathe, and enjoy every second—you’re about to walk into a beautiful new chapter.