Getting Ready: How to Make the Most of Your Wedding Morning

Getting ready is more than just a step before the ceremony—it’s a key part of your wedding story. The right timeline, space, and preparation can turn this time into a calm, enjoyable experience while allowing for meaningful, candid photos. Here’s how to set yourself up for a smooth and stress-free wedding morning.

1. Give Yourself Time

Your getting-ready timeline should work backward from the ceremony start time. Whether you’re working with a planner or organizing things yourself, factor in enough time for a smooth morning. A common mistake is having makeup done last—schedule it earlier to avoid delays. You should be having touch ups done or close to finished when your photographer arrives.

Wedding mornings don’t have to feel chaotic. With enough time, you can move at a relaxed pace, allowing for natural, candid moments to be captured. Rushing leads to stress, while a well-planned schedule gives space for laughter, quiet moments, and meaningful interactions.

One key tip: set aside at least 20 minutes to get into your dress. Between buttoning, bustling, or adjusting accessories, this process often takes longer than expected. Allowing extra time keeps things calm and ensures you look and feel your best before stepping out for photos or the ceremony.

Below is a mock timeline. This timeline ensures a smooth morning with time for key moments and photography coverage. Adjustments can be made based on personal preferences, wedding party size, and location.

Example Timeline (for a 4:00 PM Ceremony Start)

• 1:00 PM – Photographer Arrives, Detail Shots Begin
  • Capture flat lays and details (invitations, rings, shoes, accessories)
  • Candid moments of the wedding party getting ready
• 1:15 PM – Groom & Groomsmen Photos (with Second Shooter)
  • Groom finalizing tie, cufflinks, jacket
  • Solo portraits of the groom
  • Candid shots with groomsmen
• 1:30 PM – Hair & Makeup Finishing Touches
  • Bridesmaids wrap up styling
  • Final touch-ups for the bride (bride’s hair & makeup should be done by now)
• 1:45 PM – Bride Gets Into Dress (20-Minute Buffer)
  • Assistance from maid of honor, parent, or close friend
  • Final buttoning, zipping, or bustling
  • Add jewelry, shoes, and veil
• 2:05 PM – First Look (If Planned) or Bridal Portraits
  • Private first look with partner OR solo portraits
  • Bride with immediate family or bridal party
• 2:25 PM – Wedding Party & Immediate Family Photos
  • Group shots (if doing pre-ceremony)
  • Casual and posed moments
• 3:15 PM – Touch-ups & Final Moments
  • Bride relaxes before ceremony
  • Candid, emotional moments with family or bridal party
• 3:30 PM – Hide for Ceremony
  • Guests begin arriving
  • Final deep breaths before walking down the aisle

2. Give Yourself Space

The space where you get ready can set the tone for your morning. A clean, spacious, and well-lit room helps keep things organized and allows for better photos.

Choose a Large and Well-Lit Room

Getting ready with your wedding party, makeup artists, hairstylists, and photographers can make a small room feel crowded fast. If possible, choose a space with plenty of room to move around. Natural light is also key—large windows provide the best lighting for both makeup application and photography.

Keep the Space Clean and Organized

Cluttered backgrounds can take away from beautiful moments. Before photos begin, ask your wedding party to clear out bags, extra clothing, and trash. Designating a corner for personal belongings keeps things neat while allowing the focus to stay on you.

Consider Alternative Locations

If your venue’s getting-ready space is small or dark, think about renting a hotel suite or Airbnb. Look for locations with neutral walls, large windows, and enough space to comfortably fit everyone. If multiple rooms aren’t an option, a tidy and well-organized space can still make a big difference.

Make Room for Private Moments

Your morning should be calm and enjoyable. Having a separate space for quieter moments—like exchanging letters, sharing a first look with a parent, or simply taking a deep breath—can help you feel more present before the ceremony.

Embrace the Untraditional

Getting ready photos don’t have to be limited to a chair by the mirror or a crowded hotel room. Step outside the usual and try something editorial: balcony portraits, moody bathroom mirror shots, or even fun moments in a hallway. These unexpected locations can add variety and a modern, fashion-forward feel to your wedding gallery. Don’t be afraid to play with light, reflections, and movement to create something bold and dynamic.

3. Prepare Beforehand

A little preparation goes a long way in making your wedding morning stress-free. Certain tasks are best handled in advance so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.

Steam Dresses the Night Before

Wrinkled dresses can be distracting in photos. Instead of rushing to steam them in the morning, do it the night before. Hang the dresses in a spacious area to avoid creases and make sure they’re ready to go when it’s time to get dressed.

Prepare a Flat Lay Box

Flat lays are detail shots that capture sentimental wedding items like invitations, rings, and accessories. To make this process smooth, gather everything in a designated box ahead of time. Common items to include:

• Invitations and envelopes
• Wedding rings (both bands and engagement ring)
• Shoes and accessories (earrings, bracelet, cufflinks)
• Perfume bottle
• Fabric swatches or ribbon that match your wedding colors
• Heirlooms

Having all these details in one place saves time and ensures nothing gets overlooked.

Make a Wedding Morning Checklist

With so much happening on your wedding day, a checklist helps you stay organized. Some key reminders:

• Eat something light but filling
• Drink plenty of water
• Pack an emergency kit (fashion tape, extra bobby pins, pain reliever)
• Have your vow book or letter ready if exchanging private notes. PLEASE do not write this the morning off or transcribe it from your iPhone to written text on the vowbook.
• Confirm that the rings and marriage license are accounted for

By handling these small details in advance, your morning can feel effortless and relaxed.

4. Groom’s Getting Ready Morning

Grooms don’t need as much time as the bridal party, but rushing can lead to last-minute stress. Setting aside 45 minutes to 1 hour allows for a smooth morning and enough time for photos.

Groom’s Checklist

• A simple checklist helps avoid last-minute scrambling. Make sure to have:
• Rings (confirm with best man)
• Suit (jacket, pants, dress shirt)
• Tie or bowtie
• Dress shoes and socks
• Belt or suspenders
• Cufflinks and watch
• Cologne and deodorant
• Hair products (if needed)
• Vow book or letter (if exchanging notes)

Tips for a Stress-Free Morning

• Lay everything out the night before – This avoids searching for missing pieces.
• Assign someone to pin boutonnieres – Don’t leave this to the last second.
• Keep the space clean – A tidy room makes for better photos.
• Stay hydrated and eat something – It’s easy to forget with all the excitement.
• Be mindful of time – Groomsmen often get distracted. A simple reminder keeps everyone on track.

Final Thoughts on Getting Ready Photos

A well-planned morning sets the tone for the rest of the day. Giving yourself enough time, choosing a spacious and tidy area, and preparing key details in advance all help create a smooth, stress-free experience. The more organized and relaxed your getting ready process is, the more opportunities there are for candid, meaningful photos. With a little preparation, this part of the day can feel effortless while capturing some of your favorite moments.

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This blog post of, Getting Ready: How to Make the Most of Your Wedding Morning was written by California wedding photographer Arianna Maddox.