Over the past year I've noticed an increasing trend of 'getting ready time' taking much longer on your wedding day than planned. Sure, on such an important day, a bride and her girls have to look their absolute best. After all, these pictures will last FOREVER. So much is happening the day of a wedding (helpful tip: Hire a wedding day coordinator). With each wedding, I've taken notes. So what are the 5 most important tips to ensure you stay on time the day of your wedding? Here they are… Tip #1: Make sure you plan a time-line (with some room to breathe)... ESPECIALLY if you don't have a coordinator taking control.
If you want to save money by hiring one hair stylist and one makeup artist, that's totally understandable. If you do this though, planning plenty of buffer time is so vitally important. Using only one person can really put a cramp on your schedule. And, if you do start to run behind it really helps to have a wedding coordinator. After all, you paid a ton of money for your pictures. Make sure you can max out on the time spent during portraits with your photographer! When you go to put your day-of timeline together, keep these guidelines in mind:
Makeup: About half an hour to an hour at most per bridesmaid and mother of bride. About an hour to an hour and a half for the bride
Hair: About half an hour to an hour at most per bridesmaid and mother of bride. About an hour to an hour and a half for the bride
Tip #2: The wedding dress MUST breathe (and have plenty of room to do so).
This tip is so important (especially if your dress has a train). Think of a dress like fine wine - it needs time to breathe so all of the wrinkles and fabric can settle on their own. The dress shouldn’t stay bagged up until it's time to get dressed. It’s kind of like a bottle of wine in that it needs time to breathe — especially if there’s a train on it.
Tip #3: Space and Natural Light will make your 'getting ready' photos spectacular!
Let's face it... Girls are kind of messy when they get together. A small room, only makes it more obvious. We need our space when getting ready, especially the southern belles! Plus, when family and friends start to arrive, the VIPs (and people who think they are VIPs) will try and sneak a peak before the ceremony. No sense in cramping up you and your girls any more than you need to be. Natural light will help your images and also for makeup application! Ensuring your space has lots of room and natural light - Trust me, your photographer and make up artist will LOVE you.
Tip #4: You will need an emergency kit.
An emergency kit that handles all of life's fun little battles for women is just what the doctor ordered! Google what to put in your emergency kit. Try to think about yourself too. Nerves make you bloated? Upset tummy? Pack the Pepto and the Tums! Brothers give you a headache when they drink? ADVIL!
Tip #5: Don't text the guys asking what they are doing. I know, I know... It's tough.
While the girls are getting ready and I've gotten a few shots but am waiting on the dress moment, I usually run down to talk to the guys and snag a few pics. I can answer for the guys when I say... They are either watching tv, drinking, sleeping, or talking. So in short, NOTHING. Don't worry about them. Get your girl on! This is the last time you will get to spend with all your girls at once as a single woman! Be present.
That's it! Follow these tips, and let the pros do the rest.
It might sound cliche, but it’s true! Plan ahead and give yourself enough time for everything so you can enjoy and savor every second. Happy planning!