How to Have a Stress-Free Wedding Morning
Your wedding morning sets the tone for your whole day - so let’s make it a peaceful, joyful and stress-free one!
Your wedding day is finally here - the day you have been dreaming about, planning for and counting down to. But before the vows, the kiss, the party and dancing under string lights….there is the morning…..and how that morning unfolds can set the tone for everything that follows. As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the honor of stepping into many of those special, pre-ceremony hours. I’ve seen what works, what adds stress, and what creates that effortlessly calm, joy-filled start that every couple deserves. The truth is, your wedding morning doesn’t have to be a whirlwind of forgotten hairspray, missing socks, and frantic texts. With just a few thoughtful and planned out choices it can be a peaceful morning spent with your favorite girls (and/or guys) full of the kind of energy you are going to want to remember! Here are my biggest tips on how to make it happen:
TIP 1. Build a Realistic Timeline (with wiggle room). Work with your planner and photographer to create a timeline that actually works. Hair + Makeup ALMOST ALWAYS takes longer than expected, so buffer in extra time. The #1 reason wedding days get behind is because of hair or makeup. The goal is to feel unhurried, not like you’re racing the clock. I always love working with planners to help create the best timeline possible, so everyone is all on the same page!
TIP 2. Lay Out Your Details the Night Before. When I show up on your wedding day ready to photograph your details, it always makes the bride feel so scattered if they have to search every bag that was brought in to piece all of her details together in the middle of trying to get your lashes done. Thats not helpful for the makeup artist, and it makes you feel unprepared, which we can avoid! It will make for a smooth stress-free morning if you gather them in a small bag or box the night before so you know exactly where they all are. Some details I love photographing are: Rings, Vow books, Invitation suits, any kind of jewelry, cufflinks, perfume, shoes, ect.
TIP 3. Keep the Space (mostly) Tidy. No, your room doesn’t need to be spotless, lets be real….with multiple girls, plus hair and makeup artists, and everyone’s belongings, plus everyone’s breakfast/snacks/and drinks….it’s going to get a little cluttered. But if you can keep all the bags, snacks, or extra clutter in one corner (not by the windows) it makes a huge difference in your photos, and it keeps the rest of the room calm and photo-ready.
TIP 4. Set the Vibe. Turn on a playlist that makes you feel good. Bring a speaker, open some curtains to get some natural light in and surround yourself with people who keep things light and loving! If someone brings stress into the room, its OK to ask them to give you space - you deserve peace on your wedding day! A great example is below. This bride had her favorite music blasting the entire morning, even through getting her dress on, surrounded by people who made her smile. It showed through EVERY image that was taken that morning, so this really does make a huge difference!
TIP 5. Eat Something!!! (YES, YOU!) I know it’s so easy to forget while your wrapped up in trying to remember everything else. But food = energy. Have something light but filling, and don’t forget the water! Your future self will thank you - especially during a long ceremony or emotional first look!
TIP 6. Trust Your Vendor Team. If your a control freak….I know it’s hard. You’ve hired professionals for a reason - lets us handle the little details. When you trust your vendors (and give yourself permission to let go), the day flows with so much more ease!
All in all, your wedding day should feel like a deep breath - not a marathon. A little intention and a lot of grace go a long way in setting the tone for a truly unforgettable day…..and when you feel relaxed and glowing from the inside out? That’s when the magic really happens behind the camera!
Thanks for reading,
XOXO, Sam