Getting ready the morning of your wedding - Do's and Don'ts

Your wedding day morning is arguably the most important part of your whole day, well apart from the bit where you actually say I do of course!

Hear me out. Your morning sets the tone for the rest of your day. Thinking about how you want the morning to be is vital for your mindset and preparation. Do you want a calm and peaceful zen garden experience or are you looking for a morning of laughs and mimosa’s with your best girlfriends? Whichever option you think you need, here are a few tips on some things that will help you arrive at your aisle feeling pampered, prepared and excited to marry the love of your life.

Timing -

Have a schedule and make sure everyone who is with you is across it. Not trying to toot my own horn here but your Makeup artist is best placed to provide you with this. They know what is happening with makeup and hair and how long all of that will take to execute. If you are able to let them know when the photographer is arriving and what time you need to leave to head to your venue (if travelling) they will be able to guide you on who needs to be in the chair when. Make sure everyone knows so your hair and makeup artist, and the rest of your bridal party, aren’t waiting for someone to brush their teeth or put their contacts in. And whilst we are on hair and makeup, if you haven’t already discussed it with your vendors make sure that everyone has images or knows what they are having done prior to getting into the chair.

Food and drink –

I know you might not feel like eating hun but I promise you, you need to! There’s nothing worse than a bride passing out from hunger and once you’ve arrived at the ceremony and done the deed the nerves will subside and the hunger will set in and you’ve still got photos to go before you even get a whiff of that meal you’ve carefully selected. Pre-made grazing boards and boxes are great as you can all nibble in between having your faces painted and are light enough not to fill you up or make you bloat. If you have an early start, task someone with a coffee run or uber eats it…. Your makeup artist usually won’t eat but I don’t say no to a coffee!

Attendance -

Don’t invite anyone you don’t want there. This is a big one. I will always ask if there is someone that either needs to go first with hair and makeup or you would like to go first so that they can leave because let’s face it, there’s some people we love that we just aren’t meant to be around when nerves are high. If you have a big bridal party or a lot of people getting hair and makeup done, think about the size of your hotel room or venue and what it can realistically cater for without being “too much”. Even those wanting a big party vibe still have moments where they feel overwhelmed on their wedding morning so cramming people in who don’t need to be there is something you should pass on.

Set Up -

Have space for your vendors to work from and know where you are putting things when they arrive. Hairstylists need power and a space to line up products and hot tools, makeup artists need the best natural light you can give them and a large space to lay out our kit. We DO NOT like to work off a coffee table. I’ve left too many weddings nearly unable to walk because I’ve bent over a coffee table for 7 hours. Your hairstylist and makeup artist also do not need to be in exactly the same spot. Sure we like to chat with each other as we go but if the power isn’t near the natural light, or there’s a bigger space somewhere else, we will live. Items like flowers will arrive as you enter the final couple of hours of prep, you may be busy with hair or makeup so make sure everyone knows where they are going to be put so they won’t be damaged and aren’t too hot.

Delegate -

Give your phone to someone when it’s your turn! I cannot stress this enough and it is not just because it makes it impossible to do someone’s makeup when they are looking at pics from the venue or speaking to well meaning relatives or friends. The time you spend in my chair on your wedding day is not just about hair and/or makeup. This is the last chance you have for that day to relax, to focus, to be with your thoughts and for me to give you what you need. Whether that’s a pep talk about everyone looking at you, reassurance that you’ve done everything or confirmation that you look absolutely beautiful and singing along to your fave tune. I do not want this time interrupted for you so whilst I’m at it, nominate someone who can handle “issues” or questions while you are otherwise indisposed.

Use a list -

The items you need to pack in your bag, the things you want the photographer to take photos of, the times vendors are arriving. If you have a list it will make it easier for you to get your bridal party to help you and also alleviate any stress that you’ll forget something. Your wedding morning should be enjoyable not you frantically trying to ensure that you have everything or have done everything.

Steam before you preen -

If you didn’t know this, don’t feel bad because I actually never thought about it until I started working weddings BUT steamers will ruin your hair and makeup! If you have the room think about getting dresses steamed the night before OR ensure that a person who hasn’t been made up is responsible for this task.

Have a playlist –

It sets your vibe, that is all.

These are my tips from years of being a Bridal hair and makeup artist. I wanted to share because I am invested in your morning setting you up for the best day of your life. So let me know, do these resonate with you? Any you hadn’t thought of?

If you are looking for a hair and makeup artist for your West Australian wedding, get in touch, I’d love to chat with you. You can view my natural style of makeup by visiting my website HERE You can book a no obligation consultation call with me HERE or feel free to send me an email and I’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Until then… Happy Planning x