Planning a wedding can sometimes be a little stressful. Coordinating all the details, making sure everyone has what they need, and packing all items can often feel overwhelming. While the beginning of your day can seem less important than other parts (ceremony, reception, etc.), it is a crucial part and can set the tone for the rest of the wedding. Here are five tips for a seamless and stress-free morning that will pave the way!
1. Give Yourself More Time
Plan to give yourself 1-2 more hours than what you think is needed. Often hair and makeup will run long, someone in the wedding party will get stuck in traffic on the way to the venue, or an important item is left and must be retrieved. There are many factors that may push the timeline back. This will cut into portrait time, or in the worst case, will delay the start of the ceremony. By adding in extra time to get ready, if something doesn’t go 100% according to plan, you won’t be stressed about the timeline getting off track.
2. Wedding Emergency Kit
Have a wedding emergency kit with everything you might need on the day of. Come prepared with essentials such as band-aids, bobby pins, deodorant, toothpaste, mouthwash, double sided tape, super glue, stain pen, scissors, tool kit, etc. You never know when these items might come in handy!
3. Eat
Eating the morning of your wedding is so important! Often this will be the only chance for food until cocktail hour. And if you’re not having a first look, then there is a good chance you won’t get to eat until the reception which means you could be going upwards of ten hours before you have a meal. Make sure to eat before getting dressed so that you avoid spilling on your outfit!
4. Know How to Finalize Your Outfit
Practice buttoning the dress, tying the corset and/or bowtie, fastening any and all straps, and know how to bustle your dress before the big day. Don’t waste time at the wedding watching YouTube videos on how to tie a tie or bustle your dress. Have the wedding party practice too!
5. Stay Hydrated and Keep Alcohol to a Minimum
Sometimes with all the activity and excitement of the day, you can forget to hydrate. Drink plenty of water the morning of, especially if the wedding is during a hot month. Keep the alcohol to a minimum before the ceremony. The wedding day is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be plenty of opportunity, if you so wish, to drink and celebrate with the wedding party and guests. Pace yourselves. Also, use the bathroom before you start getting dressed.
Most importantly, just remember to breathe, have fun, and cherish this time! Kylie Hinson is an internationally published wedding and lifestyle photographer who specializes in turning moments into memories. Kylie’s philosophy is pretty simple: tell the most amazing stories through photographs that capture true love, real emotions, and beautiful moments. To learn more about her photography services please visit, www.kyliehinson.com