The getting ready portion of your wedding day isn’t just background time—it sets the tone for everything that follows. It’s where the mood settles in, your closest people surround you, and the day begins to feel real.
Handled well, it becomes a calm, intentional space that carries you into your ceremony feeling centered and radiant. Here’s how to make it work—not just for logistics, but for you.
Rethink the Space: Where You’re Getting Ready Matters
Start by considering how many people will be in the room—and what kind of space you actually need. A standard hotel room simply won’t accommodate twelve bridesmaids, three stylists, and your photographer.
If you’re getting ready at your resort, consider reserving a suite or a designated bridal prep area. Prioritize natural light, multiple power outlets (extension cords may come in handy), and enough open space to allow hair, makeup, and photos to unfold without crowding.
Choose your own glam station with intention. It should feel calm and organized, with access to good light and a comfortable stool (most professional teams provide one). Your getting-ready space will likely be photographed, so make sure it’s not cluttered. That said, you shouldn’t be the one tidying up—your planner or bridal party should take care of that so you can stay focused and relaxed.
Beauty Preparation: Show Up Ready
Your beauty team brings the talent—but how you show up makes a difference.
Bridal beauty expert Nicole Samara Iyer puts it best:
“The way you prep your skin and hair affects the final look just as much as the products we use.”
Here’s how to set yourself up:
- Skin: Gently cleanse the morning of, apply a lightweight moisturizer, and avoid rich creams or oils that might affect makeup adhesion. Exfoliate your lips and use a nourishing balm.
- Hair: Wash it the night before, avoiding heavy conditioners or styling products. Hair should be dry and completely detangled before your appointment.
- Timing: Do not go last in the glam schedule. Brides should be ready with time to spare for touch-ups, getting dressed, and pre-ceremony portraits. Aim to be scheduled somewhere in the middle.
- Trial: Book a trial. This helps you finalize your look and ensures alignment with your stylist before the wedding day. Especially at destination weddings, it’s an essential step.
- Hydration: If your welcome party ran late, IV therapy the morning of the wedding can be a smart way to feel energized and refreshed.
For more bridal beauty insight, Nicole Samara Iyer shares her full advice in our complete blog post.
Hair & Makeup Scheduling for the Bridal Party
Each person receiving services should have a defined time slot. This keeps the morning on track and prevents unnecessary delays. Your beauty team can help manage timing, but your planner should oversee the full schedule.
Bridesmaids must arrive with their dresses already steamed. It seems simple, but it’s often forgotten and adds completely avoidable stress to the morning.
Don’t Forget the Groom
The groom’s getting-ready process matters just as much. He should have a timeline and a designated space, even if it’s more low-key.
The groom should know:
- When to begin getting ready
- When his photographer is arriving
- What personal items to have laid out (watch, cufflinks, shoes, boutonniere, tie, vows, cologne)
If gifts or letters are exchanged, assign someone to coordinate timing and delivery. This ensures our groom doesn’t miss details or rush at the last minute.
Nail Down the Photography Timeline
If you’re planning a first look, bridal portraits, or family photos before the ceremony, your timeline must be detailed and aligned with the beauty schedule.
Add buffer time. Things take longer than expected, and the last thing you want is to feel rushed.
We generally do not recommend scheduling a first look with bridesmaids. While it can seem sweet in theory, it often creates added pressure and interrupts the natural flow of the morning. If the moment presents itself organically and time allows, wonderful—but don’t feel obligated to schedule it.
Ceremony Details: Avoid Last-Minute Confusion
Make sure everything related to the ceremony—rings, vows, ketubah, unity items—is organized and assigned ahead of time. These pieces should be clearly handed off and communicated to your planner or bridal party.
This avoids last-minute searches and allows everyone to focus on what matters most.
Prepare Essentials in Advance
Have all your details and personal items ready before your glam team arrives. This keeps the space clean for photos and ensures nothing is overlooked.
What to prepare:
- Getting-ready outfit
- Gifts for your bridal party
- Flat-lay items: invitations, rings, perfume, veil, shoes, vow books
- Bustle instructions (shared with maid of honor)
- A second outfit or shoes if you plan to change
- Essentials bag: lipstick, fashion tape, deodorant, foot spray, breath spray, safety pins
- Props for getting-ready photos (champagne, glasses, robes)
Everything should be in one place, ready before your photographer arrives.
Eat, Hydrate, and Keep It Simple
Even if you’re not hungry, eat something light and nourishing—fruit, toast, smoothies, wraps. Avoid anything heavy or spicy.
Order food in advance to avoid delays. If you’re relying on hotel room service, planning ahead is especially important.
Ensure your bridal party has snacks and drinks on hand so everyone stays energized and focused throughout the morning.
Give Your Bridal Party a Clear Itinerary
Share a simple schedule with your bridal party that includes:
- Hair and makeup slots
- When to be photo-ready in robes or pajamas
- When to be fully dressed
- A reminder to steam dresses before the wedding day
- What to bring (and whether they’ll return to their rooms later)
- When you’re leaving for the ceremony
When everyone’s aligned, the day runs more smoothly—and the energy stays grounded and joyful.
Let Yourself Be In The Moment
Once everything is in motion, step back and allow yourself to enjoy the moment. The getting-ready hours are part of your wedding story—quiet, emotional, and often deeply memorable.
Let your team handle the logistics. Trust the people around you. Breathe it all in.
Planning your morning intentionally allows you to feel grounded, calm, and fully present—and that’s how every wedding day should begin.
We’d love to know what you’re including in your own getting-ready ritual. Share your thoughts, your questions, or your must-haves. We’re always here for the conversation.
Cheers!
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