The getting-ready phase of your wedding day will set the stage for the rest of the day. Ideally, you want to feel as relaxed as possible as you prepare to meet your person at the altar and finally say “I do”! That means thinking through the details in advance, from scouting the best location to ensuring your wedding party doesn’t go hungry. Today, we’re sharing our top getting-ready tips so you can confidently plan. Let’s dive in!

Getting-Ready Tips for Your Wedding Day

Get Ready in One Location

We recommend getting your hair and makeup done in one location, whether that’s your venue or a nearby hotel. It’s much more relaxing to settle into one spot for the getting-ready period than to travel halfway through! In addition, your hair and makeup team(s) may be unable to split up. For these reasons, we recommend reviewing your venue’s policy regarding arrival time and choosing a getting-ready location accordingly.

Budget Travel Time, if Necessary

Some venues lack a getting-ready space, while others don’t permit you to arrive early enough to get ready on-site. If your venue falls under one of those categories, you’ll need to rent a hotel suite for the getting-ready portion of your day. 

Note: We recommend renting a hotel suite instead of an Airbnb. Most don’t allow large-group gatherings and have a Ring camera to ensure guests adhere to the rules. Please be careful not to get caught in a situation where you are breaking the rules!

If you’ll be getting ready in a separate location, you’ll need to work travel time from the getting-ready location to the venue into your wedding day timeline. We recommend budgeting more time than is necessary in case of traffic or weather delays. 

Prioritize Space and Lighting

Most on-site bridal suites are spacious and have great lighting. But if your situation requires you to book a hotel suite, ensure it has plenty of space for your bridal party to spread out and get comfortable. Natural light for photography is a much-desired bonus! If you feel that lighting might be an issue in your location, you can ask your hair and makeup team if it’s possible for them to bring extra lighting, such as vanity lights or a ring light.

Provide Food and Water

Don’t forget brunch/lunch/whatever meal overlaps with your getting-ready period! Your caterer can provide food, or you can ask a VIP to purchase some from a nearby sandwich shop or grocery store. You’ll also need plates, cups, napkins, water, and access to refrigeration or a cooler. Wedding days are long and require everyone involved to be hydrated and well-fed. Your wedding party will appreciate your forethought!

Choose a Great Playlist

No wedding morning is complete without a great soundtrack! We recommend choosing a playlist that reflects your relationships with those getting ready with you. Upbeat tunes are perfect for keeping energy and spirits high! Wedding Duo members can access two playlists titled “Hair, Makeup, and Mimosas” only inside the membership. Dom channeled all the getting-ready vibes when curating these—one featuring various genres and one for the country fans!

Speaking of The Wedding Duo membership, have you joined us yet? This DIY wedding planning membership is perfect for the can-do couple seeking expert guidance on turning their wedding vision into reality. For only $27/month, you’ll access educational videos, weekly Q&A calls, and a supportive community of like-minded couples (plus other exclusive content, like our playlists!). Whether you’ve just embarked on your planning journey or are staring down the home stretch, there’s never been a better time to join. 

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Payton Hartsell Photography