The Ultimate Guide to Getting Ready the Morning of Your Wedding — Tips for Brides & Grooms

The morning of your wedding is full of excitement, anticipation, and emotion! It’s the beginning of one of the most memorable days of your life, and how you start it can set the tone for everything that follows. As a wedding photographer in Wichita, I’ve captured countless “getting ready” moments and picked up plenty of tips along the way to help things run smoothly.

Here’s your ultimate guide to getting ready the morning of your wedding—tailored for both brides and grooms.

BRIDES

1. Prep Your Details in Advance

Gather all your detail items in a box/bag(with tags cut off). Items to include: invitation suite, jewelry, both rings, shoes, Vow books, mementos, perfume, veil, your “something blue” if you have it, bouquet, etc. See Flat Lay examples here if you’re curious what your photographer will do with your special details you’ve picked out for the day. Put these items near your dress and veil (with tags cut off of everything if you want to maximize your photographer’s time!)

2. Create your Ideal Space

Choose a getting ready location with lots of natural light and enough room for your bridal party, hair/makeup artists, and photographer. Tidy up the area before photos begin—it makes a huge difference in your final images. Also, prepare a playlist! Think about what you will need to set the stage. Do you want upbeat music for you and your girls to hype you up before your first look and photos? Or do you want calm, peaceful music before you walk down the aisle?

3. Stay on Schedule (But Stay Flexible)

Share your timeline with your hair and make up artists, and bridal party in advance. Your photographer or coordinator will do their best to build in buffer time for delays, so if you do get behind, don’t stress– your trusted team will get you back on schedule. The wedding won’t start without you!

4. Wear Something Photogenic

A cute robe or matching pajama set not only looks great in photos but also makes you feel pampered and camera-ready before you even put on your dress! If you have matching robes, make sure to tell your photographer, so we can capture you all together before you girls change.

5. Have a Moment for Yourself

Whether it’s taking five minutes alone to breathe, having a group prayer before the ceremony, or doing a Champagne toast with your people– give yourself a space to soak it in.

GROOMS

1. Lay Out Your Details

Just like the bride, you’ll want to have your shoes, tie, cufflinks, watch, boutonniere, cologne, and any other details laid out for your photographer. Don’t forget handwritten vows or any gifts for your bride!

2. Steam Your Suit

Wrinkles don’t photograph well. Have someone steam your suit (and shirt) the night before or morning of. You’ll look sharper and more polished in your portraits.

3. Bring Something to Do

We know that girls take way longer than guys do. Prepare for some downtime to relax and hang with your groomsmen. This could be playing cards, smoking cigars or having a few drinks together. Plan to get dressed about an hour before your first look or ceremony.

4. Write a Note or Gift for Your Bride

A short, heartfelt letter or small gift goes a long way. It’s a way to show your bride you planned for this day too, are thinking about her, and creates a meaningful moment.

5.  Make Sure to Eat

It’s easy to forget to eat when you’re excited (or nervous) to eat, but a balanced meal will keep your energy up and nerves in check. Bonus points for staying hydrated, too- especially living in Kansas!

BONUS TIPS FOR BOTH

• Assign a Point Person: Let someone else field calls and questions from vendors so you can focus on getting ready and being present. Give this point person’s number to your vendors.
  
• Invite anyone meaningful to get ready with you. Your mom, dad, a grandparent– these people can also get ready with you, and share in the special moments of prepping for your big day.
  
• Trust the Process: No matter what little hiccups may happen, remember the big picture—you’re marrying the love of your life. Everything else is just part of the story.
  

As your photographer, I’m there not just to capture the big moments, but also the quiet, joyful, often unseen ones that happen while you’re getting ready.

If you’re planning a wedding in Wichita or the surrounding areas, I’d love to help you document every part of your day—starting with the very first chapter.