With your ceremony possibly kicking off at 1/1.30pm, it can seem like you’ve got all the time in the world on your wedding morning… but believe us, like the day itself, it flies by so organisation is key! It’s worth planning in advance and having a few things to hand so that you’re ready to roll the minute the beauty squad arrive on your wedding day.
When it comes to choosing where you’ll be getting ready (if it’s at home), make sure there’s good natural lighting and there’s enough room for your hair stylist, makeup artist and all the gang – you’ll be having the photographer and videographer popping in and out too. And give the room a tidy the night before so that there’s no laundry basket full to the brim lurking in the corner of your precious wedding photos.
The morning itself will be full of gorgeous memories with your family and closest ladies and you want to enjoy every last minute – make sure there’s zero stress and leave out the following essentials so you’re good to go on the Big Day…
1. Your wedding dress – this one is obvious but make sure to cut off any tags (same applies to tags on jewellery, veil etc.)
2. A hanger for your wedding dress – a pretty hanger will make sure your gúna looks the part
2. Your gorgeous new wedding shoes – break them in at least a week beforehand so there’s no painful surprises on the morning and take the stickers off the bottom the day before
3. Insoles – check if you need them in advance and pop a pair in your getting ready pile if so
Photo from James & Christine’s real wedding by Sean Jefferies Photography
4. Fun wedding buys you’ve picked up such as ‘I Do’ stickers for your shoes, a getting ready sign for the door of your bridal quarters, a cute ring dish for your engagement ring (make sure to give it a clean so it’s super sparkly for the Big Day) etc.
5. Your wedding underwear – don’t forget the likes of tape
6. Your garter if you’re wearing one
Photo from Karen & Danny’s real wedding by Algarve Weddings by Rebecca
6. Jewellery and accessories – pop all your bits and pieces together such as a veil, headpiece, bag, earrings, necklace, etc.
7. Your something blue if you’re going down this route, and same goes for old, borrowed and new
8. Perfume – this special scent makes a great pic for your wedding album as well
9. PJs/Robe to get ready in – FYI button down works best so you don’t mess your hair/make-up
Photo from Karen & Danny’s real wedding by Algarve Weddings by Rebecca
10. Slippers/flip flops – it’s going to be a busy morning so make the most of some cosy flats before slipping in to the heels
11. Gifts for your parents/bridesmaids or the pressie from your partner if you’ve arranged a gift exchange! Have them handy so you don’t have to start rummaging at the back of the wardrobe
12. Anything you want photographed such as your wedding invite and map, a countdown sign with your hours to go, a special card or gift that you received, or wedding handkerchief
13. Have the bubbly and glasses ready to go for the bridal party and any nibbles/snacks
14. Laptop/iPod/Speakers for your wedding morning playlist – check out some great songs to add to yours here. Make sure to have a charger handy too if you’re using your phone for tunes
15. Timetable for your morning – we highly recommend making one the week before the wedding as it will keep you on track. Be sure to include slots for hair, makeup, getting dresses on, photos, toasts, first looks and when to leave.
16. Wedding emergency kit – check out what to include here
17. Tissues – just in case, it can be emotional morning and a sweet gift might just tip you over the edge!
18. Make sure there’s a mirror in the room, chairs for the hair/makeup and a bin for any rubbish to keep the room tidy
Check out our ultimate packing checklist for brides here!
Main photo from Ross & Antonia’s real wedding by Finn Mooney Photography