Getting ready on your wedding morning is one of the most exciting parts of the day to prepare for.  Between the nervous jitters, the quality time with your wedding party, and getting into your wedding gear, there is definitely a lot to think about.  Luckily, you’ll have some help from me as you start to put together the plan for your wedding morning.  Here are my top five tips for getting ready the morning of your wedding.

1. Lighting

The more windows and natural light you can have in your getting ready space the better.  This is not only for your photos but also for your hair and makeup artists as well.  You’ll want to set up your chairs for your hair and makeup artist’s in the space with the most natural light available.  Make sure there’s enough room so that a couple of wedding party members can have their hair and makeup done at the same time.

2. The Background

Before you start getting ready for your wedding choose a designated spot that is off-limits in terms of bags, bobby pins, plastic water bottles, and anything else that could be a distraction within your photos.  You’ll want to find a spot with some decent natural lighting and not too many distractions, like over-the-top artwork for example, to take photos of you putting on your wedding attire and accessories like necklaces, shoes, or ties.

3. The Details

There are a LOT of details that go into your wedding day, which is why it is SO important to document them as we start getting ready for your wedding day!  You’ll want to purchase or find a box that can hold all of the wedding day details that you would like documented.  Along with that box, you’ll also want to have a wooden hanger for your dress to be displayed for photos!  Look around your getting ready space and if you have a specific spot you would like your detail photos taken in be sure to let me know!

4. The Space

Depending on the size of your wedding party you’ll be DEFINITELY wanting to have a lot of space for getting ready.  Your wedding party will have bags, there will be snacks, there will be hair and makeup going on, you’ll want space to dance and have some fun so you’ll want to make sure you have enough room for all of the above!  When talking in terms of standard hotel rooms you’ll want about one standard size room per 5 people getting ready.  Two of my personal favorite getting-ready locations were Marriott Pere Marquette in Peoria Illinois or the getting-ready space at The Legacy Building in El Paso.

5. The Feel

You’re going to want to start the party early so have someone in your wedding party put together a fucking awesome playlist filled with throwbacks, current songs, and ALL the inside joke songs.  Bring along some champagne, bring on the Chic-fil-a Sandwiches, and get ready to party the morning of your wedding day!

Above all, you’re going to want to be in a space surrounded by your favorite people as you get ready to marry your favorite person.

Looking for more wedding day inspiration? Check out this Styled Shoot at The Legacy Building