Photo: Garter and Whiskey Photography via Bri Williams Events
Have a checklist handy and pack in advance. "There's no worse feeling than showing up to your wedding and realizing you left something crucial behind. So, let's make sure that doesn't happen! A couple of weeks before your wedding date, create a list of everything you'll need or want to have with you on the big day. This includes the obvious things like your gown, accessories and your vows, but should also include things that could easily be left behind like gifts for your wedding party, phone chargers, or a first aid kit. At Generation Tux, we make sure the groom has everything they'll need to complete their looks, conveniently packaged together in one box. No excuse for a forgotten tie or pocket square left at home." —Trevor Wessman-Lavelle, SVP of Marketing, Generation Tux
Photo: Rachel Red Photography via Christina Baxter Weddings
Choose a "getting ready" outfit. "As comfy as that old college t-shirt that you typically sleep in is, it's not exactly the ideal outfit for photos on your wedding day. Choose a bridal-inspired robe or set of PJs (or both!) to ensure you're looking your best even when you're still in the process of getting your hair and makeup done." —Kristy Breed & Helen Semovski, Director & Designer, Le Rose Stories
Photo: Wiley Putnam via Bridal Bliss
Be sure to stay hydrated! "Your wedding weekend will be full of exciting events and celebrating, and it's easy to get dehydrated when the champagne is flowing. Drink lots of water the night before your wedding so you feel your best when you are getting ready and can fully enjoy the day." —Bri Williams, Owner and Lead Planner, Bri Williams Events
Do a morning meditation. "Morning meditation is a practice I highly recommend for anyone on a daily basis, but especially on your wedding day! Taking a moment to be still and quiet and reflect on topics that you may not have the time to think about during the busy day is an excellent way to start the day. This may look different for each person, but I suggest meditating on things like appreciation, your relationship so far and what you dream it to look like in the future, and reassuring yourself that your day is going to unfold exactly as it should. If you're really ambitious, as you raise your energy vibes through this meditation, you can partake in some manifesting and create exactly what you envision for your best day ever. Kicking off the day with this practice is sure to set the tone for your day and helps you to be calm and present from start to finish." —Alexandra Denniston, Owner & Lead Planner, Eventlightenment Planning
Photo: Phillip Casey Photography via Carolina Occasions
Lean on your wedding party or planner to take care of little details. "Wedding days can be the best day of your life, but also the most stressful. In order to keep it stress free, especially in the morning while you're getting ready before the big events take place, you must delegate some tasks. Have a responsible bridesmaid pick up breakfast in the morning, ask your maid of honor to bring a speaker for music, ask mom to double check you have everything on your list. Or hire a wedding planner to take care of these tasks to keep your mind at ease so you can relax while being pampered. Either way, you'll need help and don't be afraid to ask for it." —Casey Stamouli, Owner & Lead Planning, Casey & Co. Events
Photo: Rachel Red Photography via Parte Events
Have proper planning and communication for hair and makeup preparations. "Hair and makeup delays are the number one reason a wedding day timeline is delayed, but this hiccup is avoidable with proper planning and communication. Be sure to ask your beauty team how long they realistically need for each person, then add in cushion time for touchups. If a bridesmaid is not 100% happy with their end result, make sure you as the bride get finished up before they go back to adjust!” —Rachel Red Photography
Photo: Phillip Casy Photography via Terry Kaye Events
Minimize how many people are getting ready together. "The fewer people you get ready with, the calmer and more centered you will feel. Minimize how many people are packed into a getting ready room for a more ease-filled morning. Designate a friend or family member to take care of getting ready snacks and another person to be in charge of cleaning up the room before the photographer arrives." —Jessica Carrillo, Owner, Planner, Designer, Art & Soul Events®
Photo: Jason Snorlax Photography via Royal Lily Boutique
Plan everything ahead of time, so you can prioritize resting right before the wedding. "Plan ahead of time, have little notebook with you all the time for jotting down last minute 'notes to self.' And make sure the week before the wedding you rest and relax." —Lujen Labib, Royal Lily Boutique
Photo: Rachel Pourchier Photography via Bri Williams Events
Delegate a task to each bridesmaid. "Ask your bridesmaids to each help with one task the morning of. Your maid/matron of honor can grab your overnight bag as you head out the door, another friend can make sure no one forgets their bouquets, and another can arrange to have lunch delivered." —Philip Casey, Philip Casey Photography
Photo: Rachel Red Photography
Complete some tasks the day before. "The best way to make sure your morning is as smooth as possible is to get some tasks out of the way the day before. I recommend pre-steaming all bridesmaid dresses and the gown the day before so you can just have final touch ups on the morning of. I also recommend packing everything you might want to bring with you to the reception ahead of time so you don't worry about it in the midst of hair and makeup craziness. This includes a change of shoes, second dress, touch up makeup, hairspray, deodorant, phone charger, etc." —Melanie Levin, Owner of LuckEleven Events
Photo: Phillip Casey Photography via Terry Kaye Events
Stick to your normal diet and routines. "I am forever telling clients that your wedding day is not the time to try out a new routine, depart completely from everything you normally eat, or waver on any medications or vitamins you've been taking daily for years. Because your wedding is going to be so taxing on you already between getting ready, photos, and socializing (not to mention dancing your literal rear-end off on that dance floor), we want your body functioning as close to 'normal' as we can. Be thoughtful in who and what you allow in your space morning-of, and stay as close to the usual routine as possible." —Ashley Lachney, Owner of Alston Mayger Events
Photo: Rachel Red Photography via Christina Baxter Weddings
Opt out of drinking alcohol the night before your wedding. "Having your rehearsal dinner or welcome party the night before the wedding? Swap that champagne for a sparking mocktail to ensure a good night's rest and a hangover-free wedding morning! This way, you can wake up fresh as a daisy ready to take a solo morning sunrise run. Prefer some girl time instead? We suggest a wedding morning bridesmaid yoga class to sweat out any last-minute wedding jitters with some of your favorite people! These tips and tricks will guarantee you a stress-free wedding morning." —Lisa Nightingale, Infinite Events
Photo: Rachel Pourchier Photography via Bri Williams Events
