Our pros dive into their top tips to streamline the day for even the most organized of engaged couples.
By: Meghan Ely
Photo: Tracy Autem Photography
All of your wedding planning ultimately builds up to this — the getting-ready hours before your wedding. While having a planner or someone to oversee the itinerary is usually the go-to, there are more moving parts to bear in mind that can throw things off track if you aren’t careful.
"Have a written timeline. Writing down a rough timeline of events will help you visualize everything that needs to happen the morning of the wedding, so there are no surprises that will derail you. Your hair and makeup vendors, as well as your photographer, can help set these expectations for you. Example: what time does the first bridesmaid’s hair-do start?" —Jen Avey, Destination Weddings Travel Group
"One thing we always advise against is doing other events on the actual wedding day. For instance, bridal brunches, massage appointments, etc., can always run late or get the wedding day timeline off track. So it's a great idea to do all of these in advance. Ordering food into your getting-ready space is always a good idea and creates a relaxing day." —Brittani Perret, Unique Weddings & Events
"Steam dresses and outfits ahead of time. Steam your wedding dress, veil, and any other important outfits (like your mom’s or wedding party’s dresses) the day before the wedding. This saves time and reduces stress on the big day, frees up physical space since steaming and hanging dresses can be cumbersome, and prevents steam from loosening any curls your hairstylist creates." —Nicole Loeb, Nicole Chan Photography
"One way to avoid a lot of last-minute anxiety is to start working on your vows early in the planning process. This will give you the most time to make revisions, get help as you need to, and practice so that you're more comfortable speaking them. We also recommend that you give your officiant and wedding party speakers clear instructions and a lot of time to compose and practice their parts as well, so you're not providing guidance to them at the last minute." —Brian Franklin, Vows & Speeches
"It's important to discuss before the wedding which still life items you would like photographed on your wedding day and have a friend from your wedding party manage those items. Most often, couples will want their stationery suite and jewelry photographed. However, some couples have additional family heirlooms, handkerchiefs, and generational jewelry. You'll want to make sure that all of these items are in a box so that when the photographer arrives, they don't have to search for and gather these items. With a friend managing it, you will have one less thing to worry about." —Melani Lust, Melani Lust Photography
"Everything will feel sluggish when your mind isn't in tip-top shape. You will want to set up your body and mind for the best day ever. Getting ready will flow when your mind is performing at its best. Prep the night before to get a head start on hydration. Have your favorite hydration drink ready as soon as you wake up. Being hydrated will let your mind function at its best, allowing you to have a clear head and get ready for your wedding with ease and efficiency." —Mary Angelini, Key Moment Films
"Before your actual wedding, we recommend being fully prepared before the day. I recommend that you write down everything you need to do on your actual wedding day to get ready and then divide the list into what you actually need to do versus what you can delegate to someone else to handle. Anything you can delegate, do so, and tell that person everything they could possibly need for whatever they need to handle. Some of those items might be delivering a gift or card to your partner, passing out tips, or bringing a change of clothes to the reception for you. Then, look at the list for you and do anything you can do the day or week before. This might include getting your nails done, writing a letter to your partner, getting your outfit pressed, dividing out tips, etc." —Samantha Leenheer, House of Joy
"If you are getting ready with friends and family, you should always be done first. This is your moment to shine, and you need to have everything exactly how you want it. Your stylist will set a specific amount of time for each person, but I've seen it happen more than once that redo or touch-up requests slow things down, and then the stylist is rushing to finish on time. Not good! Your friends and family will have plenty of time to finish getting ready while you're doing your first look, exchanging presents, etc. Save yourself that stress and put yourself first for this one." —Kevin Heslin, Kevin Heslin Photography
"Remember that no matter what, there will be little issues, and it simply does not matter; you are getting married, everyone will be happy, and stressing over absolutely anything will never improve anything and fix nothing, but it absolutely can ruin your wedding day. You did everything you needed beforehand. Now, just relax and experience the day and the production you have worked on for so long. Do not become a vendor for your own wedding; you have your team for that." —Julian Ribinik, Julian Ribinik Studios
Efficiency will be key on the morning and/or day of your wedding, but remember to enjoy all of the small moments leading up to your celebration!
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.
