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Wedding Prep 101: Planning Out Your Perfect Morning


Wedding morning hair and makeup
Photography:@kategrayphotography | Hair:@oxfordshirebridalhairandmakeup | Venue:@merriscourt

You’ve got the dress, you’ve got the shoes, you’ve got your makeup artist booked, all that’s left is to put it all together and finally feel like a bride! The best way to make sure all goes smoothly on the morning of your wedding? Plan out when, where, and how you’re getting ready in advance. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t panic I have your back. Keep scrolling and discover my top tips and tricks to prepare for the calm, cool, and collected wedding morning of your dreams.


Choose Where To Get Ready

Whether it’s a hotel room, your bedroom, or a relatives’ living room, choosing that all-important space to get ready in is the key to your perfect wedding morning. Need a hand? Take a look at the handy checklist below to make sure your chosen room has all you need for the big day.


Wedding hair and makeup
Photography:@elerigriffithsphoto

Think about how many people will be getting ready alongside you in the space. Don’t forget to include any extras you may have such as your makeup artist, hair stylist and photographer.


Is there a set-up space?

Aside from all the things you and your bridal party will have laid out on the morning of your wedding (think hair straighteners/curlers, hairbrushes, makeup, flowers, etc.) you’ll need to make sure there’s enough room for your makeup artist and/or hair stylist to set up too. If you’re in a hotel a desk or dresser is ideal, if it’s a bedroom or living area, maybe think about bringing in a small table for them to work at.


Photography:@davidcliffweddings | Hair:@monice_hair | Venue:@richmondhillhotel

Is There A Natural Light Source?

Especially important for outdoor ceremonies and summer brides, having a source of natural light in the room where you’re getting ready is always a good idea. Not only will it make the morning feel lighter and brighter, it’s also much better for your makeup artist to do your makeup accurately with natural light.


Prep Your Skin

To prep your skin for your wedding day, simply make sure it’s clean, makeup-free, and moisturised. Your makeup artist will take care of the rest!


London Wedding Morning
Photography:@nickrayphoto | Hair:@roxyfarrier | Venue:@kimptonfitzroy

Prep Your Hair

Heard dirtier hair styles better? You can go ahead and ignore that tip. Clean hair is a must for your wedding day - and your hairstylist! As for when you should wash it, do that whenever you usually would before an event. The night before, the morning of, you’ll know when’s best.


Pick Out Your Outfit

Before you go ahead and slip into your dream dress, there’s another look to consider. The outfit you’ll be wearing on the morning of your wedding! My advice? Go for whatever is coolest and most comfortable. A white satin nightie or silk pyjamas might look great in photos but if you feel too hot or exposed, you just won’t be relaxed. That’s so important as you have your makeup and hair done and prepare for your aisle walk! So, slip into something super comfy that can be easily removed without interfering with your hair and makeup. Remember you can always slip into your matching robes or pj’s for bridal party pics before or after, just make sure they’re easy to get on and off without spoiling your look!


Wedding hair and makeup
Photography:@amysandersphoto | Hair:@sophistic_hair

Play Your Favorite Songs

One of my absolute favourite tips for any bride on her wedding morning is to come prepared with a playlist of her favourite songs in the world. Hearing them can quickly calm your nerves, plus, it sets the vibe for the day and makes for a chilled yet fun-filled atmosphere whilst you’re getting ready. Try a mix of upbeat songs for photographs with your bridesmaids and calmer tunes to compose you before you leave the room and head for the aisle!

Don’t Skip Breakfast

With so much going on around you (not to mention those excited wedding morning jitters!) it’s so easy to skip breakfast on your big day. But, even if you can’t stomach a full meal, try to eat a few mouthfuls of something. It’ll settle your stomach, and make you feel less shaky and more awake!


Photography:@elliegillardphotography | Hair:@monice_hair

Coordinate With Your Makeup Artist

Before the big day, we’ll work together to plan out your hair and makeup timeline for the whole morning. That includes who’s getting their hair/makeup done and in which order. As the bride, it’s most important that you feel completely happy with your look - so we’ll get you ready first! That way you can simply relax and sip on a cold glass of prosecco ready to put on your dress when needed. Then it’s a few final touch-ups and you’re all set for your I Do!


London Wedding Makeup
Photography:@natasha_hurley | Hair:@monice_hair

Looking for the prettiest hair and makeup ideas for your big day? These real brides are all the inspiration you need!


Love Alyse x


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