The morning of your wedding can be a mix of emotions — excitement, nervousness, you name it. But stress shouldn’t be one of them. This is the day you’ve been waiting for, and you get to spend the morning surrounded by your closest friends and family before you say “I do.” It’s time to toast your new chapter and enjoy a few special hours together before the celebrations really get underway.
Here are some tips from a Calgary wedding photographer for brides to have a stress-free wedding morning.
Get Organized Ahead of Time
Your wedding-morning prep for your Calgary wedding will go much more smoothly if you get organized ahead of time. Most brides aren’t at home the night before their wedding, so you’ll want to make a checklist to ensure you have everything you need for the big day. You’ll need your gown, shoes, and veil (if you’re wearing one), but don’t forget your jewellery, undergarments, wardrobe tape, vows, or a bag with essential supplies you may need the day of (tissues, mints, tampons, sewing kit, super glue, deodorant, and so on).
If you need to steam your gown or veil, do so the night before if possible. This saves tons of time on the wedding morning. Your hair and makeup team will also thank you, as steam can ruin expertly coiffed curls and meticulously applied makeup.
I’ve seen many couples furiously copying vows from their phones to their vow book on the morning of the wedding, and I would advise against this. Take a few minutes in the days leading up to the wedding to write your vows in your vow book and save yourself stress on the day — or risk forgetting to do it all together.
Avoid Rushing
Work with your wedding planner, coordinator, or photographer to craft a timeline that leaves breathing room. Time has a way of flying by on a wedding day (trust me on this — I was even late to my own wedding), and everything takes just a little bit longer when you’re trying to get multiple people out the door. Before making your timeline, consult with your hair and makeup team to get an accurate idea of how long each person will take, and then tell anyone getting beauty services exactly what time they need to be in the chair — it’s also helpful to let them know what time they need to be dressed (especially the person helping you into your gown) and en route to the ceremony. You’ll need to factor in additional time if you want intricate flat lay photographs of your wedding details or any first looks with bridesmaids or family members.
Make a Details Box or Bag
Speaking of detail flat lays, these take a lot longer than you think! Most photographers need a minimum of half an hour and upwards of an hour (depending on the amount of details and variations needed). Talk about this with your photographer when you design your timeline, and if you want to skip these shots (or any others for that matter, let them know).
If you have special details you’d like photographed, gather everything into a box or bag before your photographer arrives. Then we can take it all over to a quiet spot and do our thing without bugging you to find items. Some common detail items include rings and ring boxes, jewellery, invitation suites, veils, shoes, heirlooms, and bouquets (just let us know where this is and we’ll grab it).
Choose Your Getting-Ready Location Carefully
If there isn’t a getting-ready suite on-site at your venue, choose a location that’s got plenty of natural light and space for everyone (and all of their getting-ready items). Lots of window light makes for beautiful photos, and it’s important to have a place to stash bags so things don’t look cluttered. It’s also helpful to choose a spot that’s close to your ceremony venue to avoid any traffic delays. Bonus points if it’s also close to your partner’s getting-ready location so your photographer doesn’t have to travel far in-between.
Don’t Forget to Eat and Hydrate
Seriously. The mimosas are usually flowing, you’re having a great time with your people, and it’s easy to forget to eat or drink water. You likely won’t eat again until dinner, unless you pack some snacks for the limo, so you need to eat a good breakfast — or lunch, depending on your ceremony time — before everything gets underway. Make sure your wedding party eats too.
And go easy on the mimosas. Save the partying for the reception and drink plenty of water while you get ready. Don’t forget to visit the washroom before you put on your dress either!
Do a Practice RunBefore the wedding morning, do a practice run getting in and out of your dress with the person who will be helping you into it. Some gowns are an easy zip, but others are much more complicated — especially if there are lots of buttons. Photographers have plenty of experience doing up different dresses and can jump in if needed, but you also need us to capture moments during this time. Make sure someone in your wedding party (or a friend / family member) knows how to fasten your bustle too.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
Your wedding party and family are there for you on your wedding morning, so let them know how they can help. It can be stressful having everyone asking you what you want / need constantly, so talk to them beforehand and delegate tasks accordingly. It’s also important to let them know what you don’t want that morning and how they can help reduce stress. Ensure everyone is clear on the getting-ready location address, the parking situation, the wedding timeline, and what they need to bring with them.
I’ve been involved in wedding-morning prep as a photographer, bridesmaid, and as a bride, and I’m always happy to help my clients plan their day so they can enjoy it to the fullest. I’ve included links to a couple of other helpful blog posts below, and please reach out if you’re looking for a Calgary wedding photographer.
