My Wedding Morning & Bridal Prep Tips — From a Photographer
Getting Ready for Your Wedding Morning
Getting ready in the morning is one of my favourite moments to capture on a wedding day — it’s full of excitement, emotion, and those little in-between moments that tell the story of your day.
As a past bride, I completely understand what it feels like to be on the other side of the camera! You’ll probably wake up feeling a mix of nerves and butterflies, and it might feel a little surreal that your big day has finally arrived.
If you’re unsure what to expect or just want your morning to run smoothly, don’t stress. I’ve put together some friendly, practical tips to help you enjoy your getting-ready moments to the fullest.
Plan Your Bridal Prep Timeline
A little preparation goes a long way. If you’re having your hair and makeup done professionally, your artist will usually provide a timeline ahead of the day. Share this with your bridal party so everyone knows when they’re needed — it saves a lot of confusion and avoids last-minute panics. You can even assign someone to keep an eye on timings (a bridesmaid, your mum, or whoever is most organised!) so you don’t have to worry about it.
Create a Fun Wedding Morning Playlist
Music has such a big impact on the vibe of the morning. Create a playlist full of your favourite feel-good songs — or ask a bridesmaid to put one together. If you have a hen-do playlist, reuse it for some extra nostalgia! A good playlist helps calm nerves, fills the room with laughter, and sets the tone for a fun, relaxed morning — especially once the bubbly’s been popped.
Organise Your Bridal Details for Photos
When it comes to capturing your wedding details — like perfume, jewellery, invitations, shoes, or flowers — it’s completely up to you how much you want photographed. My best advice? Pop everything into a small bag or box the night before. That way, in the morning, you can simply hand them over to me (or your photographer) without any fuss and then sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself. See examples of bridal prep photography in my portfolio.
Let Your Bridal Party Help
Your bridal party and family are there to help! Don’t hesitate to hand out small tasks — like checking on breakfast, tidying up, or keeping track of the timeline. Assigning these jobs beforehand means everyone can enjoy the morning knowing things are under control. Remember, you’ve already put in all the hard work of planning your wedding — now it’s time to relax and enjoy your morning with your favourite people.
Stay Hydrated and Fueled During Bridal Prep
With all the excitement, it’s easy to forget to eat or drink enough. Start your day with an electrolyte and a big glass of water, and make sure you have something substantial to eat (even if nerves mean you’re not super hungry). If you’re likely to forget, ask a bridesmaid to be your “hydration hero” — someone who keeps you topped up with snacks and water. You’ll thank them later!
Give Yourself Time to Relax Before the Ceremony
The last hour before your ceremony will zoom by. Try to plan to be in your dress at least an hour before you need to leave. This gives you time to breathe, enjoy a sip of bubbly, share special moments with your bridal party — and maybe even have a “first look” if you’re planning one. Having that calm cushion of time makes a huge difference in how relaxed you feel.
Embrace the Beautiful Chaos of Bridal Prep
Let’s be honest — wedding mornings can get a little messy! Between hair tools, makeup brushes, half-open suitcases, and champagne glasses, it’s all part of the fun.
And honestly, it doesn’t matter if things feel a bit chaotic — that’s real life, and as a documentary photographer, I love capturing it exactly as it unfolds. Those candid, in-between moments often tell the best stories. The laughter, the last-minute flurry, the little bits of chaos — they’re what make your morning unique.
If you’d like a tidy backdrop for a few portraits later on, it’s worth asking a bridesmaid to be on “tidy-up duty.” That way, you can stay relaxed and fully in the moment while still having a beautiful space ready for those final pre-ceremony photos.
First Looks: A Special Moment During Your Wedding Morning
Documenting first looks is always such a special moment — they’re often one of the most emotional memories from your wedding morning. I always recommend planning one if your bridal party hasn’t seen your dress yet.
A first look can be shared with your bridesmaids, your dad, or anyone who holds a special place in your life. It’s a lovely, heartfelt pause in the morning — and your photographer will help find the perfect spot for it to unfold naturally.
An American tradition is to have a first look with your partner before walking down the aisle. If this feels right for you both, it’s a beautiful way to share a quiet, emotional moment together before the celebrations begin.
Whichever first looks you choose, make sure to chat with your photographer ahead of your big day so it can be included in your timeline. As a rough guide, set aside around 10–15 minutes so it feels relaxed and unhurried — it’s a moment you’ll definitely want to savour.
Final Thoughts on Enjoying Your Wedding Morning & Bridal Prep
I hope these little tips help you feel more prepared for your wedding morning — and remind you to simply enjoy it. It’s such a beautiful, emotional part of the day, filled with laughter, happy tears, and meaningful moments with your closest friends and family. From one bride to another, try to take it all in — the excitement, the nerves, the beautiful chaos. It’s an incredible start to the day, and every moment is worth soaking up as it unfolds.
If you’re planning your wedding in Lancashire or the North West and want your morning captured naturally, I’d love to capture your story.
