Hi Bridal Diaries Gang! 💌

Hope wedmin is going well!? 🤍

I know you have a million other things to plan, but I just wanted to pop in your inbox to with a little nudge about something that so often gets forgotten - don’t forget to factor in the wedding morning! You’ve planned so many incredible moments, the aisle, the outfits, the party, the confetti!…all the big ‘wow’ moments you’ve been dreaming about for weeks, months or..maybe even years?! But one thing we often that’s forgotten, is…what does it look like before we say ‘I do’?

The butterflies, the laughter, the quiet moments, the champagne pops…that’s the bit that sets the tone for everything!

This one isn’t just important for the girls though! Grooms, I’m looking at you too! A little bit of thought and planning now can completely transform your morning from ‘roll out of bed and hope for the best’ to a morning surrounded by your closest friends and family that you’ll remember forever

So grab your partner, pour a cup of tea (or something bubbly, no judgement- we all know we sometimes need it!), get cosy, and let’s walk through together how to start your wedding day in a way that feels completely you…

Brides…

First…let’s set the mood

1. Be selective with who you surround yourself with.

   Do you know you’ll be a nervous bride? grab the people you know will calm you. Or if you want to be alone getting ready, that’s totally fine too! Do you want an excited, hyped up atmosphere to get you in the party mood? call in your girls who will pop the prosecco, sing along and get you buzzing.

2. Food, food, food.

   I know it’ll be the last thing on your mind, but it’s going to be a long day ahead of you and you need fuel. Now I know you’ll be worried about looking good in your dress and not bloating/food baby etc etc, I get it! But trust me when I say you will need energy for the day. Don’t just pick on a few pastries in your room, prioritise getting in a good breakfast to set you up for the day, and remember…hydrate, hydrate, hydrate (electrolyte sachets are key for this!)

3. Never underestimate the ability for music to help get you in the mood. Create a playlist before that fits your personality and the vibe you are trying to achieve- chilled, emotional, old school throwbacks or a full on dance party? It’ll make the world of difference. Get the tunes on, shake off the nerves and maybe have a little dance with your bridesmaids to hype you up…instant energy shift!

4. Consider preparing a details/flat lay box the night before. This can include your invitation, rings, shoes, perfume, jewellery, vow books. It just means that your photographer can walk in and start shooting immediately without interrupting your flow to ask where anything is. Future you will be grateful!

Second…let’s talk logistics and timings!

1. Hair and make up

   Hair and make up will take around 2-3 hours and then you may also need some time and help to get into your dress or lengha draping too. The HMUA will then need to do any touch ups before you take the bridal portraits so give yourself an extra 45 minutes breathing room for this. I cannot explain how much faffing every bride does on her wedding morning, so you need to factor time in for this! It’s always better to be ready early than rushing!

2. Bridal and bridal party portraits

   You need about 1-1.5 hours for this. In this time you can do: bridal portraits, veil shots, bridal party photos, reveals and family photos. If you are a bride who has been saving all those ‘getting ready tiktoks’ - factor in an extra 30 minutes here!

3. Logistics - give yourself time for breakfast and a toilet break…trust me when I say peeing in a huge dress isn’t easy!

4. Delays - delays always happen, whether it’s with you getting ready, the bridesmaids, traffic, weather- just factor in buffer time whenever you can!

Grooms…

The biggest mistake? Treating the groom morning like an afterthought. This is your last morning before becoming a husband. Take a step back, soak it all in and enjoy!

1. Make it personal - which family or friends do you want to be surrounded by in the morning? What music will get you in the mood? Do you want a toast with the groomsmen? A gym session? A little dance with your family? Whatever it is, plan it early!

2. Timings and logistics - aim to be ready and dressed at least 1.5 hours (+travel) before so you have time to fit in some getting ready shots, detailed shots (cufflinks/shoes/vows) and groom, groomsmen and family. No rushing, no stress.

To first look, or not to first look…

If you are thinking of doing a first look with each other, or with your bridal party/groomsmen and/or family make sure you schedule it at least 90 minutes before ceremony.

You need time for the moment itself, photos…and most importantly time to breathe, reflect and soak it all in together with your close family and friends. It’s such an emotional time so you want to allow yourself to be present for it. Also make sure someone is coordinating this for you or it just won’t happen!

Those slow, intentional morning hours?

They’re the part you’ll replay forever 🤍

Love always,

Pristine Events 🤍