Getting ready on your wedding morning can feel exciting and nerve-racking at the same time. How you spend these first few hours sets the tone for the entire celebration. Here’s a step-by-step timeline to help you stay calm and make the most of your time before you walk down the aisle.
- Welcome the Morning With a Calm Mind
Wake up early and set the scene for serenity. The last thing you want is to rush around as your glam team and bridal party arrive. Here are activities to keep you calm and grounded:
- Play your feel-good playlist: Music can help reduce stress and anxiety, helping you face the day in a positive mood. Choose slow-tempo, relaxing beats and shift to upbeat songs while getting your makeup.
- Limit phone usage: Now’s not the time for doom-scrolling. Put your phone on “do not disturb” mode so you can savor every moment of your day.
- Light a scented candle: Try aromatherapy to help calm your nerves. Opt for scents you know bring you good vibes.
- Engage in some light exercise: Try yoga indoors or take a walk around a nearby park. Avoid strenuous exercises to prevent feeling sore.
- Delegate Logistical Tasks
One of the most overlooked elements is the emotional atmosphere in the morning. The energy in your suite is contagious. A crowded room can exacerbate your pre-wedding anxiety, while an organized and happy space will help put you at ease. Delegating tasks will help you maintain your peace on your special day.
First, appoint a “Director of Logistics.” This is usually the Maid of Honor or the wedding coordinator, but any organized and level-headed person can take the reins. Their job is to field all incoming questions that would otherwise cause stress.
You can also appoint a “Photo Supervisor” who’s in charge of getting the right people together in front of the camera. This person must know your guests best, so they won’t have to look far. If you don’t have a content creator, ask a bridesmaid to help out. Give them your phone so they can snap candid moments your photographer might miss.
- Eat Nutritious Foods and Stay Hydrated
The breakfast on your wedding day is the fuel that powers you through hours of preparation and exciting activities ahead. Choose foods that are easy to digest so you feel your best during the busy prep hours. Avocado toast is a delicious treat rich in nutrients and fiber, which can help slow digestion and keep you feeling full longer.
Other great choices include pancakes and fruits, egg sandwiches, yogurt parfaits and acai bowls. If bloating is a concern, choose foods that can help balance sodium and fluid levels, such as cucumber, oatmeal, bananas and berries. Stock up on snacks for the morning and have someone remind you to eat throughout the day.
Proper hydration is key to sustaining your energy and feeling your best. Keep a reusable water bottle with you or your Maid of Honor at all times so you can take a few sips regularly. Sip on herbal tea or coconut water for variety. If you’re a regular coffee drinker, have only one cup to avoid caffeine jitters.
- Do Your Skin Care Routine
Achieving a radiant glow is a priority for many brides. The desire to look and feel one’s best for a life milestone is a part of a larger movement as more people become interested in cosmetic procedures, such as fillers, chemical peels and Botox.
While your wedding morning isn’t the ideal time for a noninvasive procedure, you can use a calming skin care routine to achieve a perfect canvas. Here’s how to prep your skin for flawless, long-lasting makeup:
- Cleanse: Use a creamy or gel-based cleanser to wash away oil or sweat.
- Apply a hydrating serum: A good hyaluronic acid can help draw moisture into the skin. Apply a few drops to your face and neck.
- Depuff the eye area: Apply eye cream with a gentle, patting motion. Use a chilled jade roller and gently glide it from the inner corner of your under eye outward.
- Moisturize: A good moisturizer locks in the hydration from the previous products, creating a smooth canvas for makeup.
- Protect with SPF: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to shield your skin from UV rays.
- Make Time for Meditation
The arrival of your family, glam squad and bridesmaids can bring excitement and a wave of chaotic energy. It might seem impossible to find a moment of peace, but this is when you need it most. Carve out a small pocket of calm for yourself after hair and makeup and before you get into your dress. This helps you mentally prepare before the photoshoot.
Practicing meditation — even just for five minutes — can help reduce stress levels and regulate your breathing. Find a quiet place where you can be alone. Sit on the floor or a chair and let your body relax. Close your eyes, take a deep breath through your nose, hold it for a few seconds and exhale all the air through your mouth.
- Get Dressed
Wear your wedding gown after your hair is fully sprayed, your makeup is set and you have finished eating. This strategy minimizes the risk of having makeup smudges, hairspray residue and food spills. Choose one or two people beforehand to help you get into the dress. Ensure they have clean hands and remain calm under pressure.
Step into the dress from the floor and have helpers lift it up around you. If your dress has a row of tiny buttons, use a buttonhook or crochet hook. For a corset, ensure someone knows how to lace it properly for both comfort and appearance. Once the dress is on, consider doing a “reveal” for your bridesmaids and parents. The reaction of your loved ones can be a fantastic photo opportunity.
- Spend a Moment With Your Partner
In a room full of people, activity and music, find time to meet your partner, even for just a short while. Sharing time together before appearing in front of your guests can help reinforce the “why” behind the special day. Tradition says it’s unlucky for the groom to see the bride before the wedding ceremony, but modern couples are becoming more open-minded.
If you want to maintain the custom, consider having a “first touch.” You and your partner stand on opposite sides of a corner or doorway, unable to see each other, but close enough to hold hands. During this time, you can share a prayer or a cheerful message. For more spontaneous couples, a short voice note can be just as meaningful.
What to Avoid on Your Wedding Morning
It’s your wedding day, and you deserve to look and feel your best. Remember to avoid:
- Eating salty foods: Processed foods can cause bloating, which isn’t ideal if you’re planning to wear a fitted dress.
- Trying new skin care products: The morning of your special day is not the best time to experiment. A new product can cause an unexpected irritation or a breakout.
- Responding to stressful messages: Your job on your wedding morning is to relax and savor every moment. This is why it’s important to delegate all day-of logistics and communication to trusted people.
- Overcrowding your getting-ready area: Too many people in the room can overwhelm you. Keep the space limited to your immediate family, wedding party and glam squad.
Have a Stress-Free Bridal Morning Routine
The best bridal morning routine is all about feeling happy, centered and ready to enjoy every moment. You’ve put in so much work to get here, so treat this morning as your reward. Let go of any last-minute stress, trust the people around you and soak in the moment.
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