How to Make the Getting Ready Portion of Your Wedding Day Run Smoothly Salt Lake City
How to Make the Getting Ready Portion of Your Wedding Day Run Smoothly
The morning of your wedding day sets the tone for the rest of your celebration. A calm, organized, and joyful getting-ready experience allows you to start your day on the right foot and ensures you look and feel your absolute best. As a Salt Lake City wedding photographer, I have captured countless weddings and have seen firsthand what makes the getting-ready portion of the day seamless and stress-free.
From setting the mood with the perfect playlist to stocking up on must-have snacks, this guide will cover everything you need to curate a relaxed and picture-perfect morning. Whether you're a bride, groom, or part of the wedding party, these expert tips from Bella Alder Photo + Film will help you start your big day stress-free and full of excitement.
1. Choose the Right Getting Ready Location
Your getting-ready location plays a huge role in how smooth and stress-free your morning feels. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the perfect space:
Plenty of Natural Light: As a photographer, I can’t stress this enough! Natural light enhances photos, creating soft, flattering images. Look for a space with large windows and minimal artificial lighting.
Spacious Layout: Avoid cramped hotel rooms. Opt for a bridal suite, Airbnb, or venue space with plenty of room for you, your bridal party, and vendors.
Aesthetic & Clean Backgrounds: A well-decorated and clutter-free environment elevates your wedding portraits.
Close to Your Ceremony Venue: Reducing travel time minimizes unnecessary stress and delays.
2. Curate the Perfect Getting Ready Playlist
Music has the power to set the mood. Start the morning with upbeat, happy vibes to keep nerves at bay. Here are a few playlist ideas to match different moods:
Chill & Romantic: John Mayer, Taylor Swift (Lover era), Norah Jones
Energetic & Fun: Lizzo, Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, Harry Styles
Classic Throwbacks: Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys, Madonna
Wedding-Themed: “Marry You” by Bruno Mars, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley, “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne
Encourage your bridal party to add their favorites to a shared playlist so everyone feels included!
3. Set a Realistic & Organized Timeline
A smooth morning starts with a well-planned schedule. Here’s an example of a stress-free wedding morning timeline:
7:00 AM – Wake up, eat a light breakfast, and hydrate
8:00 AM – Hair and makeup artists arrive
9:30 AM – Bridesmaids/moms start getting hair & makeup done
11:00 AM – Bride starts hair & makeup
12:30 PM – Bridesmaids/moms finish hair & makeup
1:00 PM – Bride finishes hair & makeup
1:30 PM – Getting into the dress (allow 30-45 minutes for buttons, corsets, etc.)
2:15 PM – Bridal portraits
2:30 PM – First look (if planned)
3:00 PM – Depart for ceremony
Work with your photographer and wedding planner to ensure your schedule allows ample time for getting ready photos and buffers for any delays.
4. Keep Your Bridal Suite Tidy
A clean and organized space not only helps you feel more relaxed but also ensures stunning photos. Here’s how to keep your space tidy:
Designate a corner for personal items (bags, shoes, coats) to keep them out of the background.
Use matching robes or button-down shirts for uniformity in getting-ready photos.
Have a steamer or iron ready to smooth out any wrinkles in dresses and veils.
Clean up food & drinks before your photographer arrives to avoid distractions in images.
5. Nourish Yourself with the Right Snacks & Drinks
Eating and hydrating are essential to keep energy levels high. Here are some great getting-ready snacks to have on hand:
Best Snacks for Brides & Bridal Parties:
Protein-packed options: Greek yogurt, nuts, cheese
Hydrating fruits: Watermelon, berries, oranges
Light carbs: Crackers, granola bars, toast
Avoid greasy, messy foods that could stain dresses
Drink Recommendations:
Infused water: Cucumber-mint, lemon-lime, or berry-infused water
Herbal teas: Chamomile for calm nerves, peppermint for digestion
Mimosas or Champagne: If desired, keep it light to avoid dehydration
6. Get Ready in the Right Order
The sequence of getting ready is just as important as the timing. Here’s the best order for an efficient morning:
Bridesmaids and mothers first: They should finish hair and makeup before the bride starts.
Bride second-to-last: Allow enough time for adjustments.
Bride’s finishing touches last: Lipstick, veil, accessories after the dress is on.
7. Have an Emergency Kit Ready
A well-stocked wedding emergency kit can save the day. Essentials to include:
Fashion tape & safety pins
Sewing kit & extra buttons
Oil blotting sheets & powder
Pain relievers & band-aids
Stain remover wipes
Phone charger
Breath mints
8. Plan for Special Getting Ready Photos
Your getting-ready moments create some of the most intimate and beautiful images of the day. Consider including:
Flat lay photos: Invitations, jewelry, shoes, perfume, sentimental items.
Candid moments: Laughing with bridesmaids, hugging parents, popping champagne.
Bridal portraits: Before stepping into your dress and after final touch-ups.
9. Be Present & Enjoy the Moment
It’s easy to get caught up in logistics, but take time to soak it all in. Let go of perfection and trust your photographer, planner, and bridal party to handle any last-minute details. This is your day—enjoy every second of it!
10. Work with Experienced Vendors
Choosing a Salt Lake City wedding photographer like Bella Alder Photo + Film ensures your day runs smoothly. With years of experience capturing weddings, I help create a relaxed and seamless getting-ready experience that results in stunning images.
If you’re planning a wedding and want breathtaking, authentic photos, let’s chat! Contact Bella Alder Photo + Film today to book your Salt Lake City wedding photography session and ensure your wedding morning is as magical as the rest of your day.