When you envision getting ready on your wedding day with your bridesmaids, you probably envision getting your hair and makeup done while sipping mimosas as the photographer floats around the room capturing the moment. Right? Well, all of this can totally happen with proper planning! Having a professional planner will help you stay on track that day and is worth it so your day starts off stress free. Read my tips below for a successful morning.

P.S. Don’t forget – the outfit you and your girls get ready in is almost as important as what you wear down the aisle. There are SO many photos/video being taken you want to make sure you look fabulous.

1. Have a timeline

Having a timeline for the day is absolutely crucial to how the day will go. If you’re having an evening wedding you have a little more time than a mid afternoon wedding, however you’ll still probably have to start your day around 7 AM. To know when to start getting ready begin with the time that your wedding starts or that you need to arrive the ceremony venue, and work backward. Also, hair and makeup can take 60 to 90 minutes each for the bride, and 30 to 45 minutes each for every bridesmaid and the mother of the bride. Depending on how many stylists you’re using, this can greatly affect your timeline. Like I said above, having a planner will help you all stay on track. I used Tres Chic Southern Weddings & Events to help with the planning process. The owner Whitney, was there right when we started hair and makeup.

2. Hang your dress and veil

If possible, hang everything up the day before the wedding, out of the garment bag. I also laid out my shoes and accessories so I knew I had everything. If you can’t do it the night before, make sure to do it right when you wake up and make sure it’s in a spot where no one will disturb it.

3. Don’t over drink

Having mimosas or bellinis for your group is always fun – just don’t over do it. I recommend two per person and make sure to eat breakfast and lunch. It’s always nice to also provide your girls with plenty of snacks so no one goes hungry that day.

4. Have plenty of food

As I was saying above, you don’t want to be a hungry bride or have hungry bridesmaids. Make sure to have an array of filling, breakfast and/or lunch options for your wedding party that will keep them full until the reception. I ordered wrap sandwiches, fruit and veggie platters, chips and cupcakes. We also had a basket with an assortment of crackers, granola bars, trail mix and pretzels. You can pre-order from a local deli or pre-order room service if you’re at a hotel. Everyone will be so busy the day of that it just makes it a lot easier to do it in advanced.

5. Have fabulous music ready

No one likes to sit in silence. If you have a bridesmaid who always knows the best new music, ask her to create a playlist for the big day. Having upbeat and fun tunes ready will put everyone in a good mood and ease nerves. Dance party, anyone?

6. Don’t forget to give out bridesmaid gifts

If you have matching pajamas or getting ready robes, distribute them the night before so they can wear them on arrival or change into them right when they arrive. The girls will love the fun surprise and it will start the day on a fun note!

7. Make sure the room you’re getting ready in is light and bright

When choosing your getting ready venue, make sure there is plenty of natural light for photographs. Having a bright space will also help your stylists see how your hair and makeup looks in the day light. A large space is also important so everyone doesn’t feel cramped. If you have a large bridal party and multiple artists the space will fill up quickly with items like garmet bags and beauty tools.

8. Have an emergency kit

Nails chip, hair droops, someone forgets a hair brush – things happen. That is why it’s important to make a small emergency kit and place it in the bathroom for bridesmaids to use. Fill it with hair spray, fashion tape, tissues, mints, stain remover, etc.

9. Proper planning

Having an event planner with you through out the day will definitely help with stress. They should arrive right when hair and makeup starts and be your right hand person the entire day. It’s great to have someone there to ask questions to and keep everyone in line so you don’t have to. There is a lot of people to organize and it can be stressful on the bride. I used Tres Chic Southern Weddings & Events throughout my process.