Bridesmaids' Prep: Getting Ready Together For The Big Day

Getting ready with your bridesmaids on your wedding day is an important part of the celebration. It's when you'll spend the entire morning with your bridesmaids, get dressed, have your bridal portraits taken, and have your photographer capture those all-important detail shots. It's also a chance to sip some drinks, listen to music, and create lasting memories with your favourite people.

There are a few options for where to get ready: at the wedding venue, at home, in a hotel, or at a rented property like an Airbnb. The location will depend on the number of people getting ready, the space available, and the desired atmosphere. It's important to consider the size of the space, the number of mirrors, the availability of natural light, and the overall character and cleanliness of the location.

No matter where you choose to get ready, it's essential to plan ahead and create a timeline for the morning to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Where to get ready: bridal suite, Airbnb, VRBO, hotel, salon, or home

There are several options for where to get ready on your wedding day, each with its own advantages. Here is a list of some of the most popular choices:

Bridal Suite

If your wedding venue has a bridal suite, this is often the easiest option as it eliminates transportation and location considerations. It's important to ask about time restrictions and ensure that the space is large enough to accommodate your entire bridal party and family members. The bridal suite should also have ample mirrors, space for everyone's belongings, and enough outlets for charging phones and hair styling tools.

Airbnb or VRBO

Renting an Airbnb or VRBO property for the weekend or just for getting ready is another popular choice. This option offers more freedom to choose a unique space that fits the mood of your wedding and provides more options for large, open-concept spaces. It's also a great way to ensure that the backdrop of your getting-ready photos aligns with your wedding vision and aesthetic.

Hotel

If your wedding venue doesn't have a bridal suite, nearby hotels can be a convenient option. Consider the style of the hotel and whether it fits with your wedding vision. Hotels with an abundance of natural light and soft-coloured or neutral-coloured walls are often ideal for photographs.

Salon

Some brides may choose to have their bridal party get their hair and makeup done at a salon before heading to the ceremony venue or another location to get dressed. This option can be a fun way to spend time with your bridal party and ensure that everyone is ready on time.

Home

Getting ready at the home of the bride or a family member can be a comfortable and convenient option. It allows for more privacy and can be a great choice if there is enough space for everyone to get ready comfortably. It's also a cost-effective option, as you won't need to rent a space or pay for transportation between locations.

What to wear: silky, satin robe, pyjamas, button-down shirts, or flannel

When it comes to what to wear while getting ready for a wedding, comfort is key. You'll want to opt for something that makes you feel relaxed and confident as you prepare for the big day. Here are some outfit ideas to consider:

Silky, Satin Robe

Go for a luxurious look with a silky, satin robe. This option offers a stylish and elegant choice for the bridal party. Not only will it make you feel glamorous, but it's also a great choice for photos. You can find satin robes in a variety of colours and styles, and they often feature delicate details like lace or embroidery.

Pyjamas

If you're looking for something comfortable that you can lounge in, pyjamas are a perfect choice. You can find matching sets for the whole bridal party, which makes for adorable photos. Go for lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton or satin for a comfortable fit. Pyjamas are also a practical choice, as you can easily change into them and won't have to worry about messing up your hair or makeup when getting dressed.

Button-Down Shirts

Button-down shirts offer a classic and chic option for the bridal party. They are a great alternative to robes and provide a more unique look. You can find them in a variety of fabrics, from crisp cotton to silky satin. Consider personalising the shirts with monograms or embroidery for a special touch. They also come in various colours, so you can choose shades that align with your wedding colour palette.

Flannel

If you're having a winter wedding or simply want to stay cosy, flannel is an excellent choice. Flannel button-down shirts or pyjama sets will keep you and your bridal party warm and comfortable while getting ready. They offer a relaxed and laid-back feel and are often available in a range of colours and patterns. Flannel is a great option for a rustic or outdoor wedding, adding a cosy touch to your getting-ready photos.

Remember, it's important to choose an outfit that aligns with your wedding vision and makes you feel your best. You can also add personal touches, like monogramming or custom colours, to make the outfits even more special.

Food and drinks: provide filling food and limit drinks to avoid stains and headaches

Food and drinks are an important part of the bridesmaids' getting-ready experience. Here are some tips to ensure everyone has a great time without any mishaps:

Food:

It's important to provide filling and nutritious food options for the bridesmaids and anyone else who will be getting ready with the bride. This will ensure that everyone has enough energy to get through the busy wedding day ahead. Here are some food suggestions:

• Sandwiches
• Wraps
• Salads
• Fruit and veggie platters
• Yogurt
• Granola bars

It's a good idea to pre-order food from local delis or restaurants. This will save time and ensure that everyone can enjoy their meal together without having to worry about going out to get food.

Drinks:

When it comes to drinks, it's important to limit the amount of alcohol consumed to avoid any spills or stains on the bridesmaids' outfits. It's also important to consider the potential for headaches or an unwanted buzz before the ceremony. Here are some tips for managing drinks:

• Limit alcoholic drinks to two per person.
• Provide non-alcoholic options such as water.
• Avoid too much coffee, as it can cause extra stress.

Remember to include drinks when thinking about the number of outlets available. Hair stylists will need power for their tools, and you may need extra outlets for keeping drinks cool.

Timing: allow 60-90 minutes for hair and makeup, and 3-5 hours before the ceremony to mingle and take photos

When planning your wedding day, it's important to consider how long you'll need to get ready. Hair and makeup can take 60 to 90 minutes each for the bride and 30 to 45 minutes each for bridesmaids and mothers. If you have a large wedding party, it's a good idea to bring in additional stylists to help with the volume.

On the day, it's a good idea to give yourself a few hours to relax, eat, and spend time with your bridesmaids before the ceremony. This time is also perfect for taking photos and capturing those special moments with your closest friends. Allow three to five hours before the ceremony to ensure you're not rushed.

• Hair and makeup: 60-90 minutes
• Breakfast/lunch and mingling: 60 minutes
• Taking photos: 30 minutes
• Getting dressed: 30 minutes

Of course, you'll need to adjust this timeline to fit your specific needs and the number of people in your bridal party. It's also a good idea to have a backup plan in case things take longer than expected.

Enjoy this special time with your bridesmaids, and don't be afraid to delegate tasks to ensure everything runs smoothly!

Logistics: ensure enough space, mirrors, outlets, and natural light for photos

When choosing a location for the bridal party to get ready, it's important to ensure that the space is large enough to accommodate everyone comfortably. This includes not only the bridesmaids but also the family members who will be present. It's essential to have enough mirrors, preferably scattered across multiple rooms, to facilitate hair and makeup preparations. The space should also allow for everyone's belongings, such as bags, dresses, and accessories, without creating a cluttered environment.

Outlets are another crucial consideration. There should be ample outlets available for charging phones, playing music, and accommodating the needs of multiple hair stylists working simultaneously. A few makeup artists may require the use of mirrors and outlets as well, so it's important to have enough to ensure a smooth and efficient process.

Natural light is a game-changer for photos, especially if a photographer shoots in film. Therefore, selecting a location with plenty of windows to allow natural light to stream in is highly recommended. This will enhance the quality of the photos and create a bright and airy atmosphere for the bridal party to get ready in.

Additionally, it's beneficial to have a nice outdoor space for taking extra photos with the bridesmaids during the preparation process. These photos add variety to the gallery and provide opportunities for fun and spontaneous moments. It's also a great idea to pop champagne outdoors, reducing any worries about spills or messes.

Frequently asked questions