I've attended hundreds of wedding mornings - here are some helpful tips on how to have a relaxed and organised start to your big day

You've probably been planning your big day for at least a year - you've booked the venue, bought the dress etc - but have you thought about the wedding morning itself?

Your wedding day starts as soon as you wake up, and the main thing is for you to have a lovely and special morning. Therefore, think about;

• Where you want to spend it - Would you prefer to be at home, your parent's house, hotel or the wedding venue?

• Who you want to spend it with - your mum, dad, bridesmaids, pets, partner? A wedding morning can be quite emotional, so make sure you have people who will be there for you.

• Logistics! Will your loved ones be staying with you the evening before? If so - remember to factor in some time during the evening before to socialise or have a pre-wedding pamper party where you all have your nails done ready for the big day. If not - bear in mind where each of your wedding party lives or if they have children, which may affect what time they can join you on the wedding morning.

• How far from the wedding venue are you staying? Research any local events taking place on your wedding date, which may affect traffic on the morning of your wedding.

• If you are having a photographer, will they be able to take photos of both you and your partner's wedding preparations easily? Will they be able to be present and capture the look on your parents or friends faces when they see you in your dress, before they have to leave to get to the venue?

• Is there parking for your wedding car, wedding party, florist, photographer and hair / makeup artist?

Once you have decided where and who you will be spending your wedding morning with, it's now time to think about the morning itself. Although the bride is allowed to be fashionably late on the big day, this does have a knock on effect to the day's events - and while traffic and other things are unavailable here are my thoughts which will hopefully help you with your timings for your wedding morning.

• First Thing: Start the morning with a big breakfast - it's rare you will sleep in on your wedding morning and with such a busy day, starting with a good meal will help you last the whole day.

• Allow time for hair and makeup for your whole wedding party. If they are doing makeup themselves, make sure they bring their own mirrors as depending on how many bridesmaids, they may be in demand! If you are having a professional, allow 30 - 40 minutes per person. The hair stylist / makeup artist may provide you with a running order for the morning. As a hair & makeup Artist, I know that it isn't unusual to start at 6am to ensure everyone is ready!

• If there are small children, remember to factor in nap and feed times.
  

• Allow 1-1.5 hours for Bride Hair & Makeup

• This is a good time to have lunch or a snack, as you don't want your stomach rumbling when you walk down the aisle!

• Bridesmaids get ready - allow time to get completely ready so you can focus on the bride and be on hand to help her dress.

• 1 hour before you leave - Bride to start getting dressed, this allows time to have a toast with the girls, hug with the father of the bride, photos and moment of calm before you leave.

• Travel to wedding venue

• 15 minutes before - Bride's Registrar Meeting

• Your Wedding Ceremony!

If I can help with wedding hair or / and makeup for your special day please click here to visit my webpage.

I hope your wedding plans go smoothly, and you have a truly wonderful wedding day!

Jackie
Wedding Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist

        .... And remember the most important thing for you to do is to enjoy your day together!