Wedding Morning Tips: How to Have a Calm, Stress-Free Getting Ready Experience

Your wedding morning sets the tone for the entire day. While the ceremony and reception get most of the attention, the getting ready experience is where the emotions, memories, and excitement really begin.

The good news? A calm, stress-free wedding morning isn’t about luck, it’s about intentional planning! With the right mindset, timeline, and team in place, your morning will feel completely joyful, relaxed, and so fun.

Here are our top wedding morning tips to help you start your day feeling confident and completely at ease!

Start with a Realistic Timeline (and Built in Buffer Time!)

One of the biggest causes of wedding morning stress is feeling rushed.

Your wedding hair and makeup timeline should:

Start earlier than you think
Include buffer time between services
Have the brides services scheduled mid-day, this way she is in no way rushed

Finishing hair and makeup early gives you breathing room for:

Getting dressed

Touch-ups
Photos
Unexpected delays (they do happen!)

A well-planned timeline is the foundation of a peaceful morning! And good news is, when you book with our team at Updos For I Dos, we handle this all for you! We’ve been getting brides ready for over 20 years now and we know exactly how to create a flawless timeline for you, your crew, and your big day. 

Choose a Comfortable, Organized Getting Ready Space

Where you get ready matters more than most brides realize!

Look for a getting ready space with:

Natural lighting
Enough room for your bridal party and vendors
Nearby outlets for tools, tables, and chairs
A cute place to hang dresses and store belongings

If the space feels crowded or chaotic, stress is possible to follow. A clean, bright environment helps everything feel calmer!

Limit the Number of People in the Room

While it’s tempting to invite everyone to join you, too many people can quickly become overwhelming!

Consider keeping your getting ready space to:

Your bridal party

Immediate family

Hair and makeup team

Photographer

Well-meaning guests can pop in later. Your wedding morning should feel supportive, relaxing, and not distracting.

Wear Something Comfortable (and Photo-Friendly!)

What you wear while getting ready plays a bigger role than you might expect!

Choose a getting ready outfit that:

Opens in the front (robes, button-downs, matching sets)
Won’t mess up your hair or makeup
Feels comfortable and confidence-boosting

Bonus: coordinating getting-ready outfits with your I Do crew! These make for beautiful, cohesive photos.

Eat Something (Yes, Really!)

Nerves can make it easy to forget to eat, but skipping food is a recipe for stress and fatigue.

Plan to have on hand:

Light, protein-rich snacks
Water or electrolyte drinks
Easy-to-eat options that won’t smear lipstick (save the cheeseburgers for late night!)

Even a small meal can help you feel grounded, collected, and re-energized!

Trust Your Hair & Makeup Team

We can’t stress this enough. This is the moment to let go!

You’ve already:

Booked and become comfortable with your artists
Had your trial
Shared inspiration and preferences

Nailed down your wedding glam expectations

Now, trust the professionals you chose! Experienced bridal hair and makeup teams know exactly how to keep your morning moving smoothly while making everyone feel most comfortable and confident.

Create a Calm Atmosphere

The vibe of the room sets the emotional tone.

Simple ways to keep things relaxed on your wedding morning:

Play your favorite playlist
Keep voices and energy light
Avoid last-minute decision-making (no questions for bride!)

This is your moment, it doesn’t need to be loud or rushed to be exciting!

Designate a Point Person (So You’re Not the Go-To)

You should not be answering questions or solving problems on your wedding morning!

Assign a trusted person, like:

Your planner
Maid of honor
Close family member

They can handle logistics so you can stay present and enjoy every bit of your experience.

Finish Hair & Makeup Long Before You Need to Get Dressed

A common mistake is cutting hair and makeup too close to ceremony time.

When you finish early, you gain:

Time to breathe
Space for emotional moments
Flexibility for photos and touch-ups

Calm brides don’t rush, they’re ready ahead of schedule!

Getting Ready Is Part Of Your Wedding

Your wedding morning isn’t just prep time, it’s part of the celebration!

Slow down.

Take it in.

Enjoy the laughter, the quiet moments, and the anticipation.

With thoughtful planning and the right glam team, your getting ready experience can be one of the most meaningful parts of your wedding day! 

How Can I Stay Stress Free on the Morning of My Wedding? 

At Updos For I Dos, we believe the best wedding mornings feel calm, supported, and joyful, and that starts long before the first curl or brush stroke! 

If you’re ready to say “I Do,” to our crew of wedding glam experts, follow this link today!

Cover Photo Credit: Paige Elizabeth Photography