How to be Fully Present on Your Wedding Morning

planning & enjoying your wedding

How to Be Fully Present on Your Wedding Morning

We’ve all seen the movies, the bride spirals into bridezilla mode the morning of the wedding while the groom is lounging by the pool and gets ready in five minutes (wouldn’t that be nice!). Well, the reality is that the wedding day flies by. And the morning of the wedding? It’s like someone hits the fast-forward button.

That’s why being organized and intentional on the morning of your wedding is key. To be present and relaxed (or at least as relaxed as one can be on their wedding day), it all starts with the night before. Here’s how to set yourself up for a morning that feels calm, grounded, and full of joy instead of stress.

step 1

Prep the night before.

Lay everything out the night before in the room where you’ll be getting ready. We’re talking underwear, stick-on bra, jewelry, shoes, perfume – everything. Not just for yourself, but also the groom. This way you won’t be getting a million questions like, “where’s my tie?” from your future hubby.

Also, don’t forget to steam your dress and veil ahead of time (trust me, it takes longer than you think) and hang them up overnight. If your photographer is doing flat lay photos of your invitation suite and keepsakes, put ribbons, petals, invitations, or any props you’ve prepped in one spot so they’re ready to go.

PRO TIP

If you’re having a brunch or post-wedding event, be sure to prepare those outfits and essentials too. After a late night of champagne and dancing, you and your hangover will thank you.

step 2

Have a morning schedule.

It might feel tedious to plan your morning minute by minute, but when you’ve got hair, makeup, and multiple people getting ready at once, a timeline is essential. Create a schedule that maps out hair and makeup slots, buffer time for delays, and don’t forget to schedule some time to eat! This keeps everyone on track and prevents last minute chaos.

step 3

Get your beauty rest.

If you’re having a welcome party or rehearsal dinner the night before, try to host it earlier in the evening. You’ll want to be in bed at a decent time, because beauty sleep isn’t just a saying – it’s science. Especially with the excitement that might keep you up, it’s essential to plan to wind down early, maybe with tea, a bath, or a meditation.

step 4

Connect with your hubby.

Before the madness begins, take a quiet moment with your partner. For us, that meant staying in bed a little longer and exchanging private vows that we had originally planned for later in the day. It felt natural and in the moment and ended up being one of my favorite memories – a special moment just between us with the morning silence before the whirlwind started.

step 5

Stick to your morning routine.

We all have those little morning rituals that make us feel more grounded. That could be a quick yoga flow, five minutes of meditation, or just enjoying a calm breakfast. For me, it was stepping outside to get sunlight with a warm matcha while multitasking my beauty routine – under-eye masks on and ice roller in hand. Whatever it is for you, carve out a few minutes to pause and ground yourself before the madness kicks off.

step 6

Set the mood with music.

As vendors and family start rolling in, the energy can get intense. Music is your secret weapon. Bring a speaker or connect to the TV and play something that calms and uplifts you. Bossa nova, romantic playlists, chill lounge vibes, whatever your jam is. It sets the tone, lightens the atmosphere, and makes getting ready feel like a celebration.

step 7

Fuel up.

Whether it’s breakfast, a light lunch, or both, make sure you fuel up. Your wedding day is long, full of emotions and you will be pulled in so many directions that you’ll barely get a chance to enjoy your own reception food. During our cocktail hour before the dinner, I only managed to get one bite. One bite! So make sure you schedule time to eat into your morning and also plan what you will eat ahead of time so that no one is scrambling for food or running to a café that’s mysteriously closed on a Saturday morning. Prep something easy the day before, or have it delivered. Hungry brides do not make happy brides.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

For those of you worrying about fitting into your dress, here’s a reminder to be kind to yourself. Don’t worry about your dress. You look beautiful no matter what, I promise! Food is energy and you’ll need it.

step 8

Sort out transportation ahead of time.

If you’re not getting ready at the venue, make sure you know exactly how you’re getting there and back. Who’s driving you in your gown? Who’s picking you up after a night of dancing? I’ve heard stories of brides literally being left behind in the chaos. Don’t be that story. Confirm vehicles, designated drivers, and timing in advance.

step 9

Choose vendors who match your energy.

You’ll be surrounded by vendors while getting ready, so make sure they bring good energy. You want hair and makeup artists, photographers, and videographers who feel calm, supportive, and aligned with your vibe.

If you can, book vendors who have worked together before (like a photographer/videographer duo). At my wedding, mine hadn’t, and while it worked out fine, I could feel the push and pull of different working styles. A well-matched team makes everything flow.