The Complete Wedding Day Morning Timeline: From Getting Ready to Walking Down the Aisle

The morning of your wedding day can be a whirlwind of excitement and nerves. To help make your day run as smoothly as possible, it's important to have a plan in place for everything from getting ready to the first photos. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know for a perfect start to your special day.

When it comes to planning your wedding morning timeline, it's important to keep in mind that unexpected events can happen. However, having a plan in place can help ensure that everything runs smoothly on the big day.

Start by speaking with your hairdresser and makeup artist to determine how much time they will need. If you need to travel to your ceremony venue, make sure to speak with your vehicle hire and factor in extra time for vintage cars and potential traffic.

Aim to be fully dressed and ready to go at least 30 minutes before you need to leave, or even an hour if possible. This will allow time for portraits and group photos if desired, as well as a special moment with the person walking you down the aisle. Keep in mind that your registrars will also want to speak with you.

While it may be an early start, the adrenaline of the day will pull you through. And with a North Yorkshire wedding photographer capturing all the special moments, you'll be able to relive your wedding day for years to come.

Bride AND Groom

On your wedding day, it's important to remember that it's both your days. While you may have your own visions for your wedding morning, your partner will have theirs as well. To ensure that both of your stories are captured, consider hiring a photography team.

A two-person team can be especially beneficial, as each photographer can focus on one partner's preparations. This allows you both to maximize your time and ensures that nothing is missed in the rush of getting ready. From hair and makeup to grabbing a drink at the local pub, it's all part of your day and you'll want to look back and remember what each other got up to on your wedding morning.

With a photography team there to capture all the special moments, you can relax and enjoy the start of your wedding day knowing that you'll have beautiful memories to look back on for years to come.

Light, Light and more Light

Looking to make the most of your wedding day photos? Consider choosing a room with lots of natural light for your getting-ready preparations. While artificial light can be used, natural light is often more flattering and creates a beautiful ambience for your photos.

When selecting a room, look for one with large windows or an abundance of natural light. This will not only create a lovely atmosphere for getting ready, but will also allow your hairdresser and makeup artist to work in the best possible lighting conditions.

Your photographer will also appreciate having plenty of natural light to work with, as it can enhance the quality of the images and make them even more beautiful. So if possible, choose a room with lots of natural light and enjoy the stunning photos that come as a result.

Make sure your space is Tidy

If you want your getting-ready photos to look their best, it's important to keep your preparation room as tidy as possible. While it can be challenging to keep everything neat and organized, doing so can make a big difference in the final result of your photos.

Consider designating a small room or area as a place to store bags, leftover breakfast trays, and other items that tend to accumulate during the preparation process. This will help keep the main area clean and clutter-free, which can lead to more timeless and elegant photos.

In addition to keeping the space tidy, think carefully about who you want to have in the room with you during your preparations. While it's lovely to have friends and family around, too many people can make the space feel crowded and chaotic. Consider inviting only a select few people to help keep the atmosphere calm and focused, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience of getting ready for your big day.

Start with Hair and Makeup.

Starting the day with hair and makeup is a great way to get into the wedding day mindset. Schedule your hair and makeup artist to arrive early enough so that everyone in your bridal party will be ready on time. Have some photos ready for inspiration but keep it simple, so you all look natural and like yourselves. Have a trial run beforehand so you can make sure everything runs smoothly on the actual day.

Details

When planning your wedding photography, take the time to consider the details that you want to be captured on your special day. Instead of traditional shots like the wedding rings on the bride's shoes, creative flat lays can showcase the details you've carefully chosen, such as the wedding invites, flowers, jewellery, and colour palette. Keep in mind that the wedding rings may be with the Best Man, so make arrangements to have them with you until the last moment. With thoughtful preparation, your photographer can capture all the details that make your wedding unique and unforgettable.

Take Some Time for Photos.

Capturing memories with photographs is an important part of any wedding day. Plan to have a photographer, or multiple photographers, take pictures during the getting ready process. This allows for some fun and candid shots with your wedding party and family members. Make sure to discuss with your photographer the best time for these photos, such as during hair and makeup or while everyone is getting dressed. It's also important to schedule enough time for formal portraits before the ceremony begins so that you can capture those special moments with your loved ones before the festivities begin.

Exchange Gifts or Letters.

One way to make the wedding day morning even more special is by exchanging small gifts or heartfelt letters with your partner. This can be a private moment between the two of you while getting ready or it can be done during a first look. It's a romantic gesture that adds an extra touch of love and excitement to the day. Make sure to plan and coordinate with your partner ahead of time if you decide to exchange gifts or letters so that they are prepared as well. Remember, it’s not the value of the gift that counts, but the sentiment and love behind it.

Enjoy a Pre-Ceremony Toast!

A pre-ceremony toast is a great way to start the wedding day morning with your loved ones. Gather your bridesmaids or groomsmen and enjoy a glass of champagne or your favourite beverage together. This is also a great opportunity to give gifts or thank them for being a part of your special day. Make sure to plan ahead and allocate enough time for the toast, so that it doesn't interfere with the rest of the wedding day timeline. Cheers to a memorable wedding day!