Your wedding morning truly sets the tone for the entire day, so I always recommend being intentional about that time and making sure it’s really enjoyable for both of you.
The beauty of designing your wedding day is that you can make the morning be anything you’d like! It can be as lively as you want with your entire wedding party, or a quiet coffee date with just the two of you, or anywhere in between. But whatever you decide, being intentional about the environment you create and the energy around you makes all the difference in having an enjoyable experience that you’ll remember forever.
How to Have the Best Wedding Morning
As a New England photographer, wedding mornings are one of my favorite parts of the day to photograph, so today I’m sharing my best tips for an incredible morning.
Choose a Getting Ready Space That Sets the Right Tone for Your Wedding Morning
Many venues have an on-site getting-ready space or two, or you may be planning to get ready somewhere else, such as at home, a hotel, or an Airbnb. Wherever you’re considering, choose a space that allows everyone to breathe.
You’ll probably be thinking about the room’s aesthetics, which is certainly important, but making sure the space is comfortable for everyone makes a difference, too! Some things to think about are:
- Is there enough room for everyone who will be getting ready?
- Is there a separate area for getting dressed?
- Can everyone move around freely without feeling crowded?
- Is there enough natural light? (This is a big one for photos, but also for the energy of the room!)
A calm room leads to calm people, which will make you feel much more relaxed.
Be Intentional About Who You Invite Into Your Wedding Morning
This is one of the most overlooked decisions–who you have around you makes all the difference! Think about who in your life makes you feel most grounded, who makes you laugh, and who brings peace instead of stress.
You may be inclined to invite everyone, but sometimes fewer people create a more meaningful experience. Think about who you want beside you before one of the biggest moments of your life!
Build Margin Into Your Wedding Morning Timeline
This goes for your entire wedding day timeline, too, but keep in mind that the more margin you build in, the more relaxed your morning (and day) will feel. This also allows us to capture plenty of candid moments on camera, because the extra time allows for those moments to happen naturally.
In the morning especially, when you have a little bit of a cushion in your timeline, you can:
- Finish your hair without feeling stressed that you’re behind
- Read a letter from your partner slowly and take it all in
- Help your mom with her jewelry
- Hug your grandparents
- Simply sit for a few minutes if you want to
The unscheduled moments are often the ones you’ll remember most.
Let the Room Tell Your Story
When it comes to packing for your wedding morning, rather than filling the space with tons of things, choose details that actually mean something to you. Bring things like heirloom jewelry, your handwritten vows, family photographs or mementos, meaningful perfume, your invitation suite, or sentimental gifts.
These will also be things your photographer will capture in your detail shots, and the less extra stuff you have around, the more the meaningful details can really stand out. Less clutter also allows you to relax!
Think About Your Entire Wedding Morning Atmosphere
The decor of the space is important, but the feeling of the room actually matters just as much as how it looks!
Plan to have music that you enjoy and that sets the tone that you want. Make space for people to have conversations, laugh, and tell stories. Or if you prefer quiet and calm, let your people know this too. Opening the curtains allows for more natural light, and if the season allows, open the windows for some fresh air!
Consider the Experience of Your Loved Ones, Too
Your wedding morning is a special time for your loved ones too (especially your family!), so allow space for them to make memories as well.
Some of my favorite moments to photograph are the candid ones like your parents quietly reflecting on this momentous time, siblings helping each other get ready, grandparents arriving and seeing you for the first time, your friends hanging out over coffee or champagne, or flower girls twirling in their dresses.
Give Yourself Permission to Pause and Be Present on Your Wedding Morning and Beyond
You’ll hear this many times, but your wedding day really does go by so fast. So especially in the morning, before the day really takes off, give yourself permission to slow down and take in everything going on around you. Notice who’s there cheering you on, the beauty you’ve created, and how you feel as you’re about to marry your best friend.
The best wedding photos happen when you and your loved ones are truly living in the moment, and those are the images you’ll treasure most.
The months you spend wedding planning will likely be filled with thoughts about the details, like your flowers, or timeline, or your decor, but when your day is over, the thing that will stay with you is the connections you felt between the two of you and your people.
New England Wedding Photographer
An incredible wedding morning is created by the people you surround yourself with, the energy of the space, and the pace you allow yourself to keep. This ensures you have room to relax, enjoy yourself, and take it all in. When your wedding morning feels calm and focused on connection, the rest of the day will follow suit!
Hopefully this has been helpful in your planning process. And if you’re planning a New England wedding and still searching for your photographer, I’d love to meet you! I take a natural and authentic approach to photographing your wedding, ensuring you stay present throughout your day and wind up with a gallery of images that truly tells your story. If this resonates with you, reach out to me through my contact page on my website, and I’ll be in touch to hear all about your vision for your wedding!
