I love the fun and excitement of getting ready that occurs in the girl’s getting ready room. There are lots of special moments that unfold that beg to be captured by your photographer. Perhaps it is your sister’s special hug or gift, or your best friend’s “something old” that she has given you – all these moments are so very special.
The bridal preparation area is where you prepare, both physically and mentally, to say your “I do” in front of family and friends. It’s also the place to get your hair and makeup completed, and share time with your bridal party before walking down the aisle. Your photographer should be there, capturing some images as this is part of the story of your day.
Many times, you will have light snacks and beverages for you and your wedding party. Small sandwiches, a cheese spread & chips, fruit, are all beneficial to keep up the energy. It’s a great idea to make sure that everyone eats something before the ceremony.
Here is what I hate – bags, shoes, underwear, empty food containers, water bottles and a complete mess all around the room! Your photographer will do their best to capture the events, but honestly, let’s have your girls pick up as they go – and a firm reminder from you, goes a long way. The benefit is that your photos will not have the distractions of the messy environment, and those photos will emphasis the event and the emotion. Remember, you will be looking at these images years from now!
A great gift idea for your bridesmaids is a small TOTE BAG to bring all their essentials for getting ready. They can keep all their things in their personal bag, and when it’s time to exit the room, it’s all together for them. And for everyone, robes are always a great idea. You should wear them as close to the ceremony as possible to avoid getting any creases or food stains, before the walk down the aisle.
And now for putting on the dress.
First – if the place where you are getting ready is not “bridal suite clean”, bring along a white sheet to place on the floor to keep your dress clean.
If you’re choosing to wear a garter, many girls will put on their garter, prior to putting on their dress. It’s easier than trying to manipulate many layers of your dress, especially if your have a ballgown style dress.
Putting on a wedding gown isn’t like putting on an everyday dress. It’s a two-person job!
So, here’s the challenge. How do you gracefully put on a heavy wedding dress without messing up your hair and makeup? As you might remember, at most bridal shops, you put your dress on over your head. So, on your wedding day, slip into your dress by raising it over your head slowly, putting your arms out to shelter your hair and makeup. Take your time. The person helping you needs to put their arm all the way through as much as they can, to get near the bottom of your dress. Then, most of the dress will just fall into place. Put your shoes on AFTER your put on your dress to avoid tearing your dress. Some brides will put a scarf around their hair and face before putting on a dress this way.
Some brides choose to step into their dress, but if a petticoat is involved – that usually doesn’t work. You would need to step into both the dress and petticoat at the same time. Have someone assist you as you step into your dress, to keep your balance.
It your dress has a lot of buttons, have a crochet hook to pull the loops over the buttons.
Depending on your body type and dress style, this is something you should probably explore before your wedding day.
- Tip #1: Always go potty BEFORE you put on your dress.
- Tip #2: Be sure your photographer is there to capture the moment. Don’t put on the dress before he/she arrives.
- Tip #3: Putting on your wedding dress can be an incredibly beautiful, fun and captivating moment. Most photographers recommend that you pick one person to assist you, sometimes your mother or your maid of honor. Having less people will make the moment more relaxed, let you enjoy it, and allow your photographer to capture more of you and your dress, rather than a sea of people.
- Tip #4: To keep your hair and makeup fresh, if you are putting the dress on over your head, raise your arms up and out to protect your hair and makeup.
- Tip #5: Put on your own jewelry. A sea of people – adjusting your dress, adding your bracelet, one adding a necklace – just way too much going on at one time. I see people looking like they are dressing a Barbie Doll, and the bride just trying to accommodate everyone! It’s crazy. Put on most of your own jewelry, but if you have one piece that’s important to you (or hard to get on) have ONE person help you with this. Shoes do require help – who can see their feet in those big fluffy or tight dresses.
Be sure to prepare an EMERGENCY KIT before your wedding day for any special needs like a sewing kit, etc.
And one last, little thing. Why do all girls hold onto their boobs? Really? Once the dress is on, let go! Do you want all your photos to show you holding up your boobs?
To move around, gently lift your gown by gathering a piece of your skirt in each hand, and slowly lift your skirt off center and away from the ground. Especially with some fabrics, you need to take care to not wrinkle the fabric. With extra full gowns try not to walk backward or step backward as you could rip the fabric. Again, delicately lift the back of your skirt.
Try to allow about 30 minutes for photos after everyone is dressed and ready. This is the perfect time to take group photos. After you are ready, you might have some family members dropping in to share their best wishes, and it is always a good idea to allow time and be prepared early. Having to rush prior to walking down the aisle, can be stressful.
