Five Bride Suite Must-Haves for the Morning of Your Wedding
Written and Photography by Curator Maura Black Stephens, owner of Maura Black Photography
Can you believe it?! It’s here! It’s happening! This is not a drill!
All those long months of planning have eventually led you right to the finish line. The fragrance of the beautiful blooms you and your florist carefully selected linger in the bridal suite, the chilled champagne has been popped and you’re officially about to experience what once felt like an abstract fantasy but is now your actual reality.
That’s right! It’s the morning of your wedding day which means it’s show time!
I’m sure that not many engaged couples would be shocked to learn that the morning of your big day will be chalk full of emotions. From the fluttering butterflies in your stomachs to your mom’s happy tears, all of this excitement is about to lead up to those nerve-wracking last moments before you officially see the love of your life for the very last time before tying the knot!
If that all sounds like a lot, that’s because it is! But never fear! Your new Chicago wedding photographer bestie is here to help guide you through the process ahead of time, to make sure you have the most amazing morning of your lives!
As a long-time professional Chicago wedding photographer, I have spent hundreds (and I mean hundreds – over 300 to be exact!) of mornings with brides and grooms in those fleeting hours before the ceremony.
I’ve seen the “good”, the “not-as-good”, and the “whoopsie daisies!” all pop-up on wedding mornings and lucky for you, I’ve created a little cheat-sheet listing out my top five ways you can prep to make sure you are set for wedding morning – and ultimately wedding day - success!
1. A button-up or zip-front getting-ready outfit
Skip the over-the-head tees and pajamas the morning of your big day. Pulling material over your head – no matter how cautiously - will more than likely mess-up your gorgeous hair and makeup after a talented pro just spent hours on! A soft robe or a simple button-up shirt or night gown keeps you comfortable, protects your beauty look and photographs beautifully. Bonus points for matching sets for your bridesmaids.
2. Your details, gathered in one place
Rings, invitation suite, shoes, jewelry, perfume, vow books: set them all together before I arrive. It saves precious time, and I can photograph everything in beautiful light in a matter of minutes instead of hunting through suitcases. Bonus: Ask your florist ahead of time for some spare blooms and greenery! This makes such a difference in those editorial detail shots!
3. A real breakfast and plenty of water
Both brides and grooms often forget to eat food and drink water the morning of their wedding day. But just because your getting married today doesn’t mean your human body can forgo the necessities! A healthy, light breakfast and a water bottle will keep your energy up and your nerves steady, and you’ll look and feel all the more radiant for it! Bonus: Ask a wedding party member to be your snack and H20 enforcer.
4. A sturdy, pretty hanger
Your dress deserves better than a wire hanger from the hotel closet. A nice wooden or personalized hanger makes for a gorgeous dress portrait and keeps your gown safe until the big reveal.
5. A small emergency kit
Bobby pins, safety pins, tissues, blotting papers, a lip color, and a mini sewing kit will solve about 95% of morning mishaps. Hand it off to a bridesmaid so you can just enjoy the day.
While all of the above tips will most definitely help you enjoy the morning of your wedding day, more than anything else, give yourself as much breathing room as possible. Work with your planner, photographer and beauty crew to make sure you and your favorite people can enjoy, graze, dance and sip all morning long. Leave the rest up to your team of talented vendors and go ahead and forget to check your phone, as you laugh with your besties, get pampered like the queen you are and ultimately prepare to have the happiest day of your life. You’ll thank me later 😉.
