Morning Zen: How to Create a Calm, Joyful Start to Your Wedding Day

Ashlee Cole Photography

Written by Curator Kari Thirsk, owner of Wedding Day Chicago

Most couples put so much thought into every detail of their wedding day-but the morning of schedule often comes as an afterthought. Yet the way you spend your wedding morning sets the tone for everything that follows.   

As a wedding day coordinator, one of my main roles is crafting a thoughtful timeline that keeps couples calm and centered, so they can fully enjoy the entire celebration.

When I first start working with a couple, I walk them through the flow of the day—from the moment they wake up until the last piece of décor is packed away. One of the biggest surprises for many brides and grooms is how time-consuming the getting ready process can be. That’s why I focus on creating a pre-ceremony morning schedule that feels intentional, personal, and—most importantly—stress-free.

Here are my top tips for creating your perfect wedding morning routine.

1. Start the Day Your Way

How do you like to begin your mornings? For me, it’s movement—whether that’s a walk with my dogs, a run through the park, or twenty minutes of yoga in a hotel room. If I skip this, my whole day feels off.

For you, that grounding ritual might look different. Maybe it’s sipping a latte in bed, journaling, eating your go-to healthy breakfast, or playing a favorite playlist while you get ready. The key is to build a little piece of your normal routine into your wedding morning. It will help you feel grounded, present, and ready for what’s ahead.

2. Make Sure Everyone Is Comfortable

Your wedding party is investing time, energy, and love to be there for you—so comfort matters. A few ways to make it happen:

• Choose the right space. Don’t cram into a tiny hotel room. Ask about suites or bridal lounges, and make sure you see the space (or at least photos) before booking. Remember: this is also where your getting-ready photos will be taken, so it should fit your style.

• Keep everyone fed and hydrated. Wedding mornings can stretch on for hours, especially with hair and makeup schedules. Plan ahead with light catering—think breakfast sandwiches, fruit, sparkling water, and coffee—so your crew stays energized and happy.

Ashlee Cole Photography

3. The Details Matter

If you’d like your photographer to capture flat lays and detail shots, make sure everything is gathered in one place ahead of time. Shoes, jewelry, stationery, vow books, perfume, and a few loose florals all tell the story of your day.

Having them neatly set aside saves your photographer from hunting around the room and frees up valuable time in the timeline.

If you want flowers included in your detail photos, let your florist know exactly when they need to arrive. I recommend scheduling delivery at least an hour before your photographer. This buffer allows for delays (hello, unpredictable Chicago traffic!) and ensures the blooms are ready to be styled for those beautiful flat lay shots. Without that clear communication, your florist won’t know to prioritize the delivery.

4. Connect the Dots

Many couples love capturing fun pre-ceremony photos in matching robes or pajamas. If this is on your list, make sure your photographer and glam team are looped in. I recommend setting aside 15–30 minutes for these shots after hair and makeup are finished but before everyone gets dressed.

Trust me—five minutes isn’t enough. Someone will need a bathroom break, touch-ups might run long, or timing will shift. Building in this buffer keeps things running smoothly without stress.

In an ideal world, hair and makeup services will be finished (or nearly finished) by the time your photographer arrives. This helps avoid an overcrowded room and frees you up for both fun posed photos and natural, candid moments with your crew. 

5. Don’t Procrastinate

I can’t count how many times I’ve seen couples writing their vows or stuffing envelopes for vendor gratuities on the morning of the wedding. Save yourself the panic—designate a day earlier in the week to wrap up these final details.

Crossing them off before wedding morning guarantees a smoother, more relaxed start to your day.

6. Don’t Forget the Groom

It’s easy to focus all the morning planning on the bride and wedding party, but grooms deserve their moment too. A quick 30-minute window for photos is usually plenty. Even if they’re already dressed, the photographer can stage tie-tying, boutonniere-pinning, or a celebratory toast.

Make sure this time is scheduled in advance. Otherwise, it often gets squeezed in at the last minute, which can throw everything off.

7. Always Overestimate Time

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This is my golden rule: it’s always better to have extra time than not enough. A rushed morning is the fastest way to start your wedding feeling stressed.

I intentionally build buffers into my timelines so that if something runs behind, there’s space to adjust without panic. And if everything is on time? Wonderful—you get a few minutes to relax, breathe, and soak in the moment.

8. Make Sure Everyone Knows Their Roles

Are you expecting your maid of honor to help you get to your first look? Or do you need a groomsman to load drinks onto the trolley before departure? These are important details to communicate ahead of time. When key players know their responsibilities, they can be ready to step in without hesitation.

Springing last-minute tasks on your wedding party can throw the whole morning off, so make a plan early. Also, don’t forget to assign helpers for items that need to get to the church or venue before the ceremony—like the rings, vow books, personal items, or even a change of outfits for later. Clear roles mean fewer questions and a smoother, more relaxed start to your day.

9. Book Reliable Transportation

It may be tempting to go with the lowest bidder but beware of transportation companies that outsource vehicles to third parties. I’ve seen couples left stranded because of unreliable shuttles.

Choose a company with its own fleet, solid reviews, and experience handling weddings. Peace of mind here is worth every penny.

Final Thoughts: Presence Over Perfection

Your wedding morning sets the tone for your entire day. With a little thought and planning, you can create a calm, joyful, and intentional start—one that leaves you feeling centered, surrounded by love, and fully present for the moments that matter most.

Remember: the goal isn’t perfection, it’s presence. A wedding morning filled with ease and laughter is the best gift you can give yourself before walking down the aisle.

Photography by Ashlee Cole Photography