Where to Get Ready on Your Wedding Day + Bonus Day of Tips!

One of the most overlooked and important aspects of your wedding day is the location of where you’ll be getting ready. There are multiple factors you’ll want to consider when choosing the perfect location for yourself and your bridal party. Most importantly, the location where you get ready will have a huge impact on setting the tone for the day!

Top 3 Choices for Getting Ready Location

VENUE

The first place most consider is your wedding venue. This is the easiest because you eliminate any hassle of commuting from one location to the next. When you’re touring venues, be sure to ask if they have a bridal suite area so you can see firsthand if they can accommodate the needs of your bridal party and size. If you plan on having your hair and makeup artist come to your venue, be sure there is adequate space for them to set-up as well as proper lighting (we love natural light).

If you have a large bridal party, depending on your contract with the venue, there might not be enough time to get everyone ready at your venue location. Follow along for more options and considerations.

HOTEL

You’ve rented a hotel room and/or you have a room block for your bridal party and attendees. Due to space limitations, standard hotel rooms are typically the worst spaces to set-up in for bridal hair and makeup. We typically have to bring our own lighting, chairs, and tables because standard hotel rooms do not provide an adequate set-up space for a proper workflow. Not to mention, we all have to share one bathroom which can be difficult with large bridal parties. It’s best to start with a suite. Pro Tip: Ask for a room with East facing windows, that way you get the most natural light in the morning.

If you are partial to using your hotel and a suite is not an option, ask to use one of their conference/board rooms. These spaces are fitted with plenty of seating and large tables with plenty of outlets. This provides ample opportunity for your artists to spread out if you have a wedding party that requires multiple artists, while allowing your bridal party to relax. Your photographer will have more room to capture all the action, and your own hotel room will be spared from all the clutter. Yep, that means no rushing around to move everyone’s stuff out of frame for your photos, hello time saver!

AIRBNB

My personal favorite for bridal parties for a number of reasons are any home vacation rental service. AirBnB homes offer beautiful backdrops and settings for your bridal beauty portraits and getting ready shots. Not only is there plenty of space for your party to spread out, but there’s also a kitchen to keep your snacks and beverages separate from your artist’s workspace and there is typically more than one restroom. Plus, these homes usually have a lot of character. Be sure to choose one that fits your personal style!

Additional Considerations

NATURAL LIGHT

The more windows, the better. Your photographer and your hair and makeup artist(s) are all going to prefer natural light. If the venue you’ve chosen doesn’t have a bridal suite with beautiful light, you’ll want to look for other options.

CHARACTER

Does the space align with your wedding vision? Just because it’s the hotel your venue recommends for your guests, doesn’t mean it’s the perfect getting ready location. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to being comfortable, relaxed, and joyful on your wedding day!

PLENTY OF ROOM

The amount of people in your room can quickly add up. Not only will you be accompanied by your bridesmaids, but you’ll also want to include the mothers of the bride and groom and all of their belongings. If you’re having on-location hair and makeup, your artist(s) will be there to set up with their kits and equipment, not to mention the space your photographer will need to do your detail shots, but also the space you will need for your floral arrangements. That’s a lot of bags, dresses, snacks, drinks, etc.!

Are there multiple rooms or bathrooms? Privacy and space are also important. While you may be comfortable changing in front of each other, it’s thoughtful to have a privacy option available. Spare rooms are also handy to stash your extra clothes and all the other stuff you don’t want in your photos.

OUTDOOR SPACE

Outdoor space is an added bonus to any location. This provides ample opportunities for extra photos with your bridesmaids and an easy area to pop champagne without the mess. Plus, a little fresh air is always nice!

IS THERE A KITCHEN?

This one may sound odd, but believe me, you will need a kitchen. You’re already planning for champagne or a mimosa bar, what glasses to buy, etc. Don’t forget the food! You are going to get hungry and thirsty, and with the busy day you’ll need to keep your energy up. You can plan ahead with a kitchen, knowing you have space to store and prepare food and drinks. At minimum, you’ll need access to plenty of counter space, a sink and a fridge.

Wedding Day Tips

Now that you’ve figured out your getting ready location, here’s a few tips to help make your day flow:

PLAN YOUR OUTFITS WITH YOUR BRIDAL PARTY

If you plan on wearing matching pajamas or robes, be sure that everyone in your party has their attire packed and ready. Robes and button-ups are recommended to ensure you and your bridal party don’t mess up your perfectly crafted do’s while getting into your wedding day digs! Plus, they make for cute day of photos with your bridal party members. Pro Tip: Groomsmen can have matching outfits, too!

PREPARE FOR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

If detail shots are important to you, pack a bag or box to prepare for your photographer. This bag should have everything you want captured in your photographer’s detail shots from your wedding day. Be sure to assign someone else in your party to be in charge of giving the bag to your photographer upon arrival. You might still be in hair and makeup when they arrive!

KEEP THE ROOM TIDY

There is a lot happening on the day of a wedding and with many people getting ready in the same location, clutter happens. Ask your party to limit their bags and keep their personal items out of sight or off to the side to prevent any distractions in your photos or video. Pro Tip: If your budget allows, re-usable water bottles or matching cups are a great way to make clutter pretty!

STEAM YOUR DRESS THE DAY BEFORE

Unfortunately, I see this one entirely too often. Bridesmaids are steaming dresses in the same room as hair and makeup, or they are steaming dresses after their hair and makeup services are complete. This is a huge mistake as a full face of steam can disturb your makeup and hair. It’s best to steam any garments the day before. If you must steam any garments on the day of, it’s best to do so before your hair and makeup services in a well-ventilated room separate from where your hair and makeup artist(s) are set-up.