How to Plan the Perfect Wedding Morning In 5 Undervalued Steps (So the Rest of Your Day Flows Stress-Free)
The first few hours of your wedding day are sacred. Yet so often, couples overlook how their wedding morning will shape their stress levels and enjoyment for the entire day.
From where you decide to get ready, to who you include in these early moments, these minor details will make the difference between a day that feels rushed or a day that feels relaxed.
If you are adamant about creating an environment for your wedding that feels relaxed, and let's face it, fun, you are in the right place. Over the many weddings we’ve had the fantastic opportunity to plan, we have come to see just how important the way you choose to spend the morning of your wedding is.
In this blog, we outline what you should (or shouldn’t!) include in your wedding morning routine to set yourself up for an energized, no-stress, no-rushed wedding day.
Your Getting Ready Location: Why It Matters And How To Optimize It
Choose a stress-free space close to your venue for a calm, enjoyable start to your day.
Your getting-ready location plays a massive role in your stress levels. Imagine choosing a hotel 30–40 minutes away from your venue, your makeup artist is running late due to traffic, and suddenly you’re panicking about staying on schedule. This is precisely the kind of stress we want you to avoid.
While choosing the perfect hotel or venue for your getting-ready spot is essential, your peace of mind comes first. At Claudia and Co., we use two key strategies to prevent morning-of stress, ensuring you’re never the one running late to your ceremony.
Our first strategy is to choose a getting-ready location as close as possible to your ceremony venue.
This simple step minimizes travel stress and ensures you have plenty of time to enjoy the morning with your wedding party, rather than talking logistics. No extra moving parts, simplicity at its finest!
The second strategy is to build a timeline that accounts for delays and unexpected hiccups. That way, everyone knows the backup plan, and no one is scrambling at the last minute. If you choose this approach, be sure to discuss with your planner and build in generous buffer times.
Everything on your wedding day often takes about ten minutes longer than expected, so the more space in the timeline, the better!
Claudia And Co. Wedding Tip
If you’re getting ready at a different venue from your ceremony, consider transportation logistics for your bridal or groom party.
Are you taking Ubers?
How long will they take in traffic?
Where is the best place to get picked up?
What is the weather like that day?
For extra peace of mind, a pre-booked car service ensures you won’t be stuck waiting or cutting it close.
2. Who You Are Getting Ready With: An Important Consideration
Along with location, think carefully about who you spend your morning with. While it can feel tricky to decide, surrounding yourself with people who uplift you is essential. Your wedding morning should be filled with positivity and support; anything else can add unnecessary stress.
The truth is, we all have a friend or two who may expect an invitation to the more exclusive parts of your wedding. Still, always remember this is your day, your needs and your partner’s needs come first.
It’s important to remember that when you hire a wedding planner, you’re hiring someone whose job is to support you and your priorities on your wedding day. If issues arise with a family member or guest, a professional planner can help navigate the situation, something we’ve encountered many times, as weddings naturally tend to create stressful moments.
3. Wedding Morning Food and Drinks: What to Eat Before The Celebration
Yes, your wedding morning can absolutely feel like a celebration! It’s a special time to soak in the excitement with your wedding party and savour those first moments of your big day. That said, it’s important to approach your morning routine with balance. Heavy meals or too many drinks can leave you feeling sluggish or uncomfortable, which is the last thing you want to start your wedding day with.
Instead, focus on what makes you feel good. Choose foods that are light, nourishing, and easy to digest, such as fresh fruit, yogurt, or a small smoothie. If you plan to sip on something bubbly or alcoholic, keep it light and moderate, so you can enjoy the celebration without feeling weighed down.
Pro tip: Limit yourself to no more than two drinks. A bottle of champagne shared with your bridal party, paired with a light fruit plate or cheese, is perfect, enjoyable without leaving anyone bloated or overindulged. The goal is to feel energized and ready for the day ahead.
4. Let Music Set the Tone
One simple thing that can make your wedding morning feel calm and joyful is music, yet it’s often overlooked. Make a playlist of songs that make you happy, relaxed, or energized. Maybe it’s soft acoustic tunes while you sip your coffee, or a few upbeat favourites that get everyone laughing and chatting.
Having music playing in the background helps keep nerves at bay, makes the morning feel more like a celebration, and naturally creates those candid moments your photographer will love to capture. It’s an easy, low-effort way to add a little magic to the start of your day.
5. Wedding Day Emergency Kit Checklist for Couples
Wherever your getting-ready spot is, don’t forget an emergency kit! If you have a planner, most will bring one themselves, but it’s always a good idea to ask. If you don’t have one on hand, you could run into unexpected problems on the big day.
A well-stocked emergency kit can save the day and help keep stress levels low. Be sure to include:
Mouthwash & floss
Sewing supplies (needle, thread, safety pins)
White chalk for dress touch-ups
Hair elastics, bobby pins, and hairspray
Hairbrush or comb
Deodorant
Gum or mints
Band-aids
A few key makeup essentials (foundation, lipstick, powder, concealer)
Having these items on hand ensures that small problems are handled promptly, so you and your guests can stay relaxed and enjoy every moment.
Tip To Remember: At Claudia and Co., we bring a fully stocked emergency kit to every wedding. That way, you don’t have to worry about putting one together yourself; you’ll have access to ours so that you can feel utterly prepared.
TL;DR: How to Plan the Perfect Wedding Morning
Your wedding morning sets the tone for your entire day. To keep it relaxed, joyful, and stress-free:
Choose Your Location Wisely
Mind Your Company
Eat & Drink Smartly
Let Music Set the Tone
Pack an Emergency Kit
At Claudia and Co., we specialize in luxury weddings that stand the test of time, celebrations that people will talk about for years to come. If you’re looking for a wedding planner who can bring your dream wedding to life, let’s connect!