Getting Ready Outfits

Bridesmaid pyjamas or robes

Matching getting ready outfits pull the morning photos together and make everything look coordinated without feeling overdone. The most popular options are satin pyjama sets — short sleeve and pants, or cami top and pants — and satin or lace robes. Many brides choose pyjamas for the earlier part of the morning and robes once everyone is ready. Order at least three to four weeks before your wedding to allow time for personalisation.

• Bridesmaid pyjamas or robes — one per bridesmaid Most brides choose matching sets so the photos look coordinated. Order 3–4 weeks before your wedding. Shop bridesmaid pyjamas + robes →
• Bridal robe — something special just for you A luxe satin or lace robe at a different style to your bridesmaids creates a beautiful distinction in photos. Something you will wear again. Shop bridal robes →
• Personalisation — names or initials embroidered on robes or pyjamas Allow at least 3 weeks. Most brides who personalise say it is worth every cent. See personalisation options →
• No bra or socks on the morning — they leave marks for photos Bra straps and sock marks show up in photos and can take time to fade. Wear something easy to step out of. A pair of beautiful bridal slippers keeps feet comfortable and photographs beautifully. Shop bridal slippers →

Bridesmaid Gifts

The morning of your wedding is the most natural moment to give your bridesmaids a gift — before the ceremony, while you are all together in your getting ready outfits. A beautifully packaged gift box makes the moment feel considered and gives your photographer a lovely detail shot.

• Gift boxes — one per bridesmaid, presented on the morning A beautifully packaged gift box makes the moment feel special and photographs beautifully. Shop bridesmaid gift boxes →
• Personalised accessories — bags, cards or keepsakes Practical and personal always lands better than novelty. Something they will actually use again. Shop bridesmaid gifts →

Breakfast for Your Bridal Party

This one gets skipped more than you would think — and it shows. A long morning of hair, makeup and photos on an empty stomach is a recipe for low energy and frayed nerves.

• Grazing board or platter organised — prep the night beforeNothing too heavy or messy. Easy to pick at between hair and makeup appointments.
• Sparkling water alongside champagne — it is a long dayNerves and champagne on an empty stomach is a bad combination. Keep everyone hydrated.
• One bridesmaid nominated to make sure everyone has eatenIt should not be your job on your wedding morning.
• Eat a proper meal the night beforeA big breakfast on wedding morning nerves can be too much. A good dinner the night before sets you up well.

The Wedding Morning Emergency Kit

Every bride should have one. A small bag packed with the things you hope you will never need — but will be incredibly grateful for if you do. Pack everything into a small pouch the night before and hand it to your maid of honour to carry through the day.

Emergency Contact for Vendors

Give every single vendor — photographer, celebrant, florist, hair and makeup, transport — the name and phone number of one person who is not the bride. On the morning, your vendors should be calling your maid of honour or mother of the bride with questions, not you. Choose someone who is calm, decisive and knows the plan. Share your full vendor list and run sheet with them the week before.

The Night Before

The calmer your night before, the smoother your morning will be.

• Steam or iron all getting ready outfitsSatin and lace crease in packaging. Ten minutes the evening before saves a lot of stress on the morning.
• Remove nail polish from toenails if wearing open-toe shoes
• Prepare tip envelopes for vendorsCash in labelled envelopes for photographer, celebrant, hair and makeup artist. One less thing on the morning.
• Charge all devices — phone, portable speaker, portable charger
• Print your vows — do not rely on your phoneBatteries die. A printed copy is your backup and also feels more meaningful to hold.
• Confirm your shoes are broken inWear them around the house for at least a week before the day. Blisters are very common and very avoidable.

Hair and Makeup

Good hair and makeup artists in Australia book out six to twelve months in advance for peak season. If you have not booked yet, this is your most urgent task.

• Hair and makeup artist booked — confirm call time
• Running order confirmed — bridesmaids first, bride lastBride goes last so hair and makeup is freshest for the ceremony and portraits. Build in buffer time.
• Inspo photos saved and shared with your artist
• Trial done at least 4 weeks before the wedding
• Remove jewellery before your hair appointmentNecklaces and earrings catch on tools and can disrupt your style. Have a dish or tray ready to keep them safe.
• No heavy perfume on dress or neckline areaIt can cause staining on fabric. A light spritz on the wrists or in the hair is fine.

Logistics to Confirm Before the Morning

• Who is holding the rings — confirm with best man or ring bearer
• Who has the marriage certificate
• Transport to the venue — driver, timing and route confirmed
• All vendor call times in one place and shared with your emergency contact
• Getting ready space confirmed — mirrors, light, steamer

The Wedding Photo Checklist

Share this list with your photographer before the wedding day so nothing gets missed. Every image on this list is something brides wish they had when they look back.

• Table details and styling
• Cake detail
• First dance
• Parent dances
• Speeches
• Cake cutting
• Bouquet toss
• Candid guest moments
• Final send-off

Your Morning Timeline

Use this as a starting point and adjust based on your ceremony time and the size of your bridal party.

Meaningful Moments to Slow Down For

In all the planning and logistics, these are the moments most brides say they wish they had been more present for.