Getting Ready on Your Wedding Day: Tips & Advice

Co-written with Kaki Intimates and featuring Gloss Studios LLC and Denise Marie Photography

Let’s talk weddings! I’m so excited for every aspect that comes along with the wedding planning process and becoming a bride.  Even though I’m over a year away from my wedding, there is one thing in particular that I’m excited for. And that would be the getting ready routine on my wedding day! I can’t imagine all the emotions of excitement and nerves that my mind will be putting me through. That’s why having my bridesmaids by my side to relax, chat, and laugh with sounds like a great way to start the day.   

I teamed up with some very special people to share their perspectives on why the getting ready routine should be embraced and looked forward to rather than overlooked or planned last minute.

The Cute Matching Outfits

When you think about a bride and her bridesmaids getting ready, I’m sure your mind immediately goes to the cute matching outfits.  Whether it’s a robe, a PJ set, or an oversized button up tunic, they always seem to be matching.  There are many reasons why a bride might plan ahead to provide her bridal party with these cute outfits.  

The most obvious reason is for all the cute photo ops, but did you also know these outfits make a great “thank you” gift for your bridesmaids?  Plus, the bridesmaids can re-wear their outfit again and again.  A very cute, but practical gift!

Another reason to provide cute matching outfits is to avoid messing up one’s hair and makeup.  The last thing you want is someone arriving in a scoop neck tshirt and struggle trying to remove it when they have a full face of makeup and a perfectly styled up-do. Providing your bridal party an outfit that’s easy to slip on and off helps everyone in the long run.  No need for last minute touch ups!

Matching Outfit Inspo with Kaki Intimates

For those brides out there who need some cute outfit inspo for your bridesmaid’s outfits, Kaki Intimates has got you covered! Meet Amber, she’s the brains and beauty behind the brand, Kaki Intimates. Not only does she sell beautiful hand crafted lingerie, but she also sells the CUTEST matching sets that are perfect for you and your bridesmaids to wear while getting ready.

I’ve designed multiple options for the bride and her maids to pick from. They can match in the same beautiful print or solids, but wear different styles to fit their own comfort and body shape. Some great options are the Amelia set and Esmée slip.

Amber

Kaki Intimate Sets are Versatile Too

The amazing thing about these Kaki Intimate sets is the versatility. Not only will you wear them inside the house while getting ready, but they are perfect to bring on the honeymoon. They also make a great beach outfit!

I love the idea of gifting your maids the Amelia set and the Esmée slip and Ember long wrap robes are extra special for you, your MOH, and MOB. These are classic and timeless for any age and your pictures will be stunning.

Amber

Not just for the Bride and Bridesmaids

Kaki Intimates and Amber also offer accessories and baby products. This means hello matching flower girl. Just think of how cute your bridal party will be with the flower girl wearing a matching bubble romper.

Be sure to check out the knit collection for women and baby. This collection is made to order by Amber herself and comes in many beautiful prints. The Isla Swing cami and matching short is a perfect gift for any bridal party.

When it comes to bridal party looks with Kaki’s new knit collection, Amber has the best style advice:

I would recommend the Bride wearing the Amelia set or Esmée slip in “I do” Ivory, the bridal party in the Isla swing cami + short, and the flower girl in the matching printed bubble romper.

Amber

Where to shop Kaki Intimates?

You can shop Kaki Intimates on their website or shop directly from their beautiful Instagram page by clicking directly on the photos. For easy access when planning your wedding, you can also find Kaki Intimates on The Knot and Wedding Wire.

Getting Glammed Up with Gloss Studio LLC

With so many intricate details on your wedding day and every moment being documented, you will not only want to look your best, but feel your best!  That’s why you should consider hiring a team of stylists to help get you glam! Meet the team at Gloss Studio LLC, a beauty studio that provides professional hair and makeup for weddings.

It’s so important for a bride and her girlfriends to look and feel their absolute best! Photography really brings our work to life so it’s important that everyone looks fully put together by a professional team of stylists.

Gloss Studio LLC

To help you have the best morning getting glam by your hair and makeup team, here are some amazing tips from Gloss Studio LCC:

Don’t overlook your skincare routine!

Not only is a solid skincare regime good for your daily life, but you want your skin to look your best on your wedding day! Also, don’t try any new products or invasive procedures right before the wedding. Some non-invasive services that will be beneficial right before your big day are derma planning or hydra facials.

Clean and hydrated skin is going to give your makeup artist a perfect canvas to work with.

Gloss Studio LLC

Have realistic expectations, especially for your hair

No one knows your hair better than you do.  It’s important to realize your hair might not turn out exactly like the perfect Pinterest picture you stumble across.

Instagram pictures are great, but realize your hair will be a similar version of that picture! Photoshop, filters, or hair extensions are more than likely included in most pictures!

Gloss Studio LLC

Be honest with your stylists

You want to look and feel your best on your big day.  So if you aren’t happy with how your hair or makeup is turning out, speak up.

We want you to tell us if you’re unhappy or if you want to change something. We much rather change it and you be happy than not like our work!

Gloss Studio LLC

Arrive with clean dry hair

It’s important to come prepared with clean dry hair. Consider getting a blow out the day before the wedding and don’t straighten your hair if you want a wave or curl. Bridesmaids should also come prepared with pictures of what they would like done.

It’s important to have fully dried hair with minimal product so your hairstylist can easily work with your hair.

Gloss Studio LLC

Relax and enjoy the morning

Through emails, trials, and phone calls leading up to the wedding, a relationship forms between the bride and her stylist. This helps the bride feel comfortable and relaxed while having confidence in her stylist team the morning of her wedding.

The most rewarding part of our job is seeing how happy our bridal parties are with their finalized looks. We love sticking around and seeing the group photos and the whole look coming together.

Gloss Studio LLC

If you’re looking to hire an awesome hair and makeup team and local to the Philadelphia area, check out Gloss Studio LLC’s website, Instagram page, and bridal Instagram page.

Capturing the Special Moments with Denise Marie Photography

Having your photographer arrive early to capture your getting ready moments with your bridesmaids can be a real treat! Meet Denise, a wedding photographer who knows how important it is to capture every special moment of your wedding day. 

I’m so lucky I can photograph the happiest day of their lives…during the getting ready process I love capturing how much the bridal party really loves the bride and supports her.

Denise

To help you plan a perfect relaxed morning, here are some great pieces of advice from Denise:

Your location is key

The location is key for setting the tone of the photos taken.  Ideally a clutter-free location with good lighting and a simple clean backdrop will provide the perfect canvas for shooting all of the getting ready shots. 

If your bridal suite is not an ideal location for pictures, consider renting a room in a small boutique hotel or nice Airbnb.

Denise

Work on a schedule ahead of your wedding day

You will want to make sure you discuss a shooting timeline with your photographer ahead of your wedding day.  This helps the photographer figure out what time to arrive. It also helps the bride to stay on track and it helps alleviate unwanted stress. 

The way you start your wedding morning really sets the tone for how your wedding day will flow.  If you don’t have a schedule or you start late, you’ll likely will end up rushed and frazzled. This is the last emotion you need to be feeling on the happiest day of your life.

Denise

What happens once the photographer arrives

The photographer should arrive at least an hour and a half prior to leaving for the ceremony.  To maximize this time, the following should be put in place by the time the photographer arrives:

• Make sure the room is clean (no trash, water bottles, or clutter laying around)
• Bride’s dress should be hung up
• All bridesmaids should be in their matching outfits with their hair and makeup done
• Make sure any significant details are out for the detail shots

The Photographer will likely start with the important detail shots. These are the dress, shoes, invite, rings, and any family heirlooms that the bride wants included.

The detail shots are so important because they set the tone for the whole album.

Denise

From there, the bride is photographed receiving last minute touch ups before all of the fun bridal party shots happen.  Then, while the bridesmaids get ready, the photographer will capture any special moments with the bride and her sister, mother, grandmother, etc. To close out the getting ready portion of the day, the photographer will get shots of the bride getting into her wedding dress.

Be sure to check out all of the beautiful moments Denise captures on her website and Instagram page.

Make sure you enter this fun giveaway!

I hope after reading this post it has put some new perspective on the importance of a bride’s getting ready moment while also providing helpful tips!  To keep the fun going we have a special giveaway for you to enter. The winner will receive a $50 off $100 or more purchase from www.kakiintimates.com, a free bridal pen, and a custom garter.

To enter:

1. Follow Kaki_Intimates on Instagram
2. Tag 2 friends who would like Kaki Intimates on Kaki Intimates’ Instagram post about the giveaway on Thursday, October 1st

Winner will be announced on October 30, 2020.

Sincerely,

Kelley, Kaki Intimates, Gloss Studios LLC, & Denise Marie Photography