When Should Brides and Their Bridal Parties Start Getting Ready?

The big day is finally here! One of the most magical, memorable days of your life, and you deserve to enjoy every single moment of it. To be certain that everything runs smoothly, and you can enjoy all of which you have planned and waited for, it’s essential to give yourself enough time to be ready. Here’s a fun guide to help you nail the timing and keep everyone feeling excited and stress-free:

1-5 People: 2-3 Hours Before
Got a small but mighty bridal party of 1-5 people? You’ve found your core group! I would recommend starting to get ready 2-3 hours before any photos:
Glam Time: You want to give yourself plenty of time for your hair and makeup crew. No need to rush any details!
Wardrobe Moments: Give yourself time to enjoy this moment, slip into your dress, and just soak it all in.
Chill Time: A little breathing room to sip some champagne, snap a few selfies, and get excited! The best is yet to come.

5-10 People: 4-5 Hours Before
Planning with a larger squad of 5-10 people? The more the merrier! Starting 4-5 hours before means:

Staggered Schedules: Hair and makeup artists can work their magic on everyone without any time crunches. You don’t want to rush them, nor feel rush yourself.
Relax and Rejuvenate: Plenty of time for everyone to get ready at a leisurely pace, keeping the stress at bay.
Squad Goals: Extra time for group activities like sharing a toast, taking fun pre-wedding photos, and just enjoying each other’s company.

Grooms and Groomsmen: 1-2 Hours Before
Let’s not forget about the groom and his groomsmen! They typically need less prep time. Starting 1-2 hours before the ceremony is usually just right for:

Suit Up: Putting on their suits or tuxedos, making sure everything looks sharp.
Last-Minute Details: Taking care of ties, cufflinks, and pocket squares with precision.

Why This Timing Is Important
Starting to get ready within these recommended timeframes helps create a relaxed and fun atmosphere! This is the big day you’ve planned for- you don’t want to rush any of it.

Avoid Rush and Anxiety: By giving yourself and your party ample time, you avoid the last-minute anxiety that comes with being rushed. Everyone can enjoy the process without any of the time crunch pressure.
Enjoy Every Minute: With everything running smoothly and on-time, you can soak in every moment of your day.
Perfect Photos: Adequate preparation time ensures everyone looks their best for photos, capturing the joy and beauty of the day without any hasty moments.

Final Thoughts
Properly planning the timing for getting ready is essential to ensuring your wedding day is as perfect as you’ve always dreamed. By following these guidelines, you can set yourself and your bridal party up for a beautiful, stress-free start to your celebration. Remember, the goal is to feel calm, look amazing, and make unforgettable memories from the very beginning of your special day.