Choosing Your Getting Ready Space

For Couples

Mar 14

One of the most overlooked parts of the day is choosing a getting ready space that’s not only beautiful but also practical. It’s so important to find a space that fits your style and vibe for the day. If you’re getting married outdoors with a clean modern look then a hotel room with darker carpets and fixtures may not be the best option for you. Also, consider somewhere that you’ll be comfortable. Often times, hotels require you to check out several hours prior to the ceremony. In this case, renting an air BNB may be a better option and cost effective. Find a space that fits your wedding style and your entire day will have the same feel which will help to create a cohesive and put together wedding gallery. You’ve put so much work into crafting a day that perfectly suits the two of you so your getting ready space should be no different!

When choosing your getting ready space, here are five things that you should consider:

Does the space offer a ton of natural light?

Wherever you decide to get ready, ensure that there are lots of windows that let in a ton of natural light. Bright white interiors are best as they act as a large reflector which will create an open, clean look. Avoid anywhere that has different coloured walls or dark floor coverings. Look for neutral walls either white, beige or grey as this will help your skin tones look the most natural. This will also help to create a clean canvas so that your hair and makeup team can work.

Consider the size of the space and the number of people that will be present.

The last thing that you want on the morning of your wedding is to be crammed into a small space while getting ready. If you plan on having your bridesmaids as well as a few additional guests, you’ll need a space that can comfortably accommodate everyone including your hair and makeup team, photographer and videographer. It’s important that everyone has space to get ready and lounge as well as room to store extra bags and accessories so they are out of the way.

Check with your venue to see if they have a getting ready space for you.

The added bonus in getting ready at your venue is that it eliminates any travel time that you would have planned for getting to and from in time for the ceremony. This is also a good idea if you are planning on having a first look prior to the ceremony as it leaves more time for that. Having one less thing to worry about on the day of is always a good idea. Getting ready at your venue allows for everything to take place in one location! If you’re not a fan of getting ready in the same place that the hustle is, that’s okay. If you want to find somewhere close but still unique, try searching for air bnb in the area.

Go somewhere that is comfortable for you.

It’s a big day with a lot of added emotions so it’s important to be somewhere that will put you at ease. If you plan on staying there together the night before, it may make sense to wake up and have your vendors come to you. The morning should reflect you as an individual and the bond that you share with your bridal party in keeping with the theme for the day. It’s an added bonus if there’s an outdoor space available so that you and your bridesmaids can share a few moments together before getting into your dresses. This would be the perfect spot for images in your robes or popping some champagne!

Consider the proximity to the guys and the location of the ceremony.

Think about where the guys will be getting ready. You don’t want to be too close but closer may be better especially if you are planning on doing a first look prior to the ceremony. I would recommend getting ready as close to your venue as you can so that traffic doesn’t delay the start time for the day. Having a getting ready space close to both the guys and the ceremony would allow for your photographer to hop back and forth between each if needed. Oftentimes, it makes sense to spend time with the girls, head over to the guys and then come back to the girls for any finishing touches before the ceremony. Finishing touches may include having your mom help you into your dress, a first look with your dad or any last minute details needed.

Whether it’s a hotel, air BNB, a family member's house or your own home, let it reflect your vibe for the day. Getting ready in your home has added benefits as your home style is likely similar to your wedding style. A hotel suite may be the best option for you if you plan on having a first look with your dad who's also at the hotel and provides easy access for your mom to go back and forth between rooms. If you’re looking for something unique then an air bnb is for you. No matter where you choose to get ready on the morning of your wedding, make sure that it’s perfect for you!

Last but not least, don’t forget to have these things in your getting ready space:

Champagne glasses for the group (And champagne and OJ)
Matching robes or pajama sets
Vases to store your florals (If your florist is delivering them in a box, it may be a good idea to have vases or glass jars to store them in while you get ready)
Hangers for you and your girls dresses suitable for photographing (It doesn’t have to be anything expensive or fancy but wooden ones look better than plastic)
An extra room to put additional bags, food, etc.
Two bathrooms
All of your details (jewellery, invitations, shoes, perfume, vows, etc)
Both sets of rings
Portable speaker for music
Multiple mirrors
Food or snacks
Extra’s (hairspray, kleenex, deodorant, bobby pins, nail file, etc)