How to nail relaxed wedding morning prep (Without the stress!)

Helen
May 1
3 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Top tips for a relaxed and stress-free wedding morning:

This guide is here to help you get the most out of your morning prep photos – without adding stress or turning your space into a production set. Promise!

📸 Have a quiet and tidy(ish) space for photos

That doesn't mean hiding the snacks (please don’t!) but maybe move the overnight bags and piles of coat hangers out of the way. If you can, choose a room with lovely natural light and minimal clutter. It just means the photos stay focused on you and the people around you. This also helps me capture those gorgeous calm moments without too many distractions in the background. (Though let’s be honest — I’m great at moving stuff when needed.)

⏰ Timing-wise

I usually arrive around 2 hours before your ceremony. That gives me enough time to photograph all the little details, your crew getting ready, and those lovely emotional moments that happen right before go-time.

👯 Keep your wedding party close

Whether it’s your best mate steaming your outfit or someone pouring you a glass of fizz, make sure your people are nearby. Their reactions are priceless, and I’ll be snapping all of them.

🕰️ Start earlier than you think

If you're having your hair and makeup done, it always takes longer than planned, especially if you’ve got a few pals getting glam too. Give yourself buffers. If you think you’ll need to be in your outfit by 12:30 — aim for 12:00. You’ll thank yourself later.

🤘 Get ready at your own pace

You don’t have to be “on” for the camera. I’ll be in the background, documenting the real moments – the giggles, deep breaths, hugs, maybe a little cry or two, snack breaks, and all. Just do your thing.

🍓 Eat something

No, really. A proper breakfast and grazing on some snacks can make all the difference — especially with nerves. It's a long day! Plus, I’d always rather photograph you chewing a granola bar than fainting during your vows.

🧘 Build in calm time

Whether it's a playlist, a moment alone, or just sitting still for a second, your morning should feel like yours. The more chilled you are, the better you'll feel heading into your ceremony — and it’ll show in your photos too.

✨ Let someone else be the timekeeper

Whether it’s your wedding coordinator, a pal with a clipboard, or a supplier with a solid timeline, it’s not your job to check the clock. Your only job? Enjoy it.

What to Set Aside for Your Photographer:

If you’re into the little details (and I definitely am), setting aside a few bits in the morning means I can capture them beautifully before you even get dressed. It means I won’t have to bug you while you’re in the makeup chair or midway through your favourite pre-ceremony snack. These bits help tell the full story of your day, from the smallest details to the biggest moments.

Here’s what to gather into a box or bag the night before:

💌 A full wedding invite suite (including envelopes, wax seals, personalised newspaper & RSVP cards)

🎀 Any ribbons, florals or fabric swatches that match your vibe

💍 Wedding rings (or have them nearby if you’re not wearing them yet)

👠 Your shoes (yes, even the muddy wellies or dancing trainers!)

👗 Your outfits! Suits, dresses, jumpsuits — whatever you’re wearing to feel like you! (on a nice hanger - preferably no plastic ones please!)

✨ Perfume, cologne or scent of choice.

👑 Hair accessories, jewellery, socks, sunglasses or special touches you've got for your day.

🪩 Any keepsakes, heirlooms or personal items. Anything with meaning, like a pin, your Grandad's watch, Auntie's locket, or embroidered handkerchief.

📝 A handwritten note or gifts from your partner (if you're doing them)

⚡️ Your signature accessory (leather jacket, tie, hat, etc.)

💐 Florals if they’ve arrived (bouquet, buttonhole, flower crown etc.)

💙 Anything fun or personal — snacks, fave drink, or your “something old, new, borrowed or blue” if you’re doing the tradition.

Bonus tip: Let your florist know you’d love a few loose blooms or petals for styling. They make the detail shots POP.

The morning flies by and sets the tone for the whole day, and I’m there to document it all – not just how it looked, but how it felt. So whether you're getting ready in your childhood bedroom, a rented cottage with your crew, or a quiet space on your own, I’ll be there (probably in my Vans) camera in hand, capturing every brilliant moment.