Why You Shouldn’t Leave Getting Into Your Wedding Dress Until the Last Minute
Right, let’s talk about that golden moment: getting into your wedding dress. It should feel calm, joyful and maybe a bit emotional too. But if you leave it too late, it can end up feeling more like a scene from a game show. And not the fun kind. So here’s a little wisdom from someone who’s been around more wedding mornings than most: don’t leave it until the last minute.
You’ll Want Time to Breathe
Getting into the dress isn’t always a five-minute job. Even if you’re wearing something fairly simple to step into, there are usually still a few things to faff with: buttons, laces, veils, underlayers, shoes, jewellery, flowers, perfume, maybe even a last sip of Prosecco. When it’s rushed, all that magic gets sucked right out of the window and you’re left flapping instead of floating.
Dresses Don’t Always Play Ball
Zips get stuck, straps twist, someone forgets how to lace the corset. Sometimes things just need a little adjusting. Having a buffer means that if something unexpected pops up (and it often does), you’ve got the time and space to fix it without any panic. You don’t want to be halfway into your dress with someone googling “how to tie a bridal corset properly” or checking your seamstress email to see where something , as your car pulls up outside, or with the registrar knocking on your bridal suite door.
It’s a Lovely Bit of the Day
Some of the best photos and most genuine emotions happen during this part of the morning. If you’re feeling flustered or pushed for time, it shows. If you’re relaxed and ready with time to spare, that calmness really comes across. It’s one of those rare quiet moments before the day picks up pace, so soak it up properly rather than rushing through it.
Running on Time Helps Me Help You
Here’s a little behind-the-scenes secret: when your morning runs to schedule, and you have given yourself more breathing room. I can capture so much more of your day. If you’re ready in good time for your ceremony. I can grab your those lovely moments with your nearest and dearest, then slip away to catch everything else that’s happening. That might be the groom and his groomsmen waiting in the ceremony room guests arriving, all the little details you’ve spent months planning all the bits that you don't see.
When things start to slide, that time gets squeezed. Instead of nipping off to capture those extra bits, I’m waiting for the final touches so I don’t miss your moment. So it’s worth aiming to be in your dress at least 45 mins prior to your ceremony. Build in a bit of breathing room for hair and makeup, keep an eye on the clock, and have someone you trust (a bridesmaid or your mum is perfect) gently keep things moving. A morning that runs on time means a fuller, richer story of your whole day, not just the bits that happened in one room.
So… What’s the Ideal Time?
Every wedding is different, but as a general rule, aim to start getting into your dress around 45 minutes to an hour before you’re due to leave or see the registrar. That gives you plenty of time to get dressed, take a few deep breaths, have a couple of photos, do a last-minute lip gloss top-up, and just enjoy that “this is really happening” feeling. It also gives you a buffer, should anything in the morning Start to put you behind.
Last Bits of Advice
Make sure whoever’s helping you into your dress knows how to do it, and maybe even have a practice beforehand if needed. Keep the room calm and not too crowded. It’s absolutely fine to ask your bridesmaids to pop out for a few minutes so you have some space. One or two people helping is usually more than enough! Have a full-length mirror to hand, even if it means moving to another room with more space or better light.
Don’t be afraid to ask for a bit of space once the dress is on, just to gather your thoughts before heading out. Suppliers such as hair and makeup maybe keen to get phones photo's of you in their dress for their social media feeds. While this is something I always encourage, it can sometimes lead to brides running late for their ceremony or in some cases limiting the work i'm able to do myself as your photographer.
Getting ready should be part of the joy, not a mad panic. Give yourself the gift of time and you’ll step out of the door feeling like the absolute queen you are, not someone who’s just survived a sprint to the finish line.
You might also like: Should We Both Get Ready At The Wedding Venue?. Planning your own wedding? See my wedding photography prices or check your date.
