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 just a five minute job. Even if you’re wearing something that’s fairly simple to step into, there’s 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 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 if something unexpected pops up, and it often does, you’ve got the time and space to fix it without panic. You don’t want to be halfway into your dress with someone googling “how to tie bridal corset properly” as your car’s pulling up outside or with the regatta knocking on your bridal suite door.



It’s A Lovely Bit of the Day


Some of the best photos and real 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, soak it up properly, not in a rush.



So… What’s the Ideal Time?


Every wedding is different, but as a general rule, try to aim to be getting into your dress around an hour before you’re due to leave. 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 the feeling of this is really happening.



Last Bits of Advice:


  • Make sure whoever’s helping you into your dress knows how to do it, and maybe even practice beforehand if needed


  • Keep the room calm and not too crowded, ask your brides maids to leave so you can 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 better space or 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


Getting ready should be part of the joy, not a mad panic. Give yourself the gift of time and you’ll be stepping out the door feeling like the absolute queen you are, not someone who just survived a sprint to the finish line.

Two people getting dressed in an elegant white bedroom with a vintage-style rattan bed frame and table lamp.
A woman in a form-fitting white strapless dress being helped into her wedding gown in a rustic room setting.
A series of black and white wedding dress preparation photos showing final adjustments and touches in a bright room.