10 Relaxing Wedding Morning Tips | Good Fronds

Second in my mini wedding series are a few ‘behind the scene’ pics of the bridesmaids, my mum and I getting ready at our suite at the Midland Hotel, Manchester. I thought I’d include a few useful tips for any brides-to-be who want to enjoy a relaxing wedding morning.

Waking up I had the treat of a giant spot next to my lip, the lip that as it turned out I’d been chewing in my sleep and had consequently become swollen and looked like I’d been punched….I made the decision not to freak out but resided myself to the fact that I’d just have to cake my face in concealer and avoid smiling all day (not ideal).

Fortunately as Bethany from the Vintage Beauty Parlour arrived she advised that I get some ice and hold it against my face to reduce the swelling – I’m VERY HAPPY + RELIEVED to say that this technique actually worked. PHEW! In light of this near disaster I wanted to share a few tips that helped me stay calm on the morning of the wedding:

1.Surround yourself with lovely people: goes without saying really but the people really do make the party. I’m very fortunate that my bridesmaids, mum and sis and the gorgeous gals from The Vintage Beauty Parlour are all excellent individuals who made it easy to enjoy a relaxing stress-free wedding morning.

If you have hair and makeup artists coming in to beautify you make sure you’ve had a trial and feel comfortable around them. Likewise if you’re having your photographer seeing you in your nightie be sure you’re comfortable around them before your big day! Our excellent photographer Richard Pickavance was friend so the mood felt very laid back. Bethany and the girls from the Vintage Beauty Parlour were super friendly, funny and organized, they came in and got straight to work prepping hair and make up calmly and systematically, which leads me on the my next point.

2. Be organised: If you’re organised and every member of your bridal party knows what they’re doing it’ll reduce your responsibility and enable you to relax and enjoy every minute. I ran through the hair and make up plan with Bethany from the Vintage Beauty Parlour prior to the day to ensure we had a rough guide of who was getting their hair done first and at approximately what time, which meant all anyone had to do was to show up. Make sure you have researched and met up with those people that will be present on your big day, like the wedding videographer, hair stylist and photographer, that way you know that they are super professional and most importantly, you can have a laugh!

3. Eat: Be sure to satisfy your hunger and avoid getting “hangry”, even if you don’t feel like eating- nobody wants to function on an empty stomach. I planned for Gina and Rachael to get their hair set first which meant I was able to slope off and enjoy a leisurely breakfast with my family downstairs in the hotel at Mr Coopers Garden Restaurant. I’d also suggest getting snacks and some sustenance to graze on whilst getting your hair done.

4. Bath: I was fortunate enough to have time for a relaxing bath and take a moment for myself, lock the bathroom door and for a few minutes just shut out the chaos and excitement of the party. Whilst the bridesmaids were getting ready it was a real treat just to lay back and unwind. Highly recommended.

5. Drink: Theresa (the best woman) did a Starbucks run once all the bridesmaids had arrived; this really helped to perk up the beauty team and of course the bridesmaids. Counter balance your coffee with water so you don’t feel groggy. Needless to say some of the bridesmaids popped open some Prossecco to mark the celebration. A few drinks and laughs really do help to stop stress.

6. Laugh a lot: This bit came pretty easily as it was the first time the bridesmaids had been all together since the hen party, so there was much laughter and merriment. Nothing like a good laugh to break any tension.

7. Calming scents: Theresa treated me with a Neals Yard calming care package the night before the wedding day which included the Calming room spray and relaxation remedy, I also had a beautiful Jo Malone candle in my favourite scent from my team at work. Calming scents really work in creating a relaxing atmosphere.

8. Breath: Amid the excitement remember to breath and stay calm, don’t get swept away in the anticipated stress, if you’re prepared and ready their really is no need to feel stressed or nervous.

9. Lay out your ensemble: I hung up my wedding dress the night before and laid out all my accessories, which meant all I had to do was simply slip into them when the time was right.

10. Pack a little bag: Bethany left me some emergency concealer and I had my phone (for wedding car selfies) lipstick and my relaxation remedy (just incase). Make sure you’re able to carry your own bits at least until the point that you’re about to walk down the aisle as it’ll help you feel self sufficient and calm.