By Rachel Caws
Your wedding morning sets the tone for your entire day, so let’s make it calm, seamless and stress-free. With 20 years of experience as a bridal hair and makeup expert, I have absolutely seen it all – from the effortlessly serene goddess to last-minute sweats and a full-on hot mess! To help you stay firmly in the ‘radiant and relaxed’ category, I’m sharing my expert tips (including some you won’t have heard before!) for a smooth and magical start to your big day.
- Time it right (and then add a buffer)!
Many brides underestimate how long hair and makeup actually take – especially when factoring in the final touches like getting dressed, photos and any unexpected delays. Work with your artist to create a schedule and always add a little extra time to this, just in case. A calm, unhurried morning means you can be truly present in the moment, relax and enjoy everything. I take the thinking out of things for my brides and will actually create the schedule on your behalf, sharing it weeks before your wedding, so you just know it’s all in hand and you can see how your morning will pan out, with every detail included.
- Hydrate… but do it strategically
Yes, hydration is essential for radiant skin but try to sip water steadily, rather than guzzling it all at once. Drinking water is great, but more isn’t always better—downing bottles at once can leave you bloated or making frequent bathroom trips right before you’re due to step into your dress! Gentle, consistent sipping is best, and keep in mind: only about 20% of what we drink reaches our skin, so topical hydration matters just as much. Work with your artist to implement a personalised skincare routine in the lead up to your wedding for the best possible and most predictable results on the day.
- The ‘no-steam’ rule
Avoid anything that involves steam during and after hair and makeup being done. Steam causes hairstyles to drop and makeup to shift. Showers in the en suite should be taken as early as possible and keep those windows open to cool things down! Avoid steaming outfits after hair and makeup have been done too – this needs to be done earlier or in another room entirely. Seriously, you will make me cry 😂
- Prep your skin for bridal radiance
Your skin’s condition dramatically affects how well your makeup applies and lasts. In the weeks leading up to your wedding, focus on hydration, gentle exfoliation and using products that nourish your skin. On the morning itself, a simple cleanse and hydrating moisturiser (with no SPF, to avoid flashback in photos) will give your makeup the perfect canvas to be applied on. My brides love that I take care of their skin prep for them, for a truly pampering experience on their wedding morning (and one less thing to think about!) and I know that some other artists offer this as part of their services too.
- Set the scene for a stress-free morning
The space where you get ready will shape the entire vibe of your wedding morning, so be intentional with it. Choose a well-lit, clutter-free room with plenty of natural light for hair and makeup (bonus points if there’s a mirror and a table – your artist will love you for it!). Curate a playlist to match your mood, light a softly scented candle and take a moment to hang up your outfits beautifully – it’s a small touch that makes for stunning photos. Your photographer will love you for keeping a designated photo area tidy, with a clean, neutral backdrop. And when you get your wedding gallery back? You’ll be so glad you did!
- Wear a button-up top or a robe
The last thing you want after having your hair and makeup perfected is to mess it all up by having to pull a top off over your head! A wrap-around robe or a button-up top will make getting dressed effortless – no accidental smudges or hair mishaps to worry about!
- Nominate a touch-up assistant
Like many professional hair and makeup artists, I provide my brides with a touch-up kit to keep you looking flawless from “I do” to the last dance. Having a trusted bridesmaid or family member know where it is and how to use it (especially for lipstick reapplication) is a game-changer. I’ve worked with The Gilchrist Collection’s wedding coordinators to show them how to remove veils without disturbing hairstyles and I’ll personally demo this for a chosen member of your party too – because it’s the little details that make your day effortlessly smooth.
- Keep Snacks Simple
Eating is essential (obviously!) but I’ve seen some heartbreaking mishaps with food on a wedding morning. I recommend you avoid messy, greasy or stain-prone foods that could transfer onto your face or dress. Think bite-sized grazing boards with fruit, nuts or protein-packed options that keep energy levels up, because when the nerves start creeping in, you wont feel hungry but it’s important to fuel up when you might have a wait until you next eat!
- Schedule a ‘Breather’ Before Getting Dressed
Give yourself 10 minutes of quiet time after hair and makeup are done. Step away from the busy room, take deep breaths and soak in the moment before stepping into your gown. This simple pause can be incredibly grounding. Brides who work with me have their schedule taken care of and I plan this time in for you. I also share your schedule with your photographer and coordinator on your behalf, so we’re all on the same page!
- Trust Your Dream Team
If you’ve chosen experienced professionals, trust them to do what they do best. Let go of any need to micromanage and focus on enjoying this once-in-a-lifetime morning. A relaxed bride is a radiant bride! Your wedding morning should feel like a luxurious, joyful experience – not a rushed checklist of tasks. With the right preparation and mindset, you’ll walk down the aisle looking and feeling like the best possible version of yourself!
The more you prepare, the more present you can be – so take these tips to heart and create the kind of wedding morning that feels every bit as special as the day ahead!
Written by Rachel Caws, Bridal Hair & Makeup Specialist
www.rachelcaws.com | @rachelcawsmua
