Best Getting Ready Locations for Your Wedding Day

Everything about your wedding morning sets the tone for the entirety of the day, and where you get ready plays a big role in how smooth and relaxed that start will be. Being intentional with your choice will go a long way – it’s the foundations of how your day will flow and feel.  From lighting to logistics, here’s what to consider when choosing your getting-ready location.

Proximity to Your Venue

Choosing a location near your ceremony venue is key to saving valuable time and minimising the stress of battling traffic to get to your venue. The less time you spend travelling on the morning of a wedding, the more moments you will have to soak in more positive memories with those getting ready with you.

Natural Light

A space with plenty of natural light makes a world of difference for both makeup application and wedding photography. Large windows and bright, neutral-coloured walls create a soft and pillowy background to your imagery.  Neutral coloured walls can play an important role because as light reflects off those walls, it can make your skin tone take on the colour of the walls.

Size of the Room and Comfort

Be mindful of the size of the space, especially if you have a large wedding party, family members, and vendors such as hairstylists and makeup artists joining you. A cramped room can feel chaotic very quickly, and that can swiftly transmit through your skin and affect the way you are reacting to the environment around you.  We have seen one too many times how quickly things can become overwhelming for couples with many people getting ready in the same one space.  When considering the size of a room or a home where you will get ready, keep at the forefront of your decision making process that a spacious setting allows everyone to move freely and comfortably and that will reflect heavily on your mood for the rest of the day.

Aesthetics and Backgrounds

Your getting-ready space will feature in every single one of your getting ready photos, so choosing a space that aligns with your vibe shouldn’t be undervalued. Sydney has many hotels and airbnbs which embody character – all of which caters something for everyone. For example, if you are into art and décor, look for spaces that embody the same for your getting ready.

Privacy & Atmosphere

Find a space that allows you to feel relaxed and at ease. Think about if you prefer the intimacy of a private suite or a shared space with your wedding party. What you opt for should ultimately translate towards the energy you want to absorb during your getting ready.  If jazz music calms you, then have a jazz playlist ready to play on the day of.  If you love a certain type of drink, make sure your beverage of choice is close by to enjoy.  If you want to get ready on your own because you might get overwhelmed quickly with different people around you, then do just that.

Amenities & Practical Considerations

Ensure your location has all the necessary amenities that you could need on the morning of your getting ready, such as mirrors, good air circulation, an ironing board and enough electrical outlets for hairstyling tools. A nearby restroom, full-length mirrors, and a steamer for last-minute clothing touch-ups can also be incredibly valuable.  Small things like these can go a long way on the wedding day.

Accessibility for Vendors & Guests

Make sure the space is accessible for your vendors, such as photographer, videographer, hair and makeup team and any special guests. If parking is limited or not onsite, or if there are stairs with no elevator, it could make things more challenging for vendors carrying equipment or guests that require assistance with mobility.

Sentimental Value

Some couples choose to get ready at a childhood home, family estate, or other location with sentimental meaning. If a space holds special memories, it can be a superb way to honour your past by getting ready in a space that loved and nurtured you during your early years before you embark on this new journey in life.

Separate Spaces for You & Your Partner

If you’re following tradition and getting ready separately, ensure that both you and your partner have equally comfortable and photogenic spaces that suit your needs with all of the points on here taken into consideration.   Sometimes, thought and attention can go mainly into one place of getting ready and not on the other.  You both deserve to feel like you are taken care of at the start of your wedding day.

Booking Considerations

If you’re getting ready at a hotel, Airbnb, or venue suite, check the check-in and check-out times to ensure they align with your wedding day schedule. If you need an early check-in or late check-out, confirm availability in advance – triple checking the fine print can go a long way in avoiding unpleasant last minute curveballs.

Final Thoughts on Getting Ready Locations

Your getting-ready location is more than just a place.  It’s where you’ll share laughs, create memories and it will harness the energy you want to move forward with for the rest of the day.  Choosing a place that feels right to you will contribute towards a stress-free and relaxed tone for your wedding day. If you need any recommendations on some places to get ready, we are always here to offer some guidance based on what you’re looking for.