Getting ready for your wedding is an event in itself. The hair. The makeup. The pop mix your MOH made blaring from a nearby speaker. The (happy) tears. The waterproof-mascara (I swear by this one, and I’m pregnant so I cry a lot, ha!) The bridesmaid gift-giving moment. The first look after putting on the gown. There is so much to love about getting ready before the wedding, so you might as well make it a special part of your day. Today we’re sharing some rules you should know for getting ready to ensure you and your entire bridal party have an absolute blast. We’re also sharing some getting ready attire ideas and a special giveaway from Memento that you’ll want to win and start wearing RIGHT NOW. So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea) and get ready to jot down a few notes for the big day!

Getting Ready Rules to Follow

1. Getting ready attire is fun — and optional

I love getting ready attire because it makes for some really fantastic gifts for bridesmaids they’ll actually wear again. It also makes for some really cute photos with your girls. If you like the idea, here are some of our favorite options to try. The following choices are highly recommended because they’re easy to wear and lift OVER your hair and makeup before putting on your dress.

Button down shirt

Like his, only better!

Cute Tank Top

Ah, there’s so many to love! You can find tons of them here.

I love this one, paired with a skirt! Cute.

If you prefer, opt for something that skips the traditional title in lieu of something unique:

These tanks pair beautifully with leggings (every girl already owns a pair), pj bottoms, or cute sweats — like these!

Luxurious kimono-style robes

Spa wrap

Lace robe

Floral Romper

Bridal Jersey

Tunic

I adore this luxurious tunic in lace:

And this sumptuous tunic in soft jersey with lace detail:

2. Have a special place set up for getting ready

I like to call this the “home base”, so to speak. It’s the place where all of your bridesmaids can meet to chat, get ready, and hang out before the ceremony. Ideally, this is a place with facilities available, like your house or a hotel suite with bathrooms, showers, etc., all suitable for getting ready. There should be a time set for bridesmaids to arrive, especially if you have hair stylist and makeup application appointments scheduled. Go easy on timing: worry most about giving yourself enough time to get ready. Bridesmaids will get there when they can, so leave the timeline flexible. (After all, they’ll be with you all day, so possibly they need to do a few things in the morning first.)

3. Book hair and makeup in advance

If you’re getting hair and makeup done at a salon or you’re having the stylists come to your “home base”, make sure you book the services well in advance. Also, ask each bridesmaid individually if she will be getting hair, or makeup (or both) done. Be sure to provide prices to each bridesmaid so they know what to expect, and give them the option to pass if they prefer to do it themselves or go elsewhere. If they agree to pay for services, you can have them bring payment the day of the wedding to cover it. You can also opt to cover these costs as their bridesmaid gift, if you wish, but it isn’t necessary. Bridesmaids usually expect to have this cost as part of being in the wedding.

4. Offer food and drinks

At your getting ready location, be sure to have energy-packed food and drinks (lots of water) available for your girls. Many brides and bridesmaids feel rushed to get ready and forget to eat… which is no fun for anyone. Keep everyone happy and hydrated with a cheese and crackers platter, fruit platter, bagels, and juice, along with water bottles, coffee, etc. If you choose to have a mimosa or champagne toast, go easy on it (and see #6).

5. Take lots of photos

This time goes by so fast, so capture it however you wish! Getting ready photos are some of the best and most candid of the day because they capture so much excitement. (Don’t miss this post on getting ready photos must-haves you’ll want to add to your list!) Snap your favorite pics on your cell phone, get some instant pics (use this fun idea), or include certain photographs on the list for your photographer to capture. I also recommend using your Instagram hashtag (such as #SmithsSayIDo) early so your bridesmaids can start sharing photos. Put that hashtag to work early so guests can start to see the fun before the ceremony even begins!

6. Bring a fabric steamer

You NEED to have one of these in the room for unexpected dress wrinkles! Trust me on this one. You (or one of your bridesmaids) will ABSOLUTELY use it.

7. Have an emergency kit

You also need an emergency kit at the ready, stocked with commonly requested things such as aspirin, bandages, clear nail polish (for nylon runs), nail polish remover, makeup remover pads, bobby pins, hairspray, and breath mints. You can get an awesome kit right here! It has everything you could think of (and more).

8. Play music

Getting ready should have a fun atmosphere, so be sure to make a few mixes before the big day. Include fun pop songs, some dance tunes, sappy love songs, and anything that will get your girls to get energized for the big day. Also include some fun wedding tunes — like Chapel of Love and Let’s Get Married. :) We also scoped out this ultimate pre-wedding playlist you’re sure to love!

9. Have transportation at the ready

Arrange for transportation from the getting ready HQ to your ceremony. This can be a limousine, bus, etc. You can also opt for bridesmaids to volunteer and carpool together. This makes it easy for everyone to get where they need to be without getting their hair and makeup messed up. (P.S. Obviously, if anyone is having drinks beforehand, definitely hire a designated driver.)

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Have fun with it! “Getting ready” is a time to be remembered. And, oh my goodness, this photo makes me tear up every time:

Now that you know the rules of getting ready, here’s a fun giveaway just for you!

Giveaway

➳ Win a personalized preppy bridal party jersey

o Giveaway dates: 1/7/16-1/15/16 (11:59pm EST)
o Prize: preppy personalized / monogrammed bridal party jersey by Memento. Your choice of color(s)!
o FREE shipping included to U.S.
o Winner has 72 hours to respond to winning email or new winner will be selected
o No purchase necessary
o Prize value: $49.99 | No cash value
o Winner announced on 1/16/16 via email and on this page
o Winner must claim prize within 3 months of giveaway end date
o Past giveaway winners within 30 days not eligible to win
o Use entry form below to enter…