Your special day should be all about enjoying the heartwarming and exciting moments with your loved ones. After months of planning and effort, you are finally coming together. So, this is an event that calls for a super celebration. However, as your big day approaches quickly, you will notice the amount of things you need to take care of only gets bigger. In between finalizing all the details, we have prepared a wedding getting ready checklist you should use to ensure you have a smooth experience! 


Overall, this list will help you get the ball rolling. Depending on your personal preferences, feel free to add or withdraw whatever you want!

Bride's Wedding Getting Ready Checklist


To create a calm and relaxed morning, ensure you have all items ready at hand. It’s good to be prepared as it allows you and your gals to be more confident, comfortable, and camera-ready.


  • Veil
  • Shoes 
  • Jewelry
  • Vow books
  • Perfume
  • All three rings
  • Invitation suite
  • Bouquets
  • Loose florals 
  • Any heirloom or special accessory


Ring details wedding getting ready ottawa photographer
Ring details wedding getting ready
Ring details wedding getting ready ottawa photographer

Groom's Wedding Getting Ready Checklist


Grooms usually think they don't need to have a checklist. But the truth is, theirs are just as extensive as the bride's. If you’re the groom, make sure you bring the following items:


  • Suit
  • Tie
  • Cufflinks
  • Watch
  • Cologne
  • Shoes and socks
  • Handkerchief
  • Belt/suspenders
  • Boutonniere
  • Vow book
  • Any extra ribbon, accents, or items of significance that represent the day
  • Any gifts or notes from one another


details bride getting ready wedding
Groom getting ready Stanley's Olde Maple Lane Farm
Stanley's Olde Maple Lane Farm groom getting ready blue suit
details bride getting ready wedding ottawa photographer
details bride getting ready wedding ottawa photographer
Stanley's Olde Maple Lane Farm getting ready bride
Stanley's Olde Maple Lane Farm groom getting ready
Stanley's Olde Maple Lane Farm getting ready bride
Stanley's Olde Maple Lane Farm getting ready bride Ottawa
Stanley's Olde Maple Lane Farm getting ready bride ring
Stanley's Olde Maple Lane Farm getting ready bride details

Tips for a Relaxing Morning


It's the morning of your wedding, and you are bound to be anxious. It is absolutely normal! These getting-ready moments are a significant part of the day. Therefore, we’re here to help you with our useful advice on celebrating in the most relaxed way possible. Apart from enjoying a hearty breakfast and exchanging a soulful letter with your partner, here’s what you should consider:


Natural Light For Feel-Good Vibes


Rooms with neutral colours are best to get ready at. So, you may opt for white, gray, cream, and, of course, a range of pastel tones to let you enjoy the morning super relaxed. You should also opt for rooms with clean space and larger windows for natural lighting- it will make all the difference!

If you have no access to such things, we will take things outdoors.


Makeup and Hairstyling


Give yourself more time than you think you need to prepare. Makeup and styling take at least 2-3 hours, so throw an extra hour to enjoy every moment. Trust your artist's scheduling.


Relaxing Music 


In the morning, play your list of hand-picked tunes proven to relax you when you’re anxious. Another way to feel calm and more relaxed is to use an oil lamp with essences like lavender, wild rose, and pine trees. Also, you can light candles around you to give you a relaxed feeling.


Prepare your gown 


Now, let's talk about the beautiful dress you will wear on your big day. Stow up all essentials, such as your engagement rings, jewelry, shoes, etc, in one place. Hang up your dress beforehand and do these little tasks early in the morning. This will allow your photographer to take wedding detail photos without disturbing your preparations. 


We know you love to organize, great! But don't start organizing in the very morning! We recommend you find someone you trust and share the workload of organizing and arranging everything required. You may also look for a professional coordinator to help you plan the details. Just relax and let go of your organizational impulses, and we promise your day will be super fun, memorable, and exciting!




With this, we conclude the wedding getting ready checklist to ensure your day progresses seamlessly. In case you need help, let us know! We would love to capture your big day’s essence! For more inspiration on planning for your Ottawa wedding, check out our blogs!