Your wedding morning should be a time of excitement, relaxation, and those heartwarming final moments before you say, "I do." To ensure everything goes smoothly, a little preparation goes a long way! As a professional makeup artist based on the edge of the Lake District in Cumbria, with over 300 weddings under my belt, I know just how important the getting-ready process is.

Here’s your ultimate guide to what you should do before the big day and what to do on the big day to keep everything stress-free and seamless.

Chelsea Leigh Photography | Felicity, Makeup Artist @ Ashby Artistry | Holesfoot Wedding Venue

The Night Before: Set Yourself Up for a Smooth Morning

The key to a calm and enjoyable wedding morning starts the night before. Here’s what you should and shouldn’t do:

1. Wash & Prep Your Hair (But Not That Morning!)

Your hairstylist will thank you if your hair is clean but not too soft. If your stylist hasn't advised otherwise, wash your hair the night before as usual or by using a lightweight shampoo and no heavy conditioning masks or oils. Dry your hair thoroughly and avoid applying heat or styling products.
Again, double check with your hair stylist but these are the general terms I see and hear in the wedding industry.

2. Steam & Prepare Your Wedding Outfit

This is a huge one!! Avoid last-minute wrinkles by steaming your wedding dress and outfits the night before. Never leave this until the morning—it takes longer than you think, and you’ll want to avoid steam-induced humidity affecting your hair and makeup.

The amount of times myself and other makeup artists and hair stylists have had to deal with last-minute retouching and even altering someone’s makeup or hair style because the steam has caused havoc (especially in the summer months) it’s just not worth it. Steam clothes ahead of time!

3. Skincare: Keep It Simple

The night before, gently cleanse your skin and apply a nourishing moisturiser and lip balm. Do not exfoliate - unless your skin is used to it - or fake tan less than 48 hours before the wedding, this can cause irritation, uneven patches, or unexpected reactions under makeup.
I also get asked very regularly if you should fake tan your face. To be completely honest, it’s not worth it. I can colour match to make sure your chest and neck are matching your face but on the 25% chance that the fake tan will go patchy and dry out your skin, it’s so much harder to cover and correct this on the day.

4. Hydrate & Get Some Rest

Drink plenty of water, get an early night (if possible, no need to stress), and try to relax.
Your wedding morning will be full of energy, so start it feeling refreshed and ready.

Raindrops & Roses Photography | Wedding Hair by Rachel Kendrick | Felicity, Makeup Artist at Ashby Artistry | Lodore Falls Hotel and Spa

Your Wedding Morning: Final Touches for a Stress-Free Start

Be Ready for Your Hair & Makeup Slot – Have a clean, makeup-free face and be ready to sit in the chair at your scheduled time. If you have a skincare routine, stick to the basics—no extra serums or oils.
Have a Calm & Comfortable Setup – Ensure there’s a well-lit, clutter-free space for hair and makeup. Quite often we need more space than you think. Natural day-light is ideal, but don’t worry—your makeup artist (that’s me!) will bring studio lights if needed.
Keep Your Bridal Party Organised – If you have bridesmaids or family members getting ready with you, create a rough schedule to ensure everyone knows when and where they need to be. This avoids last-minute stress.
Enjoy the Moment! – Your getting-ready time is part of your wedding day experience, so take it all in. Play your favourite playlist, have a sip of bubbly, and soak in the excitement!

Final Thoughts: Preparation = A Relaxed, Beautiful Bride

Taking the time to prep properly means you’ll wake up on your wedding morning feeling relaxed and ready to enjoy every moment. With over eight years in the wedding industry, I know how much these small details can make a difference!

If you’re looking for a professional, experienced makeup artist to help you feel your absolute best, I’d love to be part of your day. Based on the edge of the Lake District, I specialise in creating flawless, confidence-boosting makeup that enhances you.

💌 Enquire today to book your wedding makeup experience!

The Ultimate Wedding Morning Prep-list: What to Do Before and On the Day!