8 Tips for Staying on Time the Morning of Your Wedding By Sarasota Wedding Photographer Nina Bashaw
- Nina Bashaw
- Jul 14
- 4 min read
8 Tips for Staying on Time the Morning of Your Wedding
By Sarasota Wedding Photographer Nina Bashaw
Let’s be honest, the morning of your wedding sets the tone for the entire day. It can either feel calm, smooth, and joy-filled or like a champagne-fueled panic with a curling iron meltdown and someone still sewing buttons onto a groomsman’s shirt. As a Sarasota wedding photographer who’s been documenting weddings for over a decade, I can tell you with full confidence: if you run behind in the morning, the rest of the day will be playing catch-up and you cannot get that time back. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Here are eight tried-and-true tips to keep your morning running on schedule so you can relax, enjoy, and soak up every second.
1. Start Hair and Makeup Earlier Than You Think You Need To
If you think 8 a.m. is early enough, start at 7. Things always take longer than expected. Whether it is touch-ups, hair redos, or just the natural pace of a big day, having extra time means less stress and more beautiful photos. From my experience photographing weddings in Sarasota, the most relaxed brides always begin glam early.
2. Eat Something, Hydrate, and Take a Breath
No one is their best on an empty stomach. Have a light breakfast or some snacks on hand and drink water throughout the morning. If you're hoping for glowy skin in your photos, hydration and a little food are your best friends.
3. Keep the Room Tidy and Calm
Your getting-ready space doesn’t need to look like a Pinterest board but clearing clutter helps more than you think. Keep makeup bags, empty water bottles, and luggage tucked away so your photos are clean, elegant, and focused on you. From behind the lens, I’ve seen how much a calm room sets the tone for the entire bridal party.
4. Have a Go-To Person to Manage the Morning
Pick someone you trust to be your timeline keeper, emotional support, and all-around coordinator. This person can handle last-minute questions, keep the bridal party on task, and make sure you’re not juggling multiple things before you even get into your dress.
5. Pad the Timeline with Extra Time
If you think something will take 10 minutes, plan for 30. Seriously. Add time between hair and makeup, getting dressed, and transportation. You’ll feel more relaxed and your photos won’t feel rushed. One of the best things you can do is allow space for breathing and being present. That is something I always encourage as someone who photographs luxury weddings here in Sarasota.
6. Hire a Wedding Planner Who Has a Team
Your best friend or mom should not be running the show. A professional wedding planner with a reliable team is worth every penny. They will keep everyone on schedule, manage vendors, and troubleshoot anything that pops up. I have worked with some incredible planners in Sarasota who made wedding mornings feel like a dream because they handled the chaos so the couple didn’t have to.
7. Pack Your Bags the Night Before
Don’t be the bride digging through drawers at 7 a.m. looking for earrings or bobby pins. Pack your dress, accessories, shoes, and any touch-up items the night before. If you're staying somewhere after the reception, have your overnight bag ready too. Peace of mind is everything.
8. Plan Transportation Ahead of Time
Know who you are riding with, which car you will be in, and how everyone is getting from one location to another. Many wedding mornings get thrown off simply because people assumed there would be a ride. If you're doing a first look or heading to a second location for portraits, make sure your photographer knows the plan too. Having photographed dozens of Sarasota weddings, I can say that transportation miscommunication is one of the most common timeline killers.
9. Pack Your Detail Items in One Box for Flat Lays
Want those dreamy shots of your rings, invitation suite, perfume, and heirloom pieces? Make it easy by having everything packed in one box and ready to go. Include shoes, jewelry, your something borrowed, and any extra ribbon or florals. Your detail shots will look so much better and I’ll be able to photograph them efficiently while you finish hair and makeup.
One Last Thing to Keep in Mind
Your wedding day should feel joyful, not rushed. Running late in the morning doesn't just cut into your timeline, it steals moments you will never get back. I say this not only as a Sarasota wedding photographer but as someone who deeply cares about helping couples feel relaxed and fully present on their day. By preparing ahead, sticking to the timeline, and surrounding yourself with people who support and guide you, you are setting yourself up for a beautiful experience. Give yourself the gift of calm. You deserve it.
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Nina Bashaw is a Sarasota wedding photographer specializing in timeless, fine art wedding photography for couples who value intentional moments and beautiful imagery. Based in Sarasota and serving Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, and destination weddings worldwide.
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