Are you ready to learn about what you should do before you put on your wedding dress?
It seems pretty straightforward, right? Basically, put on your wedding dress. Get dressed. It’s not rocket science. Or, is it? Are there things that you, or brides in general, should think about before you put on your wedding dress? Things that will keep your gown safe? Or things that will allow you to enjoy your wedding day even more?
Well, yes, there is!
The timing of when you put on your wedding dress is not as basic as one may think. In fact, the timing is everything. Think about it. There are a lot of things that should happen before a bride puts on her dress. And, of course, there are a lot of things that should happen afterwards. Knowing what happens beforehand, and afterwards, is crucial to having a fully planned out wedding day.
9 Things You Should Do Before You Put On Your Wedding Dress
This post is going to let you know the nine things you should do before you put on your wedding dress. Now, I’d like to think that these items are universal. Meaning that, unless you are not doing one of these items at all, you should definitely take care of them before you get dressed. Of course, in some cases, you’ll have to take care of things while wearing your dress. However, to set yourself up for success, be intentional about doing these things beforehand.
Here we go!
1. PUT ON LOTION BEFORE YOU PUT ON YOUR WEDDING DRESS
If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you know that I’m really into lotion.
Maybe it’s that I live in a dry climate. Or, that I think hydration is important. At the very least, lotion makes your skin look and feel great. The only downside to lotion is that it can be messy. We can’t always control where it goes, once it’s poured or pumped out of a bottle. Because of this, you should definitely address any lotion needs before you put on your wedding dress. The last thing you want is for the lotion to end up on your dress, instead of you.
2. HAVE SOMETHING TO EAT, AND SOMETHING TO DRINK
Once again, we’re on a messy theme here.
Now, I know a lot of people claim that they didn’t eat on their wedding day. And, this may be true. I, however, did eat on my wedding day. I ate a lot. Fuel was needed for the day, and eating was essential. However, food can be messy. It can drip. The last thing you want on your wedding day is for food to drip on your dress. Wedding dresses are pristine works of art. Food isn’t part of the equation.
Of course, I’m not recommending that you don’t eat at all, in your wedding dress. Just be strategic about it. Eat, put on your dress, take photos, and then eat again. Don’t risk having your dress showcase a stain or water spot because you didn’t eat beforehand.
The same can go for drinks. When in doubt, stick to clear or light drinks, and use a straw. Remember to hydrate, but be cautious once you’re dressed.
3. HAVE YOUR MAKEUP DONE BEFORE YOU PUT ON YOUR WEDDING DRESS
This one may be a no brainer, but I can’t have a list like this and not mention it.
Be sure to have your makeup completed before you put on your wedding dress. Powders, foundations, creams, liquids, eyelash glue. . . oh my! These are things that you do not want to drop on your dress. Not even a speck. Have your makeup applied, and then set, and then put on your wedding dress. And, once your dress is on, be careful about reapplying makeup. You may want to have a drape or towel handy, just in case.
4. GO TO THE BATHROOM
Wedding dresses can be a lot. Yes, there are some that are short and easy to get around in. However, most have a bit of “drama” to them. They don’t exactly pair well with going to the bathroom.
Enter images of bridesmaids holding a wedding dress up so a bride can pee. It’s not very elegant. In fact, it’s a bit much. Because going to the bathroom can be tricky while wearing a wedding dress, I recommend going before you put your dress on. Yes, you’ll likely have to go again at your wedding. However, you’ll be setting yourself up for the most about of time before you have to go, if you pee right before you put your wedding dress on.
5. SPRITZ YOURSELF WITH PERFUME
We’re all about scents these days. And having a wedding day scent is no exception.
Perfume is great. It can make you feel and smell wonderful. After the wedding, it can help you reminisce about your experience. However, there is a downside to perfume. Like deodorant, it can stain. It can turn fabric beautiful shades of yellow, if you’re not careful. This is the last thing you want to have happen to your white dress, right?
So, spritz away. Before you put on your wedding dress. Spray your wrists, elbows, back of your knees, and anywhere that seems appropriate. Afterwards, allow a few minutes for it to dry before changing your clothes.
6. GET ALL THE “EXERCIZE” OUT
Are you likely to get anxious on your wedding day? When you get anxious, do you tend to move around? Pace? Fidget?
Ideally, you’ll get all that movement out of your system before you put on your wedding dress. Now, I’m not saying that you can’t move around in your dress. You’ll likely be standing, walking, and dancing a lot in your gown. What I’m saying is that when you’re perfectly put together, with fresh hair and makeup, and your dress is still pristine, try to keep the movement to a minimum. You don’t want to risk making your dress dirty or ripping. The less moving around, the better.
After some photos are taken, move as much as you’d like.
7. WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE YOU PUT ON YOUR WEDDING DRESS
We’ve all been washing our hands a lot more than normal the past few years. And, hopefully we’re doing it the correct way. This means lots of time spent scrubbing, and potentially lots of water.
Basically, if we’re washing our hands the right way, there is potential for splashing water. You don’t want this to come back to your dress. Some fabrics don’t do well with water at all, and some don’t dry easily. Even if your dress dries quickly, why risk it?
My suggestion? Wash your hands before you put on your wedding dress. If you feel the need to sanitize, lightly use some hand sanitizer. Eventually, when you do need to wash your hands, prep the area with towels ahead of time so you can minimize any splash back.
8. PACK, GET ITEMS TOGETHER, DIG THROUGH BOXES (IF APPLICABLE)
When we get married, we bring a lot of stuff. It’s very easy for “essential” items to get buried or lost. At some point, you’re likely to dig through a bag, basket, or box trying to find something.
Please don’t do any of this in your wedding dress.
My best tip to avoid trying to pack or find items on your wedding day? Stay organized. Pack strategically, ahead of the wedding, when you have lots of time. Keep a list of what’s in each box on the outside of each box. Have a master list somewhere. Do what you can so you can avoid digging, no matter what you’re wearing.
9. TAKE GETTING READY PHOTOS BEFORE YOU PUT ON YOUR WEDDING DRESS
Okay, last one. This one is not about potentially harming your wedding dress. It’s strictly logistical.
Take all your getting ready photos before you put on your wedding dress. It’s that simple. The photos where your hair and makeup are being done. The ones where you’re wearing your cute “getting ready” outfit. The ones where you and your squad are just chilling before the wedding starts, enjoying each other’s company.
Once you put your wedding dress on, the opportunity to take those photos is over. So, remember to take them when you have the chance.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Friends, I’m sure there are a lot more things you should take care of before you put on your wedding dress. These are just the ones that stand out to me. The point is to make sure your dress is cared for before the wedding. Chances are, it will get dirty on your wedding day. It might rip. Something might spill on it. The point is to avoid those things as much as possible, for as long as possible. After the photos and ceremony, anything goes! Happy wedding planning!
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