Our Guide to Making the Most of Your Getting-Ready Suite
We love that modern nearlyweds are inclined to romanticize every aspect of their wedding day, down to the hours spent prepping and primping the morning of. This is when the marathon of wedding planning finally draws to a close, and the celebration begins!
During this precious prelude to the ceremony, you’ll have a chance to bond with your loved ones, exchange gifts and even share private vows or love letters with your soon-to-be spouse, if you choose to do so.
You’ll want a serene retreat that’s well-equipped to host you, your entourage and your glam team, where treasured moments have ample room to unfold before you walk down the aisle. Think about it – dealing with clutter or stressing over sharing a vanity is not the way to quell pre-ceremony jitters! You’ll want a space that exudes calm, not chaos. A capacious, well-appointed suite is the perfect place for soaking in all the excitement and anticipation.
Dressing Suite Essentials
- Access to power and a place for hot tools
- Ample mirrors
- Wi-Fi
- A fridge to stock with drinks and snacks
- Closet or clothing rack to hang attire
Keep in mind that, if the venue you choose doesn’t have two dedicated spaces for each member of the couple to get ready, you may need to book a hotel suite or other accommodations. And, if you do so, consider how close this location is to your ceremony venue, and whether you’ll need to organize transportation from one to the other. Some local hair and makeup teams, like Pinup Studio and Reign Beauty, offer studio rentals tailored to wedding parties.
Tips for Getting-Ready Photos
Your dressing suite will likely be the backdrop for several photos of you with your besties, detail shots and even portraits. A bright, well-lit space is ideal for pretty pre-ceremony photos. Get organized, and discuss with your photographer ahead of time which images are most important to you.
Pre-Ceremony Photo Checklist
- A flat lay with your invitation suite or program
- Your wedding perfume, shoes, heirlooms, jewelry or other pieces of your attire
- Your “I do” crew in matching pajamas or robes
- Popping a bottle of bubbly
- First looks with your wedding party, parents or grandparents
“Set the vibe for your big day with the perfect playlist! Bring a portable speaker and team up with your wedding party to craft a morning-of soundtrack filled with your favorite tunes. Dance, sing and soak up every joyful moment while you get glam.” – Heart of NC Weddings Managing Editor, Renee Ambroso
Wedding Weekend Accommodations
Booking a room block at a hotel near your venue is a good idea if you have many guests traveling from out of town. Doing so means the hotel will ensure there are rooms set aside on the dates of your event, and your guests will oftentimes enjoy a group rate and additional perks, like flexible check-in or check-out time. It also removes the stress of researching hotels for out-of-towners who are unfamiliar with the area and streamlines transportation if most of your guests are staying in the same place.
You’ll find the Triangle is home to many stylish, outstanding hotels, from luxury stays like The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary to boutique options like The Mayton, also in Cary, The Durham Hotel and Heights House Hotel in Raleigh. Start your search for a hotel early, especially if your wedding coincides with a holiday weekend, sporting event, college move-in or other high travel date.
