where do brides get ready?

As hard as this is, and as respectful as you want to be, I think honesty is the best policy. However, I would first explore a very functional and error proof time table before I would attempt to break the news to your Mom. You don't want to go over in time with any vendor, so it's important to build in cushions throughout the day. A day-of coordinator or trusted friend/family member is essential in making sure that you stay on this time table. Most vendors are able to work within the time table you've set if you let them know ahead of time. So, my advice? Try to work with your vendors first and see if you can come to a solution that way. If you still haven't found a solution that you think will work, then go to your Mom. She's going to be upset, but you both want what's best for you and your groom. It's your wedding day and your happiness is of utmost importance.

Believe it or not I had this exact same concern. My mom was set we (all 8 of my bridesmaids and 2 readers I decided to include plus 2 moms and grandmothers) were going to get ready at her house where I grew up and I had it all planned out that we would all stay at the hotel the night before the wedding and just get ready there. My dad has this thing of telling me pretty much all my ideas for MY OWN wedding are stupid and we are not doing them or getting whatever it may be soo that is pretty much what happened in this situation and since I am a pretty easy going person my mom obviously got her way. Now they are talking about all the extra people that are going to be at the house that day and not only does it stress me out but it really makes me kinda mad cause that is NOT what I envisioned for my day. I believe that you have to pick your battles with all this wedding stuff and while I am ok that we are getting ready at their house, I wish someone would just let me make a decision...

If it is important to you, I stay stick with what you want...

This varies widely of course. Some brides get their hair/makeup done at their usual salon (don't forget the button down shirt - have a few pics of t-shirts being cut off). They then save the dress for the church.

Some get ready at their parent's house. I love photographing these, as they have a comfortable relaxed feeling to them. There are usually some scenic spots at the house for some formal pictures of the girls only.

Some get ready at the church, or wherever the services are being held. Inevitably, you'll be put into the nursery as it is usually the largest room. So remember your getting ready pictures are going to have wall murals in them. grrr. Guys usually getting ready there as well, and it is harder to stay "hidden" from them at a church, especially if you go outside for those girls formal pictures.

We have a wedding next month, where the bridal party is getting ready at the parent's house about 30 minutes away. So it certainly does happen! Every stop is 30 mins away.

I dont know you are doing yourself to get ready but could you do part of if early at your moms and let her take some of her own pictures and then go the the church for the final steps. That way you are at the church, you arnt adding more bucks the the photographer, and you might not have to drag as much with you to the church. This will really only work if you have an on site make up artist, hair stylist or your doing it all yourself. If you have to go out for the hair and makeup I would just put my foot down. Time is tight and it only gets tighter.

Kristi,

I agree with Celtic Chick.. if you can find a way to get some what ready at your moms.. maybe just the little things you can do earlier that way she feels involved that may show her that you are trying. But if you cant find any way to do that sort of thing... then you need to stick with your gut. If there is a 30 min commute you better damn well plan for an accident or something because that is the luck of the draw on wedding days!!

Best of luck to you! hope this helps a little!

Like everyone has said, add enough time for contingency plans. I always leave for my events with enough time to do a highway flat tire change en route to my shoot if I ever needed to.

We actually had a limo break down leaving the parent's house last year, coming out of the driveway, was a stretch Lincoln Navigator, broke down blocking the road! That was a site, but they still made it on time.