The most common thing I hear from former brides: "I wish I'd had more time to get ready without feeling rushed." Giving yourself enough time for the getting-ready moment might feel like a waste, but picture this: you're an hour away from being ready and suddenly remember you need time for boob tape or Spanx, or you need the restroom. In the rush, it's easy to misplace something you need.
As time goes on, your bridal party arrives, flowers and photographers and other vendors keep knocking, maybe a child starts crying — and it all triggers a kind of stress you're not usually in. Giving yourself space lets you reset into a grateful, present state of mind.
Here are a few things I've seen happen in that last hour, so you can plan for them ahead of time: someone knocking every five minutes (assign a person to answer the door), needing extra restroom time (build in 15 minutes), a forgotten dress or accessory (have a friend double-check everything's in the room), running late (start the timeline 30 minutes earlier), flowers not turning out exactly as expected (it happens — no one else will know), touch-up lipstick going missing (always carry a bridal kit), or your dress buttons taking longer than planned (allow extra time and consider a quick video of how to do it).
And if you feel your nerves rising — a few minutes alone while getting ready can help you reset. Your people will understand.