If you’re searching for Miami wedding day tips, especially for mornings in Key Largo, Islamorada or anywhere in the Florida Keys, you’re in the right place.
I’ve photographed weddings all over Miami, Key Largo and Islamorada — from Baker’s Cay and Cheeca Lodge to Islander Resort, Ocean Reef and Villa Woodbine — and after seeing so many wedding mornings up close, there are things I wish every couple knew ahead of time. These aren’t rules. They’re simple, helpful tips that make your day smoother, calmer and more enjoyable.
Your wedding day moves fast, and the morning sets the tone for everything that follows. The more intentional it feels, the more present you’ll be once the big moments begin.
Pick a Getting-Ready Space That Actually Works
Couples often underestimate how important this is. The room you choose becomes the center of the entire morning. You’ll have bridesmaids, moms, grandmas, hair and makeup artists, photo and video, planners popping in, dresses, bags and all the little things that naturally follow everyone around. A small or dark room gets crowded quickly, and that energy shows in the photos.
Look for a space that feels open and bright. One big window with clean natural light can make a huge difference. High ceilings help, too, and just having enough room to move without bumping into each other keeps the morning calmer. Places like Baker’s Cay and Cheeca Lodge have amazing suites that were basically designed for this. Miami spots like the Biltmore or Villa Woodbine also photograph beautifully in the morning because they have that open, airy feel that lets everyone breathe.
Gather Your Details Ahead of Time
These simple Miami wedding day tips help the morning feel calmer, smoother and more intentional.
Your wedding details — your dress, shoes, rings, invitation suite, florals, perfume and any special personal pieces — deserve their own moment. I usually need about thirty to forty-five minutes to photograph these items well. It’s not something I rush. These details are part of your story, and taking the time to style them properly always pays off in your gallery.
I always recommend placing everything together in one spot the night before. A little corner, a box, a tray — anything that keeps everything organized. When I walk in, you can just point me in the right direction and keep enjoying your morning while I photograph everything with intention.
Keep the Room As Tidy As You Can
Wedding mornings are naturally chaotic. There are coffee cups, hair tools, dresses hanging everywhere, chargers, snacks, shoes, bags… all of it. But even a small effort to keep things tidy goes a long way. If you can keep one area of the room clean — even if everything else is wild — that’s the spot I’ll use for photos. Sometimes we tuck things into closets or the bathroom just to give you a clean backdrop. A little organization makes a big difference in how your morning looks and feels.
Decide What Kind of Morning You Want
I hope these Miami wedding day tips give you clarity as you plan your morning.
This is something brides don’t always think about, but it matters. Some brides love a full, energetic room with bridesmaids laughing and music playing. Others prefer a softer moment with just their mom, grandma or sister. Both are beautiful — it just depends on the atmosphere you want.
Think ahead about who you want around you. Maybe you want the whole room full while you’re getting dressed. Or maybe you want everyone to step out when it’s time to put on your gown so you can take a breath and enjoy that quiet moment. I’ve seen brides choose to do little first looks with their moms, grandmas or even their siblings before seeing their partner. These moments photograph beautifully and usually end up becoming some of the most emotional memories of the entire day.
Take Care of Your Skin the Days Before
This is one of the simplest and most important tips. The best makeup in the world can’t hide dehydration. In the days leading up to your wedding — and especially the night before — drink plenty of water and try to avoid too much alcohol. Hydrated skin photographs smoother, softer and more luminous. You’ll feel better, too, which matters more than anything.
Schedule a Hair and Makeup Trial
I always recommend doing a trial, especially in Miami and the Keys where humidity has a mind of its own. A trial lets you see how your makeup looks in real life and how long your hairstyle holds up. You’ll be hugged, kissed, emotional, dancing, stepping outside and moving through different spaces all day long. Products matter. Technique matters. Weather matters.
I’ve seen brides look flawless from start to finish because we adjusted things during the trial. I’ve also seen curls fall in thirty minutes because the stylist didn’t account for humidity. Some brides choose to keep their hair and makeup artist with them for touch-ups, which is an amazing idea if you’re getting married outdoors at places like Islander Resort, Baker’s Cay or any Miami venue with an open-air setup.
Try On Everything Before the Wedding
This goes for everyone — the bride, groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen, moms and even grandmas if they’re wearing something special. A full try-on a week or two before the wedding saves a lot of stress on the actual day. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen tuxes arrive in the wrong size, pants too short, jackets too tight, missing buttons or dresses that needed unexpected adjustments. When everyone tries things on ahead of time, the morning moves more smoothly and no one is scrambling.
Remind Guests About Aisle Etiquette
This is one of the biggest things couples don’t hear about until it’s too late. Guests sitting along the aisle tend to lean out with their phones — or iPads — and unintentionally block major moments. I’ve seen guests step into the aisle and completely block the first kiss, the bride’s entrance or the couple’s walk back down the aisle. A simple announcement from the officiant asking guests to stay seated and be present keeps your ceremony photos clean and beautiful.
Let Yourself Feel the Morning
Some of my favorite wedding mornings have been at Islander Resort, Cheeca Lodge, Baker’s Cay and so many Miami venues where couples allow themselves to slow down and take in the moment. Your morning is full of real emotion — laughter, nerves, joy, hugs and quiet little pauses that end up meaning the most.
Try not to rush through it. Look around. Take mental pictures. Hold your mom’s hand. Hug your grandma. Let your bridesmaids hype you up. Breathe. These moments become part of your story just as much as the ceremony and reception.
As you plan your wedding morning in Key Largo, Islamorada, Miami, or anywhere throughout the Florida Keys, I hope these tips help you feel more prepared and a little more at ease. Every wedding I photograph — whether it’s at Baker’s Cay, Cheeca Lodge, Islander Resort, Ocean Reef, Villa Woodbine, or The Biltmore — has its own rhythm and its own quiet moments that end up becoming some of the most meaningful parts of the day.
If you’d like to keep reading, you can explore some of my real weddings here on the blog, or check back next week for my full guide on how to build your wedding day timeline (you’ll be able to click that once the new post is live). And if you’re still searching for the right South Florida photographer — someone who guides you, supports you and helps you feel taken care of from the very beginning — you’re always welcome to reach out through my conhttps://claudiaamaliaphotography.com/contact. I’m here to help you create a day that feels calm, intentional and beautifully documented.
If you’re planning your wedding at any of the stunning venues we shoot at — like Baker’s Cay Resort, Cheeca Lodge & Spa, Islander Resort, Ocean Reef Club, Villa Woodbine or The Biltmore Hotel — you’re in great hands. I’ve had the joy of documenting weddings in these beautiful spaces, and I’d love to help you have one that’s calm, intentional, and beautifully photographed. Let’s connect.
