Touring venues is usually the first thing most couples embark on once their engaged. The initial phase the process is exciting and most couples focus on the ceremony space, reception layout, and overall aesthetic. But there’s one area that often gets overlooked—the bridal suite. As Full Service planners, we understand how much this space influences your comfort, your timeline, and your wedding-day photos.
Not all bridal suites are created equal. Before you book your venue, here are the key things every bride should know—plus the questions you must ask to avoid wedding-day stress.
1. Access Time & Restrictions
This is the one detail couples overlook most—until it becomes a problem. Most venues only grant you access to the bridal suite 2 – 3hours before your ceremony start time. With hair and makeup requiring 5 – 7hours (and even more depending on the size of your bridal party), this off the bat would not work for your wedding day.
Ask the venue:
What time can we access the bridal suite?
Can we add early access for hair and makeup? How much would this cost?
How long do we have use of the space?
Can our beauty team arrive earlier than we do?
Are there restrictions on food, drinks, or the number of people allowed?
Planner’s POV:
There are quite a number of things to take into consideration before determining if you and your crew will need the bridal suite for bridal prep on wedding day. In most cases, if a venue only offers access 2 – 3hours before, you’ll need an alternate getting-ready location—which affects logistics, photography, and transportation. Your planner is the best person to talk this over with to determine what would work best for your day.
2. Size & Layout: Does the Bridal Suite Fit Your Full Getting-Ready Team?
A bridal suite may look beautiful online, but once your entire team arrives (hair, makeup, bridesmaids, photographers, videographers, family, and accessories), you’ll quickly feel the difference between spacious and cramped.
Look for:
A layout that allows people to move freely
Out-of-the-way storage for bags and personal items
Space for hair and makeup stations
Functional; not just decorative—seating
Planner’s POV:
We’ve seen “gorgeous” suites turn into chaos the moment 10 people squeeze inside. A cramped suite leads to delays and unnecessary stress. The last thing you want on wedding day is to feel like you’re getting ready in a storage closet – Your wedding morning should feel joyful, not crowded.
3. Natural Light (Essential for Hair, Makeup & Photos)
Lighting sets the tone for your entire wedding morning. Natural light affects:
Makeup color accuracy
Skin tones in photos
Detail shots of your dress, shoes, and invitations
The mood and ambiance in your getting-ready photos
When touring venues, ask:
Are there windows?
How bright is the room at the same time of day you’ll get ready?
Are there dimmers or adjustable lighting?
Planner’s POV:
Your beauty team and photographer will always prefer natural light—and your photos will reflect the difference. Also, there’s just something about natural light that uplifts your spirits and puts you in a good mood!
4. Amenities & Practical Essentials Included
A well-equipped bridal suite makes the morning run smoothly.
Look for amenities such as:
Full-length mirrors
Clothing racks or hooks
Outlets everywhere
A private restroom
A steamer
A mini fridge
Temperature control
Comfortable seating
Secure storage
Some venues go above and beyond with champagne, snacks, playlists, or early access hours.
Planner’s POV:
We’ve seen “bridal suites” that were actually storage closets with a mirror. Always confirm what is included—and what is not. We know it’s usually not top of mind to check for these items when initially touring a space. However, having these amenities available and functional is key to ensuring that you, your bridal party and vendors are not inconvenienced on wedding day.
5. Privacy & Location Within the Venue
The designated suite should feel calm and private not exposed or high-traffic.
Look for:
A discreet or private entrance
Distance from guest areas
Walls or doors that fully close
A separate suite for your partner
Minimal foot traffic nearby
Planner’s POV:
We plan pathways and timing carefully to avoid accidental run-ins. But if the suite is placed near main walkways or prep areas, privacy becomes difficult. The bridal suite is usually where we’ll have you, your wedding party nicely tucked away from guests to catch your breath – it’s important that it’s usually not easily accessible. Also, great when there’s some form of lock on the doors and safe available for important personal items to be secured.
Our Final Thoughts
Your wedding venue is more than a ceremony and reception location—it shapes your entire day. The bridal suite plays a major role in your wedding-morning comfort, energy, and photos.
Before booking, prioritize:
✓ Access
✓ Space
✓ Amenities
✓ Lighting
✓ Privacy
If you want help evaluating venues including choosing a bridal suite that aligns with your vision, the Events by Mayven team would love to support your journey with our Full Service Planning offering. This services allows us to support you throughout the wedding planning journey from venue scouting/booking through to vendor sourcing and negotiations and everything in between to overseeing wedding day.
Wedding Planning involves a thousand decisions – big and small – that bring your vision to life. It can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you have to juggle it alongside your day to day responsibilities. Let us relive you by providing seamless planning in the lead up, and stress-free execution on wedding day.
