Planning your wedding day beauty schedule requires careful coordination to ensure everyone looks their best when it matters most.
A well-organized hair and makeup timeline helps reduce stress and keeps the morning running smoothly for you and your bridal party.
This quick guide breaks down the essential timing considerations and provides a customizable template for your getting-ready schedule.
Start with Your Ceremony Time
Work backwards from your ceremony start time to determine when hair and makeup services should begin.
Recommended Time Allocations
- Bride’s makeup: 60-75 minutes
- Bride’s hair: 60-75 minutes
- Bridesmaid makeup: 45-60 minutes each
- Bridesmaid hair: 45-60 minutes each
- Mother of bride/groom makeup: 45 minutes each
- Mother of bride/groom hair: 45 minutes each
Sample Timeline Template
| Time Before Ceremony | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5-6 hours before | Start hair and makeup for bridesmaids |
| 3-4 hours before | Bride’s hair appointment |
| 2-3 hours before | Bride’s makeup application |
| 1.5 hours before | Put on dress and accessories |
Important Planning Tips
- Book your beauty team 6-8 months in advance
- Schedule a hair and makeup trial 2-3 months before the wedding
- Add 30 minutes buffer time to your schedule for unexpected delays
- Consider having two artists if your bridal party has more than 4 people
- Plan for proper lighting in your getting-ready space
Preparation Checklist
- Clean, dry hair (unless instructed otherwise by your stylist)
- Freshly moisturized skin
- Reference photos of desired looks
- Veil or hair accessories
- Button-down shirt for getting ready
- Snacks and water
Working with Your Beauty Team
Share your timeline with your hair and makeup artists at least two weeks before the wedding.
Confirm whether they’ll bring their own lighting and chairs or if you need to provide these items.
Discuss any specific products or techniques needed for your desired look.
Making Your Timeline Work
- Assign specific time slots to each bridal party member
- Share the schedule with everyone involved
- Keep contact information for your beauty team readily available
- Consider early morning setup time if needed
Setting Up for Success
Choose a getting-ready space with good natural light and enough room for your entire group.
Keep emergency supplies like bobby pins, hairspray, and makeup touch-up items nearby.
Designate someone to keep track of time and help maintain the schedule.
Next Steps for Your Beauty Timeline
Start creating your personalized timeline as soon as you’ve booked your beauty team and ceremony venue.
Share this timeline with your wedding planner or day-of coordinator to ensure smooth coordination with other vendors.
Remember to include travel time if moving between locations for services or the ceremony.
Managing Multiple Locations
If your getting-ready location differs from the ceremony venue, factor in these additional considerations:
- Add 30-45 minutes for travel and setup at each location
- Pack an emergency touch-up kit for each location
- Assign someone to transport supplies between venues
- Consider weather impacts on hair and makeup during transit
Special Considerations
Outdoor Weddings
- Schedule extra time for weather-proofing hair and makeup
- Plan for backup styling products suited to the climate
- Consider how humidity or heat might affect your look
Photography Needs
- Coordinate with your photographer for getting-ready shots
- Schedule key beauty moments during optimal lighting hours
- Plan specific photo opportunities during makeup application
Dealing with Common Timeline Challenges
Address potential issues before they arise:
- Have a backup artist on call for emergencies
- Create a priority list for services if running behind
- Keep key decision-makers nearby for last-minute adjustments
- Prepare alternate styles that can be achieved quickly
Creating Your Perfect Wedding Day Look
A well-planned beauty timeline ensures you’ll look and feel your best throughout your special day. Remember to build in flexibility, communicate clearly with all parties involved, and prioritize your own preparation time. With proper planning and organization, you’ll create a stress-free morning that sets the tone for a beautiful celebration.
FAQs
- How early should I book my wedding hair and makeup artist?
Book your hair and makeup artist 6-12 months before your wedding date, especially during peak wedding season, as top artists get booked quickly. - When should hair and makeup start on the wedding day?
Start hair and makeup services 4-6 hours before the ceremony, depending on the size of your bridal party. Allow 60-90 minutes for the bride’s makeup and 60 minutes for hair. - Should I have my hair or makeup done first?
Typically, hair should be done first, followed by makeup. This prevents hairspray from settling on freshly applied makeup and allows the hairstyle to set while makeup is being applied. - Do I need a hair and makeup trial before the wedding?
Yes, schedule a trial 2-3 months before the wedding to test different styles, ensure you’re happy with the look, and determine exact timing needed on the wedding day. - What should I bring to my hair and makeup trial?
Bring your veil/hair accessories, inspiration photos, photos of your dress, and wear a white/light top similar to your dress neckline. Take photos from all angles for reference. - How can I make my wedding makeup last all day?
Use primer, opt for airbrush makeup, choose waterproof products, and ask your artist to provide or recommend touch-up products. Setting spray is essential. - Should bridesmaids have professional hair and makeup too?
While optional, professional hair and makeup for bridesmaids ensures a cohesive look in photos and helps with timing as everyone gets ready together. - What should I do the night before to prepare for hair and makeup?
Wash your hair (unless instructed otherwise by your stylist), exfoliate your skin, get adequate sleep, stay hydrated, and avoid any new skincare products. - How do I create a realistic timeline for multiple people getting ready?
Allow 45-60 minutes per person for hair and 45-60 minutes for makeup. Factor in breaks for your artists and buffer time for unexpected delays. - Should I tip my hair and makeup artists?
Yes, plan to tip 15-20% of the total service cost for both hair and makeup artists if you’re happy with their work.
