As a wedding photographer, one of the most common questions I get from couples is, “When should hair and makeup begin, and when should it end?” And while your stylist or coordinator may have a good sense of how much time is needed for hair and makeup, it’s your photographer who will truly understand how much time is required for all the photos you want before the ceremony.
Let’s be honest: about 90% of weddings that fall off track start with poorly planned hair and makeup. To help you avoid that stress, I’m sharing my best tips and tricks for making sure your day runs smoothly and your hair and makeup are flawless.
1. Don’t Go First or Last for Hair and Makeup
As a bride, it’s important to avoid going first or last for hair and makeup.
- Why you shouldn’t go last: You need ample time between finishing your hair and makeup and getting dressed for the ceremony. Leaving this gap ensures that you have time for photos and won’t be rushed.
- Why you shouldn’t go first: You don’t want to be sitting around for hours after your hair and makeup is done with nothing to do. Instead, let some of your bridesmaids or family members go first and jump in when your stylist is ready for you.
2. Hire a Trusted Stylist and Get Help If Needed
Hiring a stylist you trust is key to making sure your hair and makeup goes smoothly. If your stylist mentions needing help, don’t hesitate to get an extra pair of hands. Trust me when I say, one stylist for a large bridal party can lead to a very long day—sometimes 4 to 5 hours of waiting for everyone to get done. It’s worth waking up early to make sure you have ample time later, but sitting around for hours doing nothing will make your wedding day feel disorganised.
3. Include a 30-Minute Buffer Between Hair and Makeup and Getting into Your Dress
This 30-minute buffer is crucial. Not only does it allow for touch-ups and any unforeseen delays, but it also gives you time for bridal portraits before getting dressed. Having this extra cushion of time keeps everything stress-free.
4. Build in Extra Time for Your Bridesmaids
Even if your stylist tells you it will take a specific amount of time for each bridesmaid, add an extra 5-10 minutes for each person. Small delays add up quickly, and trust me—adding extra time to your schedule makes a world of difference in keeping your wedding day flowing smoothly.
5. Confirm Timing with Your Photographer
Before finalizing any start or end times with your stylist, make sure you go over the photo timeline with your photographer. Every photographer works a little differently, and knowing the exact photos you want will ensure everything is coordinated. This helps your photographer understand when key photos can be taken, allowing the rest of the bridal party to continue with their hair and makeup. By aligning your schedule with your photographer, you can avoid any unexpected delays.
Final Thoughts
Planning your hair and makeup schedule wisely is one of the best ways to make sure your wedding day goes smoothly. With a little extra planning, you can avoid stressful delays and ensure that your day runs on time.
If you’d like help planning your wedding day timeline or want to chat about how I can capture your perfect day, feel free to enquire with me today! Let’s make your wedding day as beautiful and stress-free as possible.
