One of the most frequently asked questions we receive regarding makeup and hair is “what time will we need to start makeup and hair?” While every makeup and hair stylist is different, I want to share a few tips to keep in mind when planning for your day of timeline and how your beauty services will fit into your wedding day.
Stylists Will Arrive BEFORE the Start Time
When you look at your timeline, it’s important to take into account the time your Stylists will be showing up on the wedding day. Makeup and hair will need at least 15-20 minutes to set up, plug in hot tools, and prepare for the day ahead. The first person receiving services will not need to be ready at the time they arrive, but it would be extremely helpful if they are ready to go at their scheduled start time (If it’s early in the morning you may want to have some coffee ordered and ready to go) and will ensure the day runs efficiently and according to schedule. If you only see a start time for your makeup and hair services, ask your Stylist what time they’ll be arriving to set up.
“Makeup and Hair Stylists will need at least 15-20 minutes to set up, plug in hot tools, and prepare for the day ahead.”
The Schedule Depends on Stylists’ Timing.
While every Makeup and Hair Stylist is different, on average a bridesmaid service is a 45-1 hour appointment per service while the bride is afforded more time, usually between 1.5- 2 hours. This will really depend on the Makeup and Hair Stylist that you hire and they will be able to give you a rough estimate until your wedding day details are confirmed.
What Time Do You Really Need to Be Ready?
This detail is CRUCIAL as to ensuring everything will be done on time. When thinking about what time you need to be ready, it may not actually be what time you need to be walking out the door. Some questions I always ask are will you be taking pre-dress photos with your bridal party? Will you be doing any bridal portrait shots in your gown? This can be a difference of having to be ready 30 minutes to an hour earlier so it’s really important to share those details with your Beauty team so they can provide an accurate timeline for services.
Talk with your photographer and coordinator to find out what time you need to be done with makeup and hair to factor in pre-dress photos with your bridesmaids so you can get those fun popping champagne photos.
Rebecca Yale 
Rebecca Yale
Take Time for Touchups
After the final service, most stylists will take 15-20 minutes for touch ups. We as Stylists will always take those final minutes to remove any shine, add a touch more hairspray, and ensure you and your bridal party are picture perfect before they leave for the day. This time should be built into the schedule before you need to be ready for photos.
An additional tip that will add to the efficiency is have your bridesmaids be either in their dresses (if you are immediately getting in your dress) or all there at the beginning of touch ups ready to go for pre-dress photos. This will ensure everyone is ready and can assist you with anything you need to put the final touches before you head out the door.
Schedule in Some Padding Just In Case
While all of the above tips should be taken into consideration to build your timeline, one thing I recommend is completing makeup and hair services at least 30 minutes before your actual ready time. This will give you the opportunity to take your time getting ready, have a final toast with your bridal party, and not have to rush getting your gown on and running out the door. We find adding in that time allows for a stress-free, relaxing start and a final opportunity to savor the moment before you head out to enjoy your wedding day.
“We find adding in this time allows for a stress-free, relaxing start and a final opportunity to savor the moment before you head out to enjoy your wedding day. ”
Knowing the factors and little patches of time that go into the makeup and hair timeline will save you the headache of running late or having to rush and stress to get ready and out of the door on time. Chat with your Makeup and Hair Stylists and address these questions at least 2 months before your wedding day to ensure that both you and your beauty team are on the same page of making your wedding day a relaxing and enjoyable experience that you will love.
Do you have any questions about Wedding day timelines? Leave them below and we are more than happy to answer them for you. Are you a Napa or Hawaii bride and want us to take this to do off of your planning checklist? Contact us today to reserve your date with us.
