How to plan your bridal hair and makeup
Wedding hair and makeup is one of the few looks you can't redo, so it's worth planning early. The best artists get booked months ahead, especially in wedding season. Here's a simple timeline and what to sort at each step.
A simple planning timeline
- 6+ months out
- Shortlist artists and check they have your date
- 3–4 months out
- Book and lock your artist
- 1–2 months out
- Do a trial
- 1 week out
- Confirm timings and share final looks
- The day
- Allow a few hours — hair and makeup take time
Book earlier than you think
Good artists fill up for the whole season, so your wedding date often decides who's even available. If there's someone whose work you love, reach out early — popular names are gone six months ahead in peak season.
Always do a trial
A trial is the one step people skip and regret. It lets you see the look in person and in photos (camera flash changes everything), check that it lasts for hours, and adjust before the day — not on the morning of the wedding.
How to brief your artist
- Bring photos of looks you like — and a couple you don't, so they know what to avoid.
- Share your outfit colours, jewellery, and the venue and lighting.
- Mention your skin type and any allergies or products that don't suit you.
- Ask how long it lasts and whether touch-ups during the day are included.
Plan the timings on the day
Bridal hair and makeup usually takes a few hours, and that's before any family or group bookings. Build in a buffer so you're not rushed — running late is the main thing that throws off the morning.
Before you book
- How far in advance should I book bridal hair and makeup?
- Lock your artist 3–4 months out, and shortlist even earlier (6+ months) in wedding season — the most-booked artists go first.
- Do I really need a bridal trial?
- Yes. A trial checks the look in person and in photos, tests how long it lasts, and lets you make changes calmly before the day instead of on the morning itself.
- How long does bridal hair and makeup take on the day?
- Usually a few hours for one person, more if family or the wedding party are getting ready too. Always build in a buffer.
- What should I bring to a bridal trial?
- Photos of looks you like and dislike, your outfit colours and jewellery, and details of the venue and lighting. Mention any skin sensitivities.
- How much does bridal makeup cost?
- It varies a lot by artist and package, so ask for a full quote upfront — and confirm what's included (trial, touch-ups, extra people).