Wedding Day Hair and Makeup Timeline

The getting-ready morning sets the tone for the whole day. A realistic timeline means everyone is finished, photographed and calm before the first look. Here is how to plan it.

Work backwards from the ceremony

Start with the time you need to be dressed and ready for photos, then work backwards. Your photographer will usually want the bride fully ready 30 to 60 minutes before a first look or before leaving for the ceremony.

How long each service takes

Times vary with the look and the artist, but as a planning guide:

• Bride, hair and makeup: allow about two to two and a half hours in total
• Each bridesmaid or family member, makeup or hair: allow about 45 minutes per service
• Build in a buffer of 20 to 30 minutes for lashes, touch-ups and the unexpected

Your artist will confirm exact timings and whether a second artist is needed to keep the morning on schedule.

Who goes when

Bridesmaids and family usually go first. The bride goes last so her makeup is freshest for photos. Mothers of the bride and groom often prefer a slot in the middle so they have time to help with other details.

A sample schedule

For a 4:00pm ceremony with a bride and four bridesmaids having makeup:

• 9:00am: artist arrives and sets up
• 9:30am to 12:30pm: bridesmaids and mother of the bride
• 12:30pm to 2:30pm: bride hair and makeup
• 2:30pm: photographer captures final touches and getting dressed
• 3:00pm: first look and portraits

Make the room work

• Choose a space with good natural light, a table and power outlets
• Keep the room calm: one playlist, plenty of water and food
• Wear button-up tops so no one has to pull clothes over finished hair and makeup

Planning a large party? Mention it in your inquiry so we can plan the right team for your morning.

← More from the Journal