When to Book Your Bridal Makeup Artist

Your makeup artist is one of the first vendors worth securing after your venue and photographer. Good artists can only be in one bridal suite each morning, and peak Saturdays go first. Here is the timeline we recommend to brides planning a wedding in New Jersey, New York City or abroad.

9 to 12 months before: inquire

As soon as your date and venue are confirmed, send your inquiry. This matters most for Saturdays between May and October, holiday weekends and dates with a large bridal party, because a bigger party means an earlier start and sometimes a second artist.

Have these details ready:

• Your wedding date and venue, or the town if the venue is still open
• Where you will get ready and your ceremony time
• How many people need hair, makeup or both
• A few photos of looks you love, from Instagram, TikTok or Pinterest

6 to 9 months before: confirm and reserve

Once you have a proposal you are happy with, confirm in writing and secure your date. This is also a good time to share your inspiration so your artist can start thinking about your skin, features and dress.

2 to 3 months before: book your trial

A bridal trial is where your look is designed. Schedule it far enough ahead that you can adjust, but close enough that your hair colour, skin and style will match the day. Many brides plan their trial around their dress fitting or engagement shoot so they can see the look with the full picture. Our guide to what happens at a bridal makeup trial covers how to prepare.

1 month before: finalise the timeline

Work with your artist and planner on a getting-ready schedule. For a bridal party, the bride is usually finished last so her makeup is freshest for photos, with time built in for photographer details shots. See our wedding day hair and makeup timeline for a sample schedule.

The week of: keep it simple

• Avoid new skincare, facials or waxing that could irritate your skin
• Hydrate and sleep well
• Arrive on the morning with clean, moisturised skin and dry, clean hair unless your stylist asks otherwise

Booking late?

Last-minute openings do happen, especially for weekday and off-season weddings. If your date is close, inquire anyway: the worst answer is a polite no.

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