
The order of getting ready on your wedding day is important to ensure everything runs smoothly. While there is no right answer to whether hair and makeup should be done before or after putting on the wedding dress, many people recommend doing hair and makeup first. This is to prevent makeup from getting on the dress, especially if it has to be pulled over the head. It is also recommended to eat your pre-wedding meals and snacks, do any wedding-related projects, and take photos with your bridal party before getting into your dress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Order of hair and makeup | Many artists agree that makeup should be done before hair |
| Time taken for hair | 45 minutes to an hour |
| Time taken for makeup | 30 minutes to over an hour |
| What to do before putting on the wedding dress | Eat and drink, go to the bathroom, do wedding-related projects, take photos, do stretches or yoga |
| What to do after putting on the wedding dress | Avoid eating and drinking anything messy, do a spot check and touch up hair and makeup |
| How to put on a dress that goes over the head | Use a flat sheet or towel to cover the head and face, then pull the dress over, or step into the dress |
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What You'll Learn

Makeup first to avoid getting it on the dress
It is generally recommended to put on makeup before your wedding dress to avoid getting makeup on the dress. This is especially important if your dress goes over your head, as this increases the risk of smudging your makeup.
If your dress goes over your head, there are a few tricks you can use to avoid getting makeup on it. One is to use a towel or a thin sheet to cover your face and hair while putting on the dress. You can also try putting on the dress backwards and then spinning it around, so that the open back gives you more space to manoeuvre without disturbing your hair and makeup. Another option is to buy a protector mask from Amazon, which you can zip over your head to protect your makeup.
If you are having your hair and makeup done offsite, it is also more practical to get dressed at the venue, rather than having to travel in your wedding dress. This also means you won't have to spend the whole day in your dress, which may be uncomfortable.
It is important to allow enough time for hair and makeup to avoid feeling rushed. You should ask your hair and makeup artists how long they predict each service will take and build this into your schedule. You should also consider building in some extra time for touch-ups and adjustments, especially if you are having a boudoir shoot, bridal portraits, or a first look before the ceremony.
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Step into your dress, don't pull it over your head
Stepping into your wedding dress is often recommended to avoid messing up your hair and makeup. If your dress has a fitted style, it may need to be pulled on over your head, so it's a good idea to discuss this with your hairstylist beforehand.
If you're stepping into your dress, it's a good idea to do your hair and makeup first, and then carefully step into your gown. This way, you can avoid getting makeup or hair products on your dress. If you're pulling your dress on over your head, you may want to use a towel, shirt, or plastic protector mask to prevent smudging your makeup.
Some brides also recommend doing a spot check and touching up your hair and makeup after putting on your dress, in case anything gets disturbed while you're getting dressed. If your dress has a corset back, you may be able to undo it and step into it, even if you usually need to pull it over your head.
Before putting on your wedding dress, there are a few other things to keep in mind. Firstly, eat your pre-wedding meals and snacks beforehand, as it's easier to eat and drink once you're in your dress. You may also want to take some casual photos with your bridal party and do any wedding-related projects before getting dressed. Finally, remember to use the restroom and do some stretches or yoga moves before stepping into your gown, as your movement may be restricted once you're in your dress.
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Eat and drink before putting on your dress
Eating and drinking before putting on your wedding dress is important to keep you energised and nourished throughout the day. It is recommended that you eat a light breakfast on the morning of your wedding. A balanced meal with protein, fruits, vegetables, and complex carbs is a good choice. For example, peanut butter toast with a side of fruit or a small whole-grain bagel with light cream cheese. This will give you energy without causing bloating.
Throughout the day, it is important to continuously drink water and eat snacks. You can snack on water-filled foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and citrus fruits to stay hydrated. It is also a good idea to eat whenever your guests are eating, even if it's just a few bites. Light snacks such as dried fruit and nuts, string cheese, whole wheat crackers, and on-the-go fruits like bananas, apples, peaches, and oranges are easy to eat during your wedding.
If you're eating a meal before putting on your wedding dress, it's best to stick to something light and avoid anything that might cause bloating or discomfort. A light lunch or dinner with lean protein and fibre is a good choice. For example, low-fat Greek yogurt with berries or a protein smoothie.
It's also important to be mindful of what you eat and drink after you put on your wedding dress. Stick to clear liquids and non-messy snacks to avoid any stains on your gown.
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Do wedding-related projects before getting dressed
Wedding days are often busy and stressful, so it's important to plan your schedule carefully. While there is no "right" answer to the question of whether makeup or hair should be done first, many artists agree that makeup should be done before hair. This way, the makeup artist can blend the makeup into the hairline and jaw area without worrying about messing up the hairstylist's work. Doing makeup first also means that the hairstylist can work on the bride's hair without the inconvenience of a large dress getting in the way.
If your dress needs to be pulled over your head, you should do your hair and makeup first and then carefully put on your dress. You can use a towel, sheet, or thin shirt to protect your face and makeup while putting on your dress. If your dress can be stepped into, you can put it on after your hair and makeup, reducing the risk of getting makeup on your dress.
Before putting on your wedding dress, there are a few other things to consider doing. Firstly, eat your pre-wedding meals and snacks, as it is more difficult to eat and drink once the gown is on. Secondly, use the bathroom, as your dress may make it difficult to go later. You should also do some stretches or yoga to prevent your muscles from getting sore, as your range of motion may be limited in your dress. Finally, take some casual photos with your bridal party, as this may be the last chance to capture these moments before the day's events unfold.
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Hair before makeup, according to some artists
While there is no definitive rule about whether hair or makeup should be done first on a wedding day, many artists agree that doing makeup before hair is the best approach. Celebrity makeup artist Jade Voight recommends getting your makeup done first, allowing the makeup artist to blend it into the hairline and jaw area without worrying about messing up the hairstylist's work. Doing makeup first also allows for any necessary touch-ups before the bride gets dressed and ensures she looks photo-ready from the start.
Additionally, it is less stressful for the bride to have hair and makeup done separately, as having two people working simultaneously can be stressful and cause the process to take longer. It is recommended to allocate one hour to 1.5 hours for makeup and 45 minutes to an hour for hair. However, the timing may vary depending on the complexity of the desired look and the length of the bride's hair.
To ensure a stress-free wedding day, it is crucial to have a solid timeline and build in some buffer time. The bride should ideally be ready four to five hours before the ceremony. It is also essential to find hair and makeup artists you trust and allow them enough time to work their magic.
Some brides prefer to have their hair and makeup done last to ensure freshness as they walk down the aisle. However, this thought may be outdated, as modern makeup techniques and products can ensure the bride's look lasts all day. Ultimately, the decision of whether to do hair or makeup first depends on personal preference, the logistics of the venue, and the advice of the hired professionals.
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Frequently asked questions
It is generally recommended to put on makeup before your wedding dress to prevent makeup stains on the dress. If your dress needs to be pulled over your head, you can use a towel or a thin sheet to protect your makeup while putting it on.
It is important to schedule ample time for hair and makeup to ensure a stress-free wedding day. You should ask your hair and makeup artists how long they predict each service will take and build a timeline from there. You should also factor in time for touch-ups and adjustments.
There is no definitive answer, but many artists recommend doing your makeup first. This allows the makeup artist to blend the makeup into the hairline and jaw area without interfering with the hairstylist's work. Doing makeup first can also reduce stress by ensuring the hair and makeup artists are not waiting on each other.











































