Rhiannon Hendricks
Planning a wedding is a complex affair, and hair and makeup are an important part of the bridal experience. The bride and her party will want to look and feel their best, so it's essential to plan the timing of hair and makeup services carefully. The last thing anyone wants is for the bridal party's hair and makeup to be ruined by a last-minute issue. So, how long before the wedding should hair and makeup be done?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for hair and makeup | 60-90 minutes each for the couple; 30-45 minutes each for the wedding party and parents |
| Time to start | 7 am for large groups; 30 minutes before the scheduled time for stylists to set up |
| Order of services | Hair first, then makeup |
| Preparation | Open gifts before doing makeup; steam dresses the day before; wear a light robe or button-down shirt; take photos; eat and stay hydrated |
| Skin and haircare | Start professional facials and skin treatments 6 months before; get eyebrows done 1-1.5 weeks before; get a spray tan 2-3 days before; wash and blow out hair the day before |
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What You'll Learn
How long does hair and makeup take?
The duration of hair and makeup services for a wedding depends on several factors, including the number of people, the complexity of the styles, and the number of stylists.
For the bride, hair and makeup typically take about 60 to 90 minutes each, while bridesmaids and parents of the couple can expect 30 to 45 minutes each. If the bride is aiming for a simple look, she might only need about 30 minutes. However, if she desires a more intricate or formal style, it could take longer.
It is recommended to have the bride's hair done before her makeup to avoid any potential issues with sweat or messiness from blow-drying or hot tools. Additionally, this allows the makeup artist to blend the foundation better near the hairline.
To ensure a smooth process, it is essential to book and schedule professional stylists well in advance, usually about six to 12 months prior. It is also crucial to communicate the beauty services required for each attendee, including bridesmaids and mothers-in-law.
For large bridal parties, consider hiring additional stylists to stay on schedule. Trials and consultations with stylists are important to finalize the desired looks and ensure everyone is satisfied.
- The stylists arrive about 30 minutes early to set up their equipment and familiarize themselves with the space.
- The first one or two slots in the schedule are usually reserved for the bridal party members.
- The bride's hair and makeup are done midway through the timeline, allowing time for touch-ups and adjustments.
- Final touch-ups are done for the entire bridal party, such as refreshing curls or adding extra powder and lip gloss.
- The bride gets into her gown just before leaving, with lip color applied last to allow for eating and drinking.
It is important to build in buffer time for unexpected delays and to prioritize self-care, such as eating, drinking, and taking breaks throughout the day.
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What to wear while getting hair and makeup done
When it comes to choosing an outfit to wear while getting your hair and makeup done for your wedding, comfort and practicality are key. You'll want to avoid anything that could mess up your hair or makeup, such as clothing that you need to pull over your head. Here are some suggestions for what to wear:
- A light robe: Robes are comfortable and can be easily removed without disturbing your hair or makeup. They come in various styles, colours, and fabrics, such as silk or floral prints. You can even get them embroidered with "Bride" on the back.
- Button-down shirt: A button-down shirt is a practical option as it can be easily removed without ruining your hair or makeup. Pair it with shorts or leggings for a comfortable and modest look.
- Tank top: Opt for a stretchy tank top that won't leave marks on your skin. If you need extra support, consider a tank top with a built-in bra or a sticky bra.
- Strapless bra and button-up shirt: If you're wearing a strapless dress, a strapless bra and button-up shirt combination can be a good option to avoid red marks on your back.
- Hoodie: A zipper hoodie can provide comfort and warmth while getting ready, especially if your salon is air-conditioned.
- Leggings or yoga pants: If you feel more comfortable with your legs covered, leggings or yoga pants can be a good option to pair with a robe or button-down shirt.
Remember to choose something that you feel comfortable in and that photographs well. You may also want to consider the weather and the temperature of the salon when making your decision.
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Skin and body prep
Consult a Professional
Firstly, it is important to consult a dermatologist or esthetician, especially if you have specific skin concerns or sensitivities. They can recommend suitable treatments and products for your skin type. For example, if you are concerned about acne, they might suggest certain exfoliating treatments or products to improve your skin texture and tone.
Start Early
Don't leave your skin prep until the last minute. Start experimenting with different products and routines several months in advance. This will give your skin time to adjust and allow you to see what works best for you. You can try different masks, moisturizers, and facial tools, paying attention to how they interact with your skin and how long their effects last.
Hydration is Key
Well-hydrated skin is essential for a glowing complexion. Drink plenty of water in the lead-up to your wedding and on the day itself. Also, choose hydrating skincare products, such as hyaluronic acid serums or water-based moisturizers, to deeply nourish your skin.
Facials and Masks
Facials and masks can provide amazing nutrient boosts to your skin. Ask your esthetician about pre-wedding facials that will give your skin a healthy glow while avoiding redness and breakouts. Try out different masks in the months leading up to your wedding and use the ones that give the best results during the week of your wedding.
Sun Protection
Don't forget to protect your skin from the sun. Apply a facial sunscreen a few hours before your makeup application to ensure it has time to absorb. If you plan to be in the sun, consider using products with ingredients that support your skin's natural barrier.
Final Touches
On the day of your wedding, start by cleansing your face with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser. Then, gently massage your moisturizer into your skin with clean hands. If using a serum, apply it a few hours beforehand so that your skin has time to absorb it.
Remember, it's important to manage your expectations and set realistic skincare goals. Every person's skin is unique, and you want to look like the best version of yourself on your wedding day.
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When to open gifts from your wedding party
Bridal hair and makeup typically take about two hours, including time for touch-ups and any last-minute adjustments. It is recommended to build in some buffer time for unexpected moments.
There are different opinions on when to open gifts from your wedding party. Some people believe that gifts should be opened as they are received, allowing you to send thank-you cards early and have less to worry about after the wedding. This also avoids the potential awkwardness of opening gifts at the wedding or reception, which can take up valuable time that could be spent celebrating with your guests.
However, others suggest that a wedding gift-opening party can be a fun way to gather with family and friends and open gifts in their presence. This event can be held after the wedding, either the day after or a few days or weeks later, depending on your preference and the availability of your guests. It can be an intimate affair or a larger celebration, depending on your wishes and the number of guests.
Ultimately, the decision of when to open gifts from your wedding party is a personal one, and you can choose the option that best suits your preferences and schedule.
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Where to get hair and makeup done
When it comes to where to get your hair and makeup done, there are a few options to consider. The first is a professional salon. If your chosen stylist has their own salon or a home base, you could ask about renting the space for your wedding day. This is a convenient option as it takes the pressure off you to provide a professional setup. Just be sure that the salon is relatively close to your ceremony location – the longer the commute, the more likely your hair and makeup are to get messy!
Another option is to get ready at your ceremony venue. Larger indoor venues, such as churches or industrial spaces, may have the capacity to host a bridal beauty party. This is a particularly good option for destination or remote weddings. Just be sure to check ahead of time that the venue has all the necessary equipment for your desired services, such as chairs and mirrors.
If you have a small wedding party, you could consider turning someone's home into your wedding salon. If located close to the ceremony venue, your own house could be a good meeting spot before the wedding. This option may be more relaxed and intimate, and you can take photos and pop some champagne with your bridal party.
If you're getting ready in a hotel or at the wedding venue, your hair and makeup artists will usually travel to you with all their tools, makeup, chairs, lights and other equipment. They will typically arrive about 30 minutes before their scheduled start time to set up their spaces.
It's important to book and schedule professional stylists as soon as possible – about six to 12 months in advance. Added services, formal or intricate styles, large parties and fewer stylists can all increase the time needed for wedding beauty prep. Don't skip trials or consultations with your stylists, and book your trial appointments ahead of time so your look is fully approved and set for the wedding day.
Remember to build in some buffer time for unexpected moments, and enjoy the planning process!
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Frequently asked questions
Bridal hair and makeup usually take about 2 hours. This includes time for touch-ups and any last-minute adjustments. Wedding hair and makeup typically take 60 to 90 minutes each, while hair and makeup for the wedding party and parents of the couple take 30 to 45 minutes each.
It is recommended to start hair and makeup in the morning, allowing for a few hours to enjoy the day and spend time with your bridal party. A 7 am start time is common for large bridal parties, but some may find this too early.
It is important to eat, stay hydrated, and take some time to relax and center yourself. You should also consider doing any pre-makeup skincare prep, such as washing your face and moisturizing.
It is crucial to build in buffer time for unexpected delays. Communicate with your stylists and artists to tailor the schedule to your needs. Consider the number of people getting ready, the complexity of the hair and makeup looks, and the number of stylists available.
