Bridesmaids' Prep Time: How Long To Get Ready?

Getting ready for a wedding can be a lengthy process, and it's important to allow ample time to ensure the day starts stress-free and on schedule. While every wedding is different, a good rule of thumb is to allow 30-45 minutes for hair and makeup per bridesmaid and 60-90 minutes for the bride. This means that for a wedding with four bridesmaids, you should allow at least four hours for everyone to get ready. It's also a good idea to build some buffer time into your schedule to account for any potential delays.

Other factors to consider include the number of hairstylists and makeup artists available, the complexity of the hair and makeup styles, and whether you plan to capture any getting-ready photos. Starting early and having a clear timeline will help ensure that everyone is ready on time and able to enjoy the day without feeling rushed.

Hair and makeup timings

Timing Estimates:

The time required for hair and makeup services can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the chosen styles and the number of people in the bridal party. On average, hair services can take 30 to 45 minutes per bridesmaid and 60 to 90 minutes for the bride. Makeup applications typically take around 30 minutes per person. However, it's worth noting that more intricate or formal styles may require additional time.

Creating a Timeline:

To create a timeline for the big day, it's recommended to work backward from the desired ready time. For example, if the bridal party needs to be ready by 3 PM, and there are six applications/styles in total, the hair services should start around 11 AM, followed by makeup at 12 PM. It's also advisable to build in some buffer time to accommodate any potential delays.

Order of Services:

There are differing opinions on whether the bride should be styled first or last. Some suggest scheduling the bride's services toward the beginning or middle of the timeline to avoid rushing if things fall behind schedule. Others prefer to leave the bride until last to ensure the freshest look. Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference, and it's worth discussing this with your stylists to determine what works best for your specific situation.

Number of Stylists:

The number of stylists and makeup artists can significantly impact the timing. Having multiple stylists can reduce the overall preparation time by half. Therefore, for larger bridal parties or more complex styles, consider hiring additional professionals to speed up the process.

Trials and Consultations:

Don't forget to schedule trial sessions and consultations with your stylists 3 to 6 months before the wedding. This will ensure that you are happy with the chosen looks and help to fine-tune the timing estimates for the big day.

Other Considerations:

• Communicate with your bridal party about any specific requirements, such as arriving with dry hair or a clean face.
• Ask your beauty team about touch-up services and whether they are included in the contract.
• If you have a large group, consider asking your beauty team to bring assistants to save time.
• Coordinate the timing of hair and makeup services with the arrival of your photographer to capture getting-ready photos.
• Remember to enjoy the process and make it fun! Serve some light snacks, play music, and snap some photos to cherish these memories for years to come.

By carefully considering these timing estimates and creating a well-organized timeline, you can ensure that the bridal party looks and feels their best on the wedding day.

Photographer's schedule

Photographers Schedule

The photographer's schedule for a wedding is a crucial aspect of capturing the special day's moments. Here is a suggested timeline for photographers to ensure they capture all the important moments without missing a beat:

• Two Hours Before the Ceremony: Arrive at the getting-ready location. This will allow you to capture the bride and bridesmaids in their final preparations, such as putting on the finishing touches of makeup, fixing their hair, or adjusting their dresses. It is essential to capture these intimate moments, as they showcase the anticipation and excitement of the day.
• One and a Half Hours Before the Ceremony: Take detail shots of the wedding attire, accessories, shoes, jewellery, and bouquet. These images will beautifully complement the overall collection and provide a close-up view of the carefully selected details.
• One Hour Before the Ceremony: Capture the bride's last-minute touches. By this time, the bride should be almost ready, and you can photograph her putting on her shoes, fixing her veil, or having a flower pinned to her hair. These moments are intimate and emotional, and it is essential to capture the bride's glow and happiness.
• 30 Minutes Before the Ceremony: Take getting-ready photos of the bridal party together. Photograph the bridesmaids helping the bride with her dress, veil, or any last-minute adjustments. These photos showcase the bond and support between the bride and her bridesmaids.
• 15 Minutes Before the Ceremony: Capture the bride's grand entrance. As the bride makes her way to the ceremony venue, photograph her walking down the aisle, surrounded by her proud and happy bridesmaids. These images will capture the anticipation and emotion of the bride and her bridal party as they prepare to walk down the aisle.
• During the Ceremony: Capture the ceremony's key moments, including the bride's entrance, exchange of vows and rings, and the first kiss as a married couple. Also, capture the reactions of the bridesmaids and guests during these heartwarming moments.
• Immediately After the Ceremony: Take formal portraits of the bridal party and family. These photos are essential and usually include the bride and groom with their bridesmaids and groomsmen, as well as extended family members. It is a good idea to take these photos immediately after the ceremony while everyone is still gathered and before the celebrations begin.
• During the Cocktail Hour and Reception: Capture the celebrations and joy of the day. Photograph the bridal party and guests mingling, toasting, and enjoying the festivities. Also, capture the first dance, cake cutting, and any other special traditions or performances during the reception.
• Sunset: If possible, take advantage of the golden hour light to capture romantic and dreamy portraits of the bride and groom. The soft, warm light during sunset creates magical photos that will be cherished for a lifetime.
• Evening: Continue capturing the celebrations, including the cutting of the cake, bouquet toss, and any other special moments. As the night progresses, focus on capturing the energy and atmosphere of the party, including the guests dancing, laughing, and enjoying themselves.
• Before Leaving: Take a few final shots of the newlyweds surrounded by their bridal party and guests. These photos will capture the joy and happiness of the day and provide a beautiful conclusion to the wedding story.

Outfit changes

Keep the bridesmaids' outfits comfortable and convenient:

• Bridesmaid robes are a popular choice as they offer comfort and convenience during hair and makeup appointments.
• Other options include slip dresses, pyjamas, and loungewear sets.
• Choose outfits that are easy to change in and out of, especially if there will be multiple outfit changes throughout the day.

Plan ahead for outfit changes:

• Create a timeline that includes outfit changes for the bridesmaids. Allow enough time for each bridesmaid to change, especially if they are helping each other with hair and makeup.
• Consider the number of outfit changes and the time required for each.

Choose the right fabrics and styles:

• Select fabrics that are comfortable and breathable, especially if the wedding is during the warmer months.
• Avoid outfits that are too complicated or time-consuming to change in and out of.

Consider matching outfits for the bridesmaids:

• Matching getting-ready outfits create a cohesive look for photos and add to the fun and camaraderie among the bridesmaids.
• Websites like Birdy Grey and Show Me Your Mumu offer a variety of budget-friendly and size-inclusive options for bridesmaid getting-ready outfits.

Allow time for touch-ups and adjustments:

• Factor in time for any last-minute touch-ups or adjustments to the bridesmaids' hair and makeup after outfit changes.
• This is especially important if the outfits are more formal or intricate and require specific styling.

Don't forget the little details:

• Ensure the bridesmaids have any necessary undergarments, shapewear, or accessories needed for their outfits.
• Check that the outfits are steamed or pressed, and any jewellery or shoes are cleaned and polished.

Have a backup plan:

• It's always a good idea to have a backup outfit option in case of any last-minute spills or stains.
• This could be as simple as having an extra robe or slip dress on hand.

Breakfast and snacks

Breakfast

It is important to eat a nutritious breakfast, and there are many options to choose from. Some people opt for a continental breakfast with pastries, fruit, and yoghurt, while others prefer a heartier meal such as eggs, chicken, or a bagel with cream cheese and lox. It is also a good idea to have some protein, such as eggs, chicken, or Greek yoghurt with fresh fruit. Whole grains are also a good choice, as they provide energy and help ward off anxiety.

Snacks

Throughout the morning and early afternoon, it is a good idea to have some snacks on hand to keep energy levels up. Some options include nuts, crackers, fruit, and protein bars. Sandwiches are also a popular choice, with many people opting for a variety of options, including vegetarian-friendly choices. If your bridal party has a sweet tooth, you could provide muffins, doughnuts, or even French toast sticks.

It is also important to stay hydrated, so be sure to have plenty of water on hand, as well as some caffeinated beverages like coffee or tea. But remember, too much caffeine can lead to jitters and anxiety, so it is best to stick to water throughout the day.

In summary, here is a list of breakfast and snack ideas for the bridal party:

• Continental breakfast: pastries, fruit, yoghurt
• Heartier options: eggs, chicken, bagel with cream cheese and lox.
• Protein: eggs, Greek yoghurt with fresh fruit
• Whole grains: brown rice, whole grain toast, quinoa
• Snacks: nuts, crackers, fruit, protein bars
• Sandwiches: variety of options, including vegetarian
• Sweet treats: muffins, doughnuts, French toast sticks
• Drinks: water, coffee, tea

Drinks

It's important to keep the drinks flowing for the bridesmaids while they're getting ready—but not too flowing. You don't want to be dealing with any extra jitters or headaches before the ceremony!

A glass or two of something sparkling is a fun way to kick off the day and makes for some great photo ops. Mimosas are a classic choice, but you could also mix things up with a berry champagne mixed with lemonade or raspberry lemonade. If you're looking for a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water is a great choice.

In addition to the bubbly, it's a good idea to have plenty of water on hand to keep everyone hydrated throughout the day. You could also provide coffee, but be careful not to overdo it—too much caffeine can lead to jitters and anxiety.

For the rest of the day, water is the best option to keep everyone hydrated, especially once everyone is in their dresses. It's a good idea to avoid carbonated drinks, which can cause bloating.

If you're providing food, you could also include some juices or sodas.

Frequently asked questions