Bridesmaids' Hair: How Much Time Is Needed?

Planning a wedding is a complex process, and it's important to allocate enough time for hair and makeup to ensure the day runs smoothly. On average, bridesmaids' hair and makeup take around 30-45 minutes each, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the style and the length and thickness of their hair. For example, a loose bun may only take 15-20 minutes, while a dramatic updo or a longer style with curls could take over an hour. It's also worth noting that some hair and makeup artists may bring assistants or additional stylists to speed up the process, especially for larger bridal parties.

Hair and makeup timing

On average, bridesmaids' hair and makeup take around 30 to 45 minutes per person. However, it is important to note that the time required may vary depending on the complexity and intricacy of the chosen hairstyle and makeup look, as well as the number of people in the bridal party. For example, a simple loose bun may only take around 15 to 20 minutes, while a more dramatic updo or a hairstyle with curls could take upwards of an hour.

When creating a timeline for the wedding day, it is crucial to factor in the time required for hair and makeup services. This includes considering the number of hair and makeup professionals available and the size of the bridal party. It is recommended to have one makeup artist for every six applications to ensure the timeline stays on track.

To ensure a smooth and stress-free process, here are some additional tips for hair and makeup timing:

• Schedule a consultation and trial session with your hair and makeup artists ahead of time, ideally 3 to 6 months before the wedding.
• Communicate your expectations to your bridal party, including any specific requirements, such as arriving with day-old hair.
• Create a detailed schedule for the morning of the wedding, allowing ample time for each person's hair and makeup.
• Ask your bridal party to arrive 5 to 10 minutes before their assigned time slot to keep things running smoothly.
• If possible, wash your hair the day before, as the natural oils will help your style hold better.
• Discuss touch-up times with your beauty team and, if not included or out of budget, bring essential items such as blotting sheets and lip colour.
• For large bridal parties or early ceremony times, consider requesting that your beauty team bring assistants to help save time.

By following these tips and allowing sufficient time for hair and makeup services, you can ensure that the bridal party looks and feels their best on the big day.

Planning and scheduling

• Start by determining the time you need to be ready by, factoring in when you need to arrive at the venue, the time needed for pictures before the ceremony, and the time the ceremony starts.
• Work backward from this time in 30-45 minute increments to determine the arrival time for your hair and makeup team. For example, if you need to be ready by 3 pm and have six applications/styles in total, the start time for hair and makeup would be 11 am and 12 pm, respectively.
• Schedule a consultation and trial session with your hair and makeup artists 3-6 months before the wedding day. This will help you feel relaxed and ensure that you are not making last-minute decisions under pressure.
• On the day of the wedding, it is recommended that the bride has her hair and makeup done toward the beginning or middle of the timeline. This is because, in the event that things are running behind schedule, you don't want your stylists to rush the bride's hair and makeup.
• If you are planning to have some getting-ready photos, coordinate the time slot for the bride's hair and makeup with the arrival time of your photographer.
• Typically, hair styling is done first, followed by makeup. However, some artists prefer to do makeup first to avoid hairspray on the face after makeup application. Ultimately, it doesn't matter which order you go in.
• If you have a large group and an early ceremony time, ask your hair and makeup team if they can bring assistants to help save time.
• Communicate your expectations to your wedding party, for example, if you need them to arrive with day-old hair, be sure to let them know!
• To keep your timeline on schedule, ensure that all members of the bridal party arrive on time and with dry hair. Wet hair can throw your timeline off by 20-25 minutes.

Timeline #1: Four bridesmaids, one hair stylist, one makeup artist, 2:00 pm ceremony

9:00 am - Meet at the salon and bride's makeup begins (~60 minutes)

9:00 am to 11:00 am - Bridesmaids' hair (~30-45 minutes x 4)

11:00 am to 12:30 pm - Bride's hair (~60-90 minutes) and bridesmaids' makeup (~15-20 minutes x 4)

12:00 pm - Photographer arrives at the bridal suite to capture the final moments of getting ready

1:00 pm - Bridal party photos at the ceremony venue/optional first look photos

2:00 pm - Ceremony starts

Timeline #2: Six bridesmaids, two hair stylists, one makeup artist, 4:00 pm ceremony

10:00 am - Meet at the salon

10:30 am - Bride's makeup begins

10:30 am to 12:30 pm - Bridesmaids' hair (~30-45 minutes x 3 bridesmaids per hair stylist)

12:30 pm to 2:30 pm - Bride's hair/bridesmaids' makeup (~15-20 minutes x 6)

2:00 pm - Photographer arrives

3:00 pm - Bridal party photos at the ceremony venue/optional first look photos

4:00 pm - Ceremony starts

Hair and makeup order

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but creating a timeline for hair and makeup can help the day go smoothly. Here is a guide to help you establish a schedule for the bridal party's hair and makeup:

How Much Time is Needed for Hair and Makeup?

For bridesmaids, hair and/or makeup services can take around 30-45 minutes per person. However, more intricate hairstyles, such as dramatic updos or looks with curls, can take upwards of an hour per bridesmaid. It's important to communicate the desired hairstyle to your stylist in advance to get an accurate time estimate.

For the bride, hair and makeup will typically take longer, ranging from 60 to 90 minutes for each service. This allows for more attention to detail and ensures the bride looks flawless for her special day.

Create a Timeline:

Start by determining the time you need to be ready and work backward in 30-45 minute increments to set an arrival time for your hair and makeup team. For example, if you need to be ready by 3 pm, and you have six bridesmaids, the hair and makeup team may need to start as early as 11 am.

Order of Services:

There are different opinions on whether the bride should go first or last. Some stylists prefer the bride to be styled first to ensure there is no rush and enough time for any adjustments. Others suggest the bride goes second to last or last to ensure the hair and makeup are fresh and can be touched up before the ceremony. Ultimately, the order depends on the specific circumstances, such as the bride's preferences, the complexity of the styles, and the number of people being styled.

Other Factors to Consider:

• Number of Stylists: Having multiple stylists and makeup artists can significantly speed up the process. For large bridal parties, consider asking your stylists to bring assistants to help cut down on time.
• Location: Choose a location that is comfortable and has adequate space and lighting for the bridal party and the stylists. If getting ready at the venue, ensure you are allowed access early enough to stick to your timeline.
• Preparation: Communicate any special requirements to your bridal party, such as arriving with day-old hair for updos. Also, remind them to arrive 5-10 minutes early for their slot to keep the schedule on track.

By following these guidelines and creating a detailed timeline, you can ensure that the hair and makeup portion of your wedding day runs smoothly and efficiently.

Venue and timing

Venue

When choosing a venue to get ready, the location and space are important factors. Some brides opt to get ready at their ceremony venue to avoid travel time and the risk of being late. If you choose this option, ensure you have access to the venue early enough to accommodate hair and makeup preparations. Consider the room's space and lighting, ensuring it is comfortable and well-lit for the bridal party and vendors.

If your ceremony venue has strict time restrictions, an alternative option is to get ready at a hotel suite or Airbnb, providing a more relaxed environment with ample space. Additionally, consider the convenience of your "getting-ready" location by opting for a first-floor space or ensuring the presence of a functional elevator to facilitate the movement of artist equipment.

Timing

To ensure a stress-free wedding day, ample time should be allocated for hair and makeup preparations. On average, hair and/or makeup services take about 45 minutes per person, excluding the bride, who may require 2-2.5 hours. Therefore, for a 4 pm wedding, preparations should start around 9 am to allow time for dressing and lining up.

When creating a timeline, consider the number of people in your bridal party and the complexity of the desired hairstyles. A simple loose bun may only take 15-20 minutes, while a dramatic updo or longer hairstyle with curls could take over an hour per bridesmaid. Communicate your expectations to your bridal party, including any requirements, such as arriving with day-old hair for better grip.

To streamline the process, schedule a consultation and trial session with your hair and makeup artists 3-6 months in advance. This will help you make informed decisions and finalize the timeline. On the wedding day, ensure everyone arrives on time, preferably 5-10 minutes early, to avoid delays.

Timeline #1: Four bridesmaids, one hair stylist, one makeup artist, 2:00 pm ceremony

• 9:00 am: Meet at the salon, and bride's makeup begins (~60 minutes)
• 9:00 am - 11:00 am: Bridesmaids' hair (~30-45 minutes x 4)
• 11:00 am - 12:30 pm: Bride's hair (~60-90 minutes) and bridesmaids' makeup (~15-20 minutes x 4)
• 12:00 pm: Photographer arrives at the bridal suite to capture the final moments
• 1:00 pm: Bridal party photos at the ceremony venue/optional first look photos
• 2:00 pm: Ceremony starts

Timeline #2: Six bridesmaids, two hair stylists, one makeup artist, 4:00 pm ceremony

• 10:00 am: Meet at the salon
• 10:30 am: Bride's makeup begins
• 10:30 am - 12:30 pm: Bridesmaids' hair (~30-45 minutes x 3 bridesmaids per hair stylist)
• 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm: Bride's hair/bridesmaid's makeup (~15-20 minutes x 6)
• 2:00 pm: Photographer arrives
• 3:00 pm: Bridal party photos at the ceremony venue/optional first look photos
• 4:00 pm: Ceremony starts

Food and drink

Bridesmaids should eat a good breakfast, perhaps something with whole grains and fats or a protein and fibre mix. It's also a good idea to have some light snacks on hand throughout the day, such as nuts, crackers, and fruit. Drinking plenty of water is also essential.

Some brides choose to bring snacks, have lunch catered, or order room service to keep energy levels up. It's a good idea to provide refreshments for the bridal party, especially for larger groups, to ensure everyone stays energised.

Timeline 1:

• 9:00 a.m. - Meet at the salon and bride's makeup begins (60 minutes).
• 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. - Bridesmaids' hair (30-45 minutes each).
• 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. - Bride's hair (60-90 minutes) and bridesmaids' makeup (15-20 minutes each).
• 12:00 p.m. - Photographer arrives, and light refreshments are served.
• 1:00 p.m. - Bridal party photos at the ceremony venue/optional first look photos.
• 2:00 p.m. - Ceremony starts.

Timeline 2:

• 10:00 a.m. - Meet at the ceremony venue and enjoy some light snacks.
• 10:30 a.m. - Bride's makeup begins (60 minutes).
• 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. - Bridesmaids' hair (30 minutes each, with two stylists working simultaneously).
• 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. - Bride's hair/bridesmaids' makeup (15-20 minutes each).
• 2:00 p.m. - Photographer arrives, and the bridal party enjoys a catered lunch.
• 3:00 p.m. - Bridal party photos at the ceremony venue/optional first look photos.
• 4:00 p.m. - Ceremony starts.

It's important to keep the bridal party well-fed and hydrated, especially if they are getting ready early in the morning and have a long day ahead of them.

Frequently asked questions