Lyla Dejesus
Planning a wedding is a complex task, and one of the most important aspects is ensuring that the bride and groom are ready on time. This process involves not just hair and makeup but also getting dressed, choosing accessories, and taking photos. Various factors can influence the time required, such as the number of people in the bridal party, the complexity of the hair and makeup styles, and travel time to the ceremony venue. Starting with the desired ready time and working backward is recommended to create a timeline for the wedding day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to get ready | 45 minutes to 9 hours |
| Time for hair and makeup | 30 minutes to 1 hour for each bridesmaid; 1 hour for the bride; 15 minutes for younger bridesmaids and attendants |
| Number of hair and makeup artists | One hair and one makeup artist for the bridal party is not enough time; consider one makeup artist for every six applications |
| Time for photos | 30 minutes to 2 hours |
| Time for travel | Double the anticipated travel time |
| Time for food and drink | Allow time for a healthy breakfast and lunch, as well as snacks |
| Time for getting into the wedding dress | 10 minutes more than usual |
| Time for a first look | 2-2.5 hours before the ceremony |
| Time for letters and gifts | 1 hour |
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What You'll Learn
Hair and makeup
Wedding hair and makeup can take a variable amount of time, depending on the number of people, the complexity of the hair and makeup styles, and the number of artists on hand. The more people in your wedding party, the more time will be needed to service everyone.
A good rule of thumb is to allow 45 minutes per service per person (not the bride). So, if you are having hair and makeup done, you should allow 1 hour and 30 minutes. The bride, as the most complex and important hair and makeup of the day, should be second to last to get ready, with the final person being the maid of honour or a bridesmaid. This ensures the bride's hair and makeup are fresh, and means the maid of honour can help the bride with any last-minute touch-ups before walking down the aisle.
For a simple look, a bride might only need 30 minutes, but for a more complex and detailed look, it could take up to 2 hours or longer. A curled or braided updo, for example, will take much longer than a simple wispy low bun. Intricate eyeshadow, stencils, or jewel adornments will also add time for each person. If you are having lash extensions, you will need to book in advance and have a consultation. Nails and lash services should be done well in advance of the wedding day.
To keep things running efficiently, it is common to have both a hairstylist and a makeup artist working at the same time. You should also consider the order in which people will get ready. Those with longer and thicker hair should go first as their hair will naturally take longer to style.
It is also important to consider the location and timing of your preparations. If you are getting ready at your venue, you may be restricted to a 2-hour window before the wedding. If you are getting ready off-site, you will need to factor in travel time to the ceremony and the possibility of your hair and makeup getting messy during the journey.
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Photography
Wedding photography timelines can vary depending on the cultural aspects of the wedding, the number of locations, and the photographer's style. However, here is a general guide for the photography aspect of getting ready before a wedding:
The Morning of the Wedding
The photographer should arrive around an hour before the hair and makeup are complete. This allows time for shooting bridal details such as the dress, shoes, and jewellery. It also provides an opportunity to capture candid moments of the bridal party getting ready. If the groom is getting ready at the same location, the photographer can capture similar moments with the groomsmen. Alternatively, the photographer can arrive when the bride's hair is almost done, and makeup is about to begin. This ensures the photographer captures the entire transformation process.
Post Hair and Makeup
After the hair and makeup are complete, the photographer can take photos of the bride and her bridesmaids in their robes or with champagne. These photos can be taken in the getting-ready room or another location with good lighting. This is also a good time for individual portraits of the bride and groom, separately.
Getting into the Wedding Gown
Allow 15 to 30 minutes for the bride to get into a wedding gown, depending on its complexity. The photographer can capture the bride's mother and/or bridesmaids helping her into the gown and the emotions of this moment.
First Look
If the couple chooses to do a "first look," the photographer can capture this moment pre-ceremony. The "first look" photos can be taken about 30 minutes after the bride has finished hair and makeup, and the couple can then enjoy the cocktail hour with their guests.
Reception
During the reception, the photographer can capture table shots, which can be formal pictures with each table or photojournalistic shots of the couple mingling and interacting with their guests. It is also a good idea to sneak out for night shots, which may take 20-30 minutes, depending on the lighting setup.
Overall Timeline
For most typical weddings at a single venue, 8 hours of photography coverage is recommended. However, some weddings may require more or less time, depending on the couple's priorities and the number of locations. It is important to account for travel time between locations and build "what if" time into the timeline to accommodate potential delays.
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Travel time
Travel weddings are becoming increasingly popular, with one in five weddings now taking place away from home. They can be a great way to blend tradition with a modern perspective on marriage, and they can be customised to suit your preferences. Whether you're after a full-blown Caribbean celebration or a European elopement, there's a lot to consider when it comes to travel time.
Firstly, it's important to think about the feasibility of the travel for your guests. While some may be happy to embark on a sequence of planes, trains, and automobiles, this could be challenging for older relatives or those with young children. You may also want to consider the time of year and the peak season for your chosen location, as this can impact both the cost and the availability of certain amenities. For example, if you're dreaming of a beach wedding in the Caribbean, it's best to avoid the hurricane season from June to November.
It's also a good idea to build in some buffer time when planning your travel wedding. This will allow for any unexpected delays or last-minute coordination tasks. Aim to arrive at your destination a few days before the wedding to ensure you're rested and ready to enjoy the celebrations. If you're getting married abroad, you may also need to factor in the time required to obtain a marriage license, which can vary depending on the country. For example, in Mexico, couples are required to be in the country for three business days before the wedding.
To make the most of your time at your chosen destination, consider engaging the services of a wedding planner or coordinator who specialises in destination weddings. They can take care of the last-minute details, handle any language barriers, and ensure that you and your guests can arrive stress-free. When it comes to what to pack, anything that can be shipped should be sent out at least a month in advance, addressed to a specific individual like your planner. And don't forget to consider the climate when choosing your wedding attire!
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Food and drink
Planning and Preparation:
Start by setting intentions and creating a timeline for your food and drink preparations. Consider the number of guests, your budget, and the type of food and drinks you want to serve. Decide whether you will cater to the wedding yourself or hire a caterer. If you plan to cater yourself, keep it simple with crowd-pleasing options that are easy to prepare and transport. Test out the recipes and equipment beforehand, and ensure you have adequate storage space for the prepared food. Delegate tasks to your wedding party or friends and family to share the workload.
Menu Selection:
Choose a menu that reflects your personal style and tastes. Consider including family recipes or dishes that hold special memories. Opt for foods that are easy to eat and won't cause mess or discomfort. Avoid foods that can cause bloating in the weeks leading up to the wedding, such as refined sugars, flours, beans, cruciferous vegetables, carbonated beverages, and alcohol. Instead, focus on fruits, vegetables, and healthy alternatives like quinoa, brown rice, and sweet potatoes.
Catering Timeline:
Think about the flow of your wedding day and when you want to serve meals and drinks. If there is a long gap between the ceremony and dinner, provide canapes or appetizers during cocktail hour to tide guests over. If you're having an early dinner, organize late-night snacks to satisfy guests' hunger later in the evening. Ensure a constant supply of water and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day to keep guests hydrated, especially if they are drinking alcohol.
Beverage Service:
In addition to water, you may want to offer a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Consider the cost implications and decide whether you will provide an open bar or a cash bar. If you choose a cash bar, inform your guests in advance. Limit the alcohol selection to a few choices, such as beer, wine, and cocktails, and consider closing the bar during dinner and before the end of the night.
Day-of Breakfast or Lunch:
Don't forget to eat something yourself on your wedding day! It is essential to keep your energy levels up. Have a good breakfast or lunch, such as sandwiches, wraps, salads, or yogurt. Avoid excessive alcohol, and opt for hydrating drinks like water or a small number of mimosas or bellinis.
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Getting dressed
First, consider the logistics of your dress. Will you need help getting into it? If your dress has a lot of buttons, a lace-up back, or a corset, it will take longer to put on. You might also want to factor in time for putting on any special undergarments, shoes, jewellery, a veil, and a hairpiece. If you're helping the bride get dressed, make sure you're ready early so that you don't hold things up.
Next, think about hair and makeup. These can be the main causes of delays, so it's a good idea to allow extra time here. If you're having your hair styled, consider whether it needs to be set and how long that will take. You might also want to have your makeup done while your hair is setting. If you're having photos taken before the ceremony, you'll need to be ready earlier in the day.
Finally, don't forget to enjoy the process! This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, so savour it with your loved ones. It's also a great opportunity for photos, so consider booking your photographer to arrive at least an hour before you plan to be ready.
In terms of timing, it's hard to give an exact figure as it depends on many factors. However, as a general guide, you should allow at least 40 minutes to an hour for the bride to get dressed, and 3-4 hours for the entire bridal party to get ready, including hair and makeup.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the number of people in the bridal party and the number of hair and makeup artists. For a bridal party of four, it is recommended to start getting ready four to five hours before the ceremony.
For hair, 30 minutes for down or half-up styles, 45 minutes to an hour for updos. For makeup, 45 minutes for a "natural glam" look and an hour or more for full glam.
Add an hour and a half for each additional person in the bridal party.
One hour before leaving. This allows time to eat, get dressed, and pack up.
Book the photographer to arrive one hour before the bride is ready to go. This allows them to capture getting-ready shots and important detail shots of the wedding outfit, shoes, jewellery, etc.
