The Perfect Bridesmaid Hair: How Long Should Styling Take?

Planning a wedding can be a stressful task, and creating a timeline for the big day is essential to ensure everything runs smoothly. One of the most important things to consider is how much time to allocate for hair and makeup. On average, hair and makeup for the bride can take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes each, while for bridesmaids, it usually takes 30 to 45 minutes each. However, it's important to note that the timing may vary depending on the hairstyle and makeup look desired, as well as the number of people in the bridal party.

To create a stress-free wedding day timeline, it is recommended to schedule a consultation and trial session with the hair and makeup artists ahead of time. This will help determine how much time is needed for each person and create a schedule that ensures everyone is ready on time. It is also suggested to have hair done first, followed by makeup, and to inform the bridal party to arrive 5-10 minutes before their assigned time slot to keep things running smoothly.

Additionally, the number of hair and makeup artists can impact the timing. Having multiple artists can speed up the process, while a single artist for the entire bridal party may take longer. It is crucial to consider these factors when creating a timeline to ensure that the hair and makeup services for the bridesmaids do not cause any delays on the wedding day.

Hair and makeup for bridesmaids can take 30-45 minutes per person

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to scheduling hair and makeup for the bridal party. To ensure everything runs smoothly, it's essential to allocate enough time for each bridesmaid to get ready. So, how long should you expect hair and makeup to take for bridesmaids?

On average, hair and makeup for bridesmaids can take around 30 to 45 minutes per person. This timeframe can vary depending on several factors, including the number of people in the bridal party, the complexity of the chosen hairstyles and makeup looks, and the number of stylists available. It's crucial to consider these factors when creating a timeline for the wedding day to ensure everyone is ready on time.

To optimize the process, some stylists suggest starting with the bridesmaids' hair, followed by their makeup, while the bride's hair and makeup are done towards the middle of the timeline. This way, any adjustments can be made, and the bride doesn't feel rushed. It's also a good idea to have the bridesmaids arrive a few minutes early for their assigned time slots to keep things running smoothly.

Additionally, it's important to remember that certain hairstyles and makeup looks may require more time. For example, a loose bun may only take 15 to 20 minutes, while a dramatic updo or a look with curls could take upwards of an hour per bridesmaid. Communicating the desired styles and looks to the stylists in advance will help in creating an accurate timeline for the big day.

By allowing adequate time for hair and makeup and being flexible with any potential delays, you can ensure that the bridal party looks and feels their best as they walk down the aisle.

For the bride, hair and makeup can take 60-90 minutes

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but creating a timeline for hair and makeup can ensure the day runs smoothly. For the bride, hair and makeup can take 60-90 minutes. This is because the bride's hair and makeup usually require more attention to detail and work.

It is recommended that the bride's hair and makeup are done in the middle of the day's schedule. This ensures there is plenty of time for adjustments and fixes, and a more leisurely process. It also means the bride will be ready in good time to answer any questions or deal with any issues that may arise.

However, some sources suggest that the bride's hair and makeup are done towards the beginning or middle of the timeline. This is so that stylists are not rushed if the schedule starts to run behind. Having the bride's hair and makeup done earlier also means the photographer can capture the moment, and photos won't be delayed.

To keep the day running to schedule, it is important to consider how many stylists you will need. A bridal party that needs to be ready by 4 pm will have much more time than one that needs to be ready by 11 am. Additional stylists will cut the getting-ready time in half.

It is also worth noting that hair and makeup for bridesmaids usually take 30-45 minutes each, and for the wedding party and parents of the couple, it takes around the same time.

The number of stylists and the complexity of the hairstyles will impact timing

The number of stylists and the complexity of the hairstyles will impact the time it takes to get ready.

If you're working with a limited number of stylists, it's important to plan accordingly to avoid throwing yourself off schedule. For example, if you only hire one hairstylist and one makeup artist to work on everyone, you may need to start preparations earlier in the day.

The complexity of the hairstyles will also impact timing. A loose bun may only take 15-20 minutes to style, while a dramatic updo or longer look with lots of curls could take upwards of an hour per person. If you're opting for a hairstyle that requires setting, such as curls, you can get the process started before moving on to makeup to save time.

• Timeline #1: Four bridesmaids, one hairstylist, one makeup artist, 2:00 p.m. ceremony. 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. bridesmaids' hair (~30-45 minutes x 4). 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. bride's hair (~60-90 minutes) and bridesmaids' makeup (~15-20 minutes x 4).
• Timeline #2: Six bridesmaids, two hairstylists, one makeup artist, 4:00 p.m. ceremony. 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. bridesmaids' hair (~30-45 minutes x 3 bridesmaids per hairstylist). 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. bride's hair/bridesmaids' makeup (~15-20 minutes x 6).
• For a party of six bridesmaids, one mother-of-the-bride, and one bride preparing for a 4:00 p.m. ceremony with one makeup artist and one hairstylist: 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. bride's hair (90 minutes). 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. bridesmaids' makeup (30-45 minutes x 6). 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. mother-of-the-bride's hair (30 minutes). 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. bridesmaids' hair (30-45 minutes x 6). 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. mother-of-the-bride's makeup (30 minutes). 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. bride's makeup (90 minutes).

It's important to build in some buffer time to your schedule to account for any potential delays or last-minute changes.

The bride's hair and makeup should be done in the middle of the timeline to avoid rushing

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but creating a timeline for hair and makeup can help the day go smoothly and ensure you make it to the ceremony on time.

On average, hair and makeup for bridesmaids take 30 to 45 minutes each, while the bride's hair and makeup can take 60 to 90 minutes each. However, this time can vary depending on the complexity of the hairstyle and makeup look, as well as the number of people in the bridal party. If you have a large bridal party or are opting for intricate styles, consider adding extra time to your timeline to avoid rushing.

To ensure the bride's hair and makeup are done without rushing, it is recommended to schedule the bride's services in the middle of the timeline. This allows for adjustments and touch-ups and ensures the bride looks fresh when it's time to walk down the aisle. It also means the bride will be ready when the photographer arrives and can answer any questions or take care of last-minute tasks.

• Work backward from the ceremony time: Determine the time you need to be ready and work backward in 30 to 40-minute increments to set an arrival time for your hair and makeup team.
• Communicate with your beauty team: Discuss their preferred order of services and any touch-up times. If you have a large group, ask if they can bring assistants to save time.
• Schedule touch-ups: Even if your stylists prefer to do the bride's hair and makeup later in the day, ensure there is time for touch-ups before the ceremony, especially if things run behind schedule.
• Consider external factors: Think about any external factors that could impact the timeline, such as young children or additional duties that need to be performed before the ceremony.
• Allow for adjustments: Scheduling the bride's services in the middle of the timeline provides more time for adjustments and fixes, ensuring the bride looks flawless.

By following these tips and allowing ample time for the bride's hair and makeup, you can avoid rushing and ensure a relaxed and enjoyable wedding day.

The number of people in the bridal party will impact timing

The number of people in the bridal party will have a direct impact on the timing of hair and makeup preparations. The larger the bridal party, the more time will be needed to get everyone ready.

For example, if the bride is having a simple hairstyle and makeup look, she can expect this to take around 60 to 90 minutes. Bridesmaids' hair and makeup usually take 30 to 45 minutes each, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the chosen style. A loose bun might only take 15 to 20 minutes, while a dramatic updo or a longer look with curls could take over an hour.

If there are six bridesmaids, the bride, and the mother of the bride, all needing hair and makeup, that's eight people who will need to be styled. If there are two stylists and one makeup artist, it will take a minimum of four hours to get everyone ready, assuming each person takes 30 minutes. This is without accounting for any breaks or time needed to set up and pack up equipment.

The more stylists and makeup artists available, the faster the bridal party can be prepared. However, this also needs to be balanced with the available space and budget. A large team of stylists working in a cramped space may not be practical.

It's also important to consider the location where hair and makeup will be done. If the bridal party is getting ready at the venue, they may only be allowed access a couple of hours before the wedding. In this case, an early start at a different location may be necessary. Travel time to and from the venue should also be considered, especially if the venue is difficult to reach.

To ensure the day runs smoothly, it's recommended to create a detailed timeline for hair and makeup preparations. This should include the order in which people will be styled, with some flexibility built in to account for any potential delays. It's also a good idea to have snacks and refreshments available to keep energy levels up throughout the day.

By taking into account the number of people in the bridal party, the complexity of the chosen styles, the number of stylists available, and the chosen location, you can create a realistic timeline that ensures everyone is ready in time for the ceremony.

Frequently asked questions