
Planning a wedding can be stressful, and scheduling hair and makeup for the big day is an important part of the process. The general rule of thumb is to budget about 90 minutes for each person getting their hair and makeup done, with the bride often requiring even longer – up to three hours. For large bridal parties, an early start may be necessary, but this can lead to issues with the hair and makeup not looking fresh for the ceremony, especially if it is in the evening. Starting hair and makeup too early can also be impractical and tiring for those involved. So, how many hours before the wedding should makeup be done? Well, it depends on the number of people, the time of the ceremony, and the number of stylists available.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for hair and makeup | 45 minutes to 1 hour for hair and the same for makeup |
| Number of people | 13 people including the bride |
| Start time | 7 am |
| Wedding start time | 5 pm |
| Time taken for hair and makeup for a large group | 5 hours |
| Time to be ready before the ceremony | 1.5 to 6 hours |
| Time for final touches | 1 hour |
| Time for photographs | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
| Time for travel to the venue | 30 minutes |
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What You'll Learn

The number of people getting their makeup done matters
The number of people getting their makeup done is a crucial factor in determining the timing of the wedding day makeup routine. A general rule of thumb is to allocate 90 minutes for each person, including the bride, for hair and makeup combined. This means that for a party of 5, 5 hours should be set aside.
For instance, if the wedding is at 5 pm, and there are 5 people getting their hair and makeup done, it is recommended to start the preparations at around 10 am. This allows for a comfortable pace and accounts for any potential delays or touch-ups.
However, some sources suggest that starting makeup too early can be detrimental to the final look. Makeup may not last for an entire day, especially if it is applied more than 10 hours before the ceremony. In such cases, it is advised to hire more stylists or consider alternative options, such as visiting a salon with multiple stylists.
The bride's preference for when she wants to be ready is also essential. Some brides may prefer to be ready earlier to allow for photographs and last-minute touches. Others may opt to be styled later to ensure their hair and makeup look fresh for the ceremony.
Additionally, the number of people getting ready can impact the timing. If there are multiple individuals requiring hair and makeup services, it may be necessary to start earlier or consider having additional stylists to expedite the process.
In conclusion, when planning the wedding day timeline, it is crucial to consider the number of people getting their makeup done and allocate sufficient time accordingly. This ensures that everyone's hair and makeup look their best and that the day runs smoothly and stress-free.
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Start time depends on wedding time
The start time for hair and makeup on a wedding day depends on various factors, including the wedding time, the number of people getting ready, and travel time to the venue.
If the wedding is in the late morning, an early start time of 7 am for hair and makeup may be feasible, especially with a large group. However, for a wedding starting at noon or later, starting hair and makeup at 7 am is not advisable, as it could result in the hair and makeup looking less than ideal by the time of the ceremony.
A good rule of thumb is to budget about 90 minutes for each person's hair and makeup, with the bride requiring up to three hours. For a 5 pm wedding, starting hair and makeup at 10 am is a reasonable option, allowing ample time for photos and last-minute touches.
It is also important to involve the hair and makeup artists in the scheduling. They can advise on how long they need based on the number of people and the desired looks. Additionally, the photographer's timeline should be considered, as they may want to capture the "getting ready" process and ensure they are ready to capture the bridal party's entrance.
To ensure the hair and makeup stay fresh throughout the day, some recommend doing lip colour touch-ups just before the ceremony. Ultimately, the start time for hair and makeup should allow for a relaxed and stress-free preparation, with enough buffer for any unexpected delays.
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Photographer and HMUA should help with scheduling
When it comes to wedding planning, creating a schedule for hair and makeup is crucial. The photographer and HMUA (hair and makeup artist) play key roles in this process, providing valuable insights and ensuring the day runs smoothly. Here are some reasons why their involvement in scheduling is essential:
Expertise in Timing Requirements
The HMUA can advise on the time needed for hair and makeup services. They will consider factors such as the number of people in the bridal party, the complexity of the styles requested, and any travel time involved. For instance, a large group of 12 or more may require multiple stylists to stay on schedule, as seen in some real-world examples. Starting extremely early, like 7 am for a 5 pm wedding, is generally discouraged as it may impact the quality of hair and makeup by the ceremony.
Photographer's Input on Preparation Photos
The photographer's presence is essential for capturing the bridal preparation photos. They can guide the timing of specific moments, such as photographing the bride during the "finishing touches" of her hair and makeup. This ensures the bride feels comfortable and loves how she looks in these photos. Additionally, the photographer needs time to capture these moments and then depart before the bride and bridal party leave for the ceremony, so they don't miss capturing the entrance.
Efficient Use of Time
Involving the HMUA and photographer in scheduling helps optimize time management. For example, the HMUA can advise on timing lip color application just before the bride leaves, so she can eat and drink freely beforehand. Similarly, the photographer can suggest the ideal time for the bride's hair and makeup to be done, ensuring she isn't sitting idle with her full hair and makeup all morning. This coordination prevents delays and ensures everyone is ready for the ceremony on time.
Flexibility and Customization
The photographer and HMUA can provide a customizable timeline based on the couple's unique needs. For instance, if the bride wants her hair and makeup process photographed, the photographer can work with the HMUA to determine the best time to capture these moments. This flexibility ensures the couple's vision is realized while also accommodating the practical aspects of the day.
In conclusion, the photographer and HMUA are integral to scheduling hair and makeup for a wedding. Their expertise, efficiency, and attention to detail help create a stress-free environment for the couple and ensure that everyone looks and feels their best throughout the celebration.
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Lip colour should be done last
On your wedding day, you want to look and feel your best. While there are many opinions on how many hours before the wedding your makeup should be done, it is generally agreed that lip colour should be applied last.
There are several reasons why lip colour should be the final step in your makeup routine. Firstly, it prevents smudging and transfer onto other areas of your face or body. Applying lipstick can be a delicate process, and it is easy to accidentally smudge it outside your lip line or onto your skin. By applying it last, you reduce the risk of smudging and ensure a neat and precise application.
Secondly, applying lip colour at the end allows for touch-ups and adjustments to be made easily. Lipstick can fade or wear off throughout the day due to eating, drinking, or even kissing your new spouse! By leaving it until the last few minutes, you can quickly touch it up before walking down the aisle, ensuring that your lip colour looks fresh and vibrant.
Additionally, applying lip colour last provides a sense of finality and completion to your look. As lips are a focal point of the face, adding colour to them can be a powerful finishing touch. It allows you to enhance your natural beauty and tie your entire makeup look together.
Furthermore, applying lip colour last can be a practical consideration. If you plan to eat or drink before the ceremony, doing your lips at the end ensures that you don't have to worry about accidentally smearing or wiping off your lip colour. You can enjoy your refreshments without worrying about ruining your lipstick.
Lastly, applying lip colour last adds a sense of ritual and excitement to your wedding day preparations. It can be a special moment, a final step before you head down the aisle, and a symbolic gesture of completion.
In conclusion, while there may be differing opinions on the timing of your wedding day makeup, reserving lip colour application for last holds numerous benefits. From ensuring a neat and long-lasting application to providing a sense of ritual and finality, it is a strategic choice that can enhance your overall wedding day experience.
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Getting ready photos are important
The time it takes to get hair and makeup done for a wedding will depend on the number of people in the bridal party and the number of stylists available. The general rule of thumb is to budget about 90 minutes per person for hair and makeup (30 to 45 minutes for each service), with the bride requiring two to three hours. For example, if there are 13 people in the bridal party, you may need to start as early as 7 am, but if there are only 5 or 6 people, you can start at 9 or 10 am.
It's important to consider the time needed for getting ready photos, which are an essential part of the wedding album. These photos capture the excitement and anticipation of the bride and her bridesmaids as they prepare for the big day. They also provide a behind-the-scenes look at all the effort that goes into creating the perfect bridal look.
To ensure you have enough time for these photos, it's recommended to be fully dressed and ready at least six hours before the ceremony. This allows for last-minute touch-ups and ensures the photographer has enough time to capture the finishing touches. For example, lipstick application, a quick brush of highlighter, or the pinning of a hairpiece. These photos will be more flattering and comfortable for the bride if taken towards the end of the hair and makeup appointment rather than at the beginning.
Additionally, the photographer will need time to take bridal prep photos and leave before the bride and bridal party depart for the ceremony. This ensures they are ready to capture the entrance and the big moments that follow.
When creating a timeline for the wedding day, it's essential to involve the hair and makeup artists, as well as the photographer, to ensure everyone is on the same page and that there is enough time for everything, including those all-important getting-ready photos.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you be fully dressed and ready at least six hours before the ceremony. This includes completing beauty services and putting on your attire. So, work backward to determine when you should start your hair and makeup.
The rule of thumb is to budget about 90 minutes total for each person having their hair and makeup done (at least 30 to 45 minutes for each service). As the VIP, you can expect your hair, makeup, or other grooming to take even longer (plan for two to three hours total).
There is a common belief in the wedding industry that the bride should ALWAYS have her hair and makeup done last. This is so that her hair and makeup will be fresh as she walks down the aisle and will last throughout the day. However, some photographers recommend having the bride's styling done during the middle of the hair and makeup time block. This is because the bride will probably not love the photos as much or feel as comfortable in front of the camera if the photographer begins by capturing her at the very start of her appointment.
If you have five people booked for makeup on the wedding day, five hours should be allocated to accommodate this process. You will also need to factor in a setup time for the makeup artist, which can be up to 30 minutes before the actual start time of the makeup application.
For a 5 pm wedding, it is not recommended to start hair and makeup at 7 am. This means someone will be up 11-12 hours before the wedding even starts, and the hair and makeup will not look fresh by the time of the ceremony. A more reasonable start time would be around 10 am or 1 pm.











































