Planning Your Wedding Hair: A Destination Guide

Planning your hair for a destination wedding can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation, it can be a breeze. It's important to give your guests advance notice of your plans, so they can plan their travel, and you can plan your hair and makeup. You should also consider whether to use the spa and salon staff at your venue, or to fly in your own hair and makeup artists. A trial run is essential to test out your dream hairdo, and it's a good idea to bring inspirational photos and visual references to describe the look you want. On the day, remember to wear clothing that can be easily removed without smudging your makeup.

Book a hair and makeup artist

When it comes to booking a hair and makeup artist for your destination wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, if your venue is a hotel, it is recommended to use the spa and salon staff as they will be more exposed to the wedding coordinators and can ensure a smooth wedding day. If not, do your research in advance to establish what services are available and which you may need to fly in. Wedding planners usually have referrals for hair and makeup, but if you're looking for local recommendations, consult the concierge at your venue.

When booking a hair and makeup artist, it is important to schedule a trial run before the event to test and make any adjustments. Bring inspirational photos and visual references to describe the look you want, including photos from your makeup artist's Instagram account. Communicate your preferences and concerns, and never hesitate to provide feedback.

For your wedding hair trial, go with your hair washed and dried or with second-day hair, which stylists love to work with. This way, the stylist can focus on creating your dream hairdo. Look for inspiration photos of models or real brides with similar hair texture and colour to yours to get a better idea of how a style will look on the day.

Lastly, don't forget to wear clothing that can be easily removed without smudging your makeup. Consider the lighting in the makeup area, allow enough time for makeup applications (taking into account hair styling and getting dressed), and have a touch-up kit on hand for any necessary fixes. Remember to give your guests as much advance notice as possible so they can plan their travel and vacation time!

Bring inspirational photos

When planning your hair for a destination wedding, it's important to bring inspirational photos and visual references to your hair and makeup trials. This will help you communicate the look you want to achieve and ensure that you're happy with the final result. Stylist Sasha Schwartz suggests looking for realistic inspiration photos of models or real brides with similar hair texture and colour to yours. This way, you can get a better idea of how a particular style will look on your wedding day.

It's also a good idea to bring photos from your makeup artist's Instagram account. After all, you booked them for a reason, so their Instagram is likely to be full of inspiration for your wedding hair and makeup. When looking for inspiration, consider the lighting at your venue and the time of day you'll be getting married. This will help you choose a hair and makeup look that will photograph well and complement the overall aesthetic of your wedding.

In addition to bringing inspirational photos, it's crucial to schedule a trial run before your wedding day. This will allow you to test out the hair and makeup looks you're considering and make any necessary adjustments. It's also a great opportunity to communicate your preferences and concerns to your hair and makeup artists. Remember to go to your wedding hair trial with your hair washed and dried or with second-day hair, as this is something stylists love to work with.

When planning a destination wedding, it's also important to give your guests plenty of advance notice. Send out save-the-dates or a link to your personal wedding website at least 5-6 months before the wedding, so your guests can plan their travel and vacation time. Formal invitations can be sent out 2-3 months in advance. By giving your guests enough notice, you can ensure that they have time to plan their own hair and makeup looks, too!

Schedule a trial run

When planning your hair for a destination wedding, it's important to schedule a trial run. This will allow you to test out your desired hairstyle and make any necessary adjustments. It's recommended to go to your trial with your hair washed and dried or with second-day hair, as this is something stylists prefer to work with. This way, they can focus on creating your dream hairstyle instead of blow-drying your locks.

During your trial, bring inspirational photos and visual references that represent the look you want to achieve. It's also a good idea to bring photos from your makeup artist's Instagram account, as you've chosen them for a reason and their previous work can provide valuable insight into the styles they excel at. If you're wearing any accessories on your wedding day, be sure to bring those along too so that you can get a complete picture of your desired look.

When scheduling your trial, consider the lighting conditions at your wedding venue and try to replicate them as closely as possible during the trial. This will help you see how your hairstyle will look on the big day. Additionally, allow plenty of time for the trial, taking into account hair styling and any other preparations you'll be doing.

If you're staying at a hotel for your destination wedding, it's recommended to use the spa and salon staff for your hair and makeup. They are often more exposed to the wedding coordinators and can ensure a smooth wedding day. However, if you prefer to bring in outside vendors, be sure to do your research and establish in advance what services are available locally and which professionals you may need to fly in.

Wear clothing that can be easily removed

When planning your hair for a destination wedding, it is important to wear clothing that can be easily removed. This is to ensure that your makeup stays intact and doesn't get smudged. It is also important to consider the lighting in the makeup area and to allow enough time for hair styling and getting dressed.

To ensure your hair and makeup are perfect for your destination wedding, it is recommended to schedule a trial run before the event to test and make any adjustments. This is also a good opportunity to communicate your preferences and concerns to your stylist. Bring inspirational photos and visual references to describe the look you want, including photos from your makeup artist's Instagram account.

When it comes to the wedding day itself, wear clothing that can be easily removed to avoid smudging your makeup. This will ensure that your hair and makeup look flawless when you finally walk down the aisle.

Additionally, remember to go to your wedding hair trial with your hair washed and dried or with second-day hair, as this is something stylists prefer to work with. This way, the stylist can focus on creating the hairdo of your dreams instead of blow-drying your locks.

Give guests advance notice

When planning a destination wedding, it is important to give your guests advance notice. This means sending out save-the-dates or a link to your personal wedding website at least five to six months before the wedding. This will give your guests plenty of time to plan their travel and vacation time. Formal invitations should be sent out two to three months before the wedding.

It is also a good idea to provide your guests with information about the wedding location and any activities or events that will be taking place. This will help them plan their travel and make the most of their time at the destination. You could include this information on your wedding website or in a separate email or letter.

If you are having a destination wedding, it is likely that some of your guests will need to travel a long distance to attend. Giving them advance notice will allow them to make the necessary travel arrangements and request time off work. It will also give them time to save money for the trip if needed.

Advance notice is also important for your guests' accommodation arrangements. If you have blocked off rooms at a hotel or are providing other accommodation options, your guests will need to know this information in advance so they can make their reservations.

Frequently asked questions