
When it comes to wedding day preparations, one of the most frequently asked questions is whether hair and makeup should be done before or after putting on the wedding dress. While there is no definitive answer, several factors come into play, such as the type of dress and the desired bridal look. Many artists recommend doing makeup before hair to achieve a well-blended foundation and a seamless finish. This approach also allows for more efficient use of time, as having hair and makeup done simultaneously can be stressful for the bride and often takes longer. However, some stylists suggest doing hair first to prevent sweat or heat from styling tools from affecting the makeup. Ultimately, the decision depends on personal preference and the logistics of the wedding day timeline.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Order of hair, makeup, and dress | Makeup before hair is the best approach to avoid messing up the hairstylist's work. |
| It is recommended to do hair and makeup before putting on the dress to avoid getting makeup on the dress. | |
| The bride should be ready four to five hours before the ceremony. | |
| Bridal hair and makeup can take two to three hours. | |
| It is recommended to do a heavier makeup look when trying on wedding dresses to get a better sense of how the final look will be. |
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What You'll Learn

Makeup first to avoid messing up the wedding dress
While there is no "right" answer to the question of whether makeup or the wedding dress should be done first, many artists and brides agree that makeup should be applied before the dress to avoid messing up the dress.
Doing your makeup first ensures that your makeup artist can blend your foundation into your hairline and jaw area without worrying about ruining the hairstylist's work. It also allows them to tailor your bridal look for a flawless finish. Additionally, if you do your makeup first, you can avoid getting makeup on the inside of your dress, especially if it needs to be pulled over your head.
To avoid getting makeup on your dress, some brides recommend using a towel or a thin sheet to cover your head and face while putting on the dress. Others suggest putting on the dress first and then doing your makeup, but this may not be practical, especially if you're having your hair and makeup done off-site.
It's important to consider the logistics of your wedding dress and whether you'll be stepping into it or pulling it over your head. If you have a dress that needs to be pulled over your head, carefully plan how you'll navigate the dress around your hair and face to avoid smudging your makeup.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to do makeup or put on the wedding dress first depends on your preference and the advice of your hair and makeup artists. However, doing your makeup first can help prevent any accidental smudges or spills on your wedding dress, ensuring that you look and feel your best on your special day.
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Hair first to avoid sweating on makeup
While there is no definitive answer to whether hair or makeup should be done first when getting ready for a wedding, doing hair first is a good option if you want to avoid sweating on your makeup.
When getting your hair styled for a wedding, your stylist will likely use heated tools and hair sprays that can affect your makeup. Doing your hair first means you won't have to worry about sweating from a blow dry or hot tools ruining your makeup. It also gives your makeup artist the chance to blend your foundation better close to your hairline and jaw area, creating a flawless finish.
Doing your hair first can also help keep your makeup fresh and intact for the ceremony. This approach makes logistical sense and can save time, as you won't have to worry about your hair interfering with your makeup application.
However, some makeup artists prefer to do makeup first so they can blend it into the hairline without worrying about messing up the hairstylist's work. Doing makeup first also allows you to put on your dress without ruining your makeup, as some dresses need to be pulled over the head.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to do hair or makeup first depends on various factors, including the complexity of the desired look, the number of bridesmaids, and the time available. It's important to consult with your hair and makeup artists to create a timeline that works best for you and ensures a stress-free wedding day. Washing and blow-drying your hair the day before the wedding can also help streamline the process.
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Makeup takes 30 mins to 1 hour
The length of time it takes to apply makeup on a wedding day depends on the desired bridal look. A simple makeup look can be achieved in 30 minutes, while a more intricate look can take over an hour. It is recommended that brides give their makeup artist an extra 15-minute buffer in their schedule to allow for any changes or touch-ups after putting on their dress.
Some brides prefer to do their hair before their makeup to avoid smudging their makeup when putting on their dress. However, doing makeup before hair is often preferred by makeup artists as it allows them to blend the makeup into the hairline and jaw area without worrying about messing up the hairstylist's work.
To ensure a smooth and stress-free wedding day, it is essential to plan and create a timeline for hair and makeup services. The number of people in the bridal party, the length and thickness of their hair, and the complexity of the desired makeup look will all impact the timing. It is common to have both a hairstylist and a makeup artist working simultaneously to save time.
Bridesmaids' makeup typically takes around 30 minutes to one hour, while bridal makeup can take two to three hours. The bride should aim to be ready four to five hours before the ceremony to account for any unexpected delays. A trial run for hair and makeup is also recommended to save time on the wedding day and ensure the desired look is achieved.
Overall, allocating ample time for hair and makeup services is crucial to ensure the bride and bridal party look and feel their best on the big day. By working with experienced hair and makeup artists and creating a detailed timeline, the process can be enjoyable and stress-free.
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Hair takes 45 mins to 1 hour
There are many factors that can influence how long it takes to get ready on your wedding day, including the number of bridesmaids, the requested hairstyle, and whether there will be a first look. Generally, bridal hair can take anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour, depending on the style and length of hair. For example, a loose bun may only take 15 to 20 minutes, while a dramatic updo or a longer style with curls could take an hour or more.
If you have long hair, your hairstylist may need 45 minutes to an hour just to curl it, plus another 15 to 30 minutes to finish styling it. It's also important to account for the time it takes to put on any hairpieces or your veil, which your hairstylist can help you with after you've put on your dress.
To ensure a smooth and stress-free process, it's recommended that the bride and bridal party start getting ready four to five hours before the ceremony. This allows for any unexpected delays and provides time for photographs and pre-ceremony rituals. It's also a good idea to build some cushion time into your timeline to account for things like eating lunch or touching up your makeup.
While there is no definitive answer, many artists recommend doing your makeup after your hair. This allows the makeup artist to blend the makeup into the hairline and jaw area without worrying about messing up the hairstyle. Doing hair and makeup separately is also less stressful for the bride and usually results in a faster process, as the artists are not waiting on each other to finish.
To avoid smudging your makeup when putting on your dress, you can ask your bridesmaids for help or use a protector mask that zips over your head.
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Get ready 4-5 hours before the ceremony
It is important to plan your wedding-day schedule to ensure everything runs smoothly and you can enjoy your day without stress. A good rule of thumb is to be ready 4-5 hours before the ceremony. This will give you ample time for hair, makeup, photos, and any unexpected delays.
4-5 Hours Before the Ceremony
Start getting ready with your bridal party. If you are going to a salon, add an extra 2 hours to your trip, and double the anticipated travel time. If you are getting ready in the same location as your bridal party and immediate family, ensure there is enough space for everyone and assign each person a spot to hang their outfit.
3-4 Hours Before the Ceremony
The bride should now be in the makeup chair. Depending on your desired bridal look, makeup can take 30 minutes to over an hour. If you are wearing airbrush makeup and/or false lashes, this will take longer than a natural makeup application.
2-3 Hours Before the Ceremony
It is time for your hair to be styled. If you have long hair, your hairstylist may need 45 minutes to curl your hair, and another 15-30 minutes to finish styling it. Don't forget to account for the time to put on any hairpieces or your veil.
1 Hour Before the Ceremony
You should now be fully dressed, with your hair and makeup done. This will give you time for any final touches and photos. It is also recommended to have your photographer arrive at this time to capture these moments.
Final Thoughts
Remember, this timeline is just a guide, and you should not stress if you are running a little early or behind. It is a good idea to give each stylist a 15-minute buffer in your schedule for any touch-ups or changes. Communicate your timeline to your wedding party and stick to it as much as possible to ensure the day runs smoothly. Most importantly, take time to enjoy the process and the special moments with your bridal party!
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Frequently asked questions
There is no "right" answer to this common question. However, many artists agree that doing your makeup before putting on your wedding dress is the best approach. This way, the makeup artist can blend the makeup into your hairline and jaw area without worrying about messing up your hairstyle.
Bridal hair and makeup can take anywhere from two to three hours. It is recommended that the bride be ready four to five hours before the ceremony.
Doing your makeup before putting on your dress reduces the risk of getting makeup on your dress. It also allows your makeup artist to blend your foundation better near your hairline for a flawless finish.
Doing your makeup after putting on your wedding dress ensures that your hairstyle and makeup are not affected by the process of putting on the dress, especially if it needs to be pulled over your head.
If your dress needs to be pulled over your head, you can use a towel, sheet, or an old shirt to cover your face and protect your makeup. You can also purchase a protector mask from Amazon that zips over your head.











































