Bridesmaids' Prep Time: How Early Is Too Early?

The morning of a wedding can be a stressful time, especially for bridesmaids, who can often make or break the day running smoothly. To ensure the day goes to plan, it's important to allow plenty of time for hair and makeup.

For bridesmaids, it's recommended to allow 30–45 minutes for hair and the same again for makeup. For the bride, this time should be increased to 60–90 minutes for each. It's also important to consider travel time to the venue and any potential delays.

To ensure the day runs smoothly, it's a good idea to have a clear timeline and stick to it. This will ensure the bridal party is ready in time and the ceremony can begin as scheduled.

Hair and makeup timing

Allow Ample Time

It is essential to allow more time than you think is necessary for the bridal party's hair and makeup. This buffer will help prevent last-minute rushes and ensure a relaxed and enjoyable morning. Remember, if hair and makeup run late, everything else will be delayed.

Services Timing

As a general guideline, allow 30-45 minutes per bridesmaid and 60-90 minutes for the bride for both hair and makeup services. The bride typically requires more time due to potential touch-ups and adjustments.

Order of Services

The order of services can vary. Some stylists prefer to start with the bride, while others suggest starting with the bridesmaids. If you are opting for a hairstyle that requires setting, such as curls, it is recommended to get the process started and then move on to makeup. This way, the hair can set while makeup is being applied.

Number of Stylists

Consider the number of stylists and makeup artists you will need. For larger bridal parties, it is advisable to have multiple stylists and artists to ensure everyone is ready on time. Discuss any additional charges for assistants beforehand.

Preparation Timeline

To determine the ideal time to start hair and makeup, work backward from the time you need to leave for the ceremony. Factor in time for getting dressed, taking photos, travelling to the venue, and any other activities. For example, if you need to leave for the ceremony at 2:00 pm, you may want to start hair and makeup around 9:00 am to allow for a relaxed morning and potential delays.

Location and Travel

If you are getting ready at a salon or a location different from the ceremony venue, be sure to factor in travel time, and consider starting earlier to avoid unexpected delays.

Lunch Break

Don't forget to schedule a lunch break for the bridal party and vendors. This is also a good time for the photographer to arrive and capture some behind-the-scenes moments.

Final Touch-ups

Allow some time before the ceremony for final hair and makeup touch-ups, last-minute preparations, and restroom breaks.

Remember, it is always better to have extra time than to feel rushed. A well-planned timeline will ensure a stress-free and enjoyable morning for the bridal party.

Getting dressed

The time it takes for bridesmaids to get ready will depend on several factors, including the number of bridesmaids, whether hair and makeup artists are coming to them or vice versa, and travel time. It's recommended that bridesmaids start getting ready early in the morning, especially if there are a lot of people in the bridal party. This allows for a relaxed morning and means you won't feel rushed.

For example, if you have a large bridal party and are getting your hair and makeup done professionally, you may want to consider going to a salon. This way, multiple stylists can work on your hair simultaneously. Discuss this option with your stylist beforehand to ensure they can accommodate your group and confirm the timing.

If you're getting ready at the ceremony venue or a separate location, you'll need to factor in travel time. It's better to arrive early and have time to relax than to be rushed or delayed by unexpected traffic.

• Eat breakfast and travel to the getting-ready location.
• Start hair and makeup. This will depend on the number of people and the services required.
• Take a lunch break. This is a good time to refuel and regroup before the ceremony.
• Get dressed. It's recommended to hang up outfits and organise accessories beforehand so that everything is easily accessible.
• Travel to the ceremony venue.
• Final touch-ups and preparations. Ensure everyone is dressed and at the venue an hour before the ceremony.

Remember to enjoy the process and allow for flexibility in your timeline. Unexpected delays may occur, and it's important to stay relaxed and stress-free on your wedding day.

Travel to the ceremony

Bridesmaids should ensure they arrive at the ceremony on time, allowing for potential delays and traffic jams. It is also important to consider the time it will take to get ready before the ceremony, including hair and makeup.

If the bridesmaids are getting ready at the ceremony venue, they should consider themselves lucky as they do not need to worry about travel time. However, if they are getting ready at a different location, they should ensure they give themselves plenty of time to get to the ceremony, especially if the venue is far away. It is always better to arrive early and relax than to be late and cause stress for the bride and other wedding guests.

When planning the travel to the ceremony, it is a good idea to consider the mode of transportation. If the bridesmaids are travelling together, they should ensure the vehicle is comfortable and spacious enough for everyone. They should also take into account the number of stops they will need to make along the way and plan their route accordingly.

In addition to travel time, bridesmaids should also factor in time for any potential delays or unexpected events. It is always better to give themselves a buffer to avoid rushing and causing stress. They should also ensure they have all the necessary items they need for the ceremony and that nothing is left behind during the travel.

To make the travel more enjoyable, bridesmaids can bring along some light snacks and drinks. They can also use this time to bond and take photos, creating lasting memories of the special day.

Getting Ready Before the Ceremony

The time it takes to get ready before the ceremony depends on various factors, including the number of bridesmaids, the complexity of the hair and makeup, and the number of stylists available. It is recommended to budget about 90 minutes for each person getting their hair and makeup done, with at least 30 to 45 minutes for each service. The bride, as the VIP, should plan for two to three hours to get ready.

To ensure the day runs smoothly, it is essential to stick to a timeline and be mindful of the time. If hair and makeup run late, it can cause the entire schedule to fall behind. It is also important to consider the order in which the bridesmaids and the bride get ready, with the bride usually going last so her hair and makeup are fresh for the ceremony.

Bridesmaids should also be mindful of the time it takes to put on their dresses and make any final touches. This process can take around 30 to 45 minutes, so it is crucial to factor this into the timeline.

In conclusion, bridesmaids should allow ample time for travel to the ceremony, considering potential delays and the time it takes to get ready. By planning ahead and sticking to a timeline, they can help ensure the day runs smoothly and enjoy the celebration with the bride and other guests.

First look

The first look is an important part of the wedding day, and there are several things to consider when planning this special moment. Here are some tips and suggestions to ensure that everything goes smoothly:

Timing is Key

It is crucial to start the day early to allow ample time for hair, makeup, and preparations. For a 5 pm ceremony, an 8 am breakfast and arrival at the getting-ready location is recommended. This provides plenty of time for any unexpected delays and ensures a relaxed morning. When scheduling hair and makeup, allow approximately 90 minutes per person, and 2-3 hours for the bride. It is also important to consider travel time to the ceremony venue and plan to arrive at least 6 hours before the start of the ceremony.

Logistics and Planning

To ensure a stress-free morning, consider the following logistics:

• Choose a getting-ready location with good lighting, power access, restrooms, food, and beverages.
• If using a salon, consider travelling to the salon earlier in the day to avoid potential traffic delays.
• Confirm the number of hair and makeup artists required for your group, and discuss any additional costs for assistants.
• Plan a lunch break for you and your wedding party, and use this time to check in with your wedding planner or coordinator.
• Exchange gifts with your wedding party and loved ones after lunch.

The First Look

When planning the first look, allow 30 minutes to an hour for this special moment, including the reveal, group photos, and portraits. It is important to be picture-ready by early afternoon, especially if you are doing a first look before the ceremony. Ensure you have all your accessories and final touches completed before the first look to avoid any last-minute delays.

Final Preparations

In the hour before the ceremony, ensure everyone is dressed and at the venue. Use this time for final hair and makeup touch-ups, and any last-minute preparations. This is also a great time to practice your personal vows or double-check that the wedding rings are ready.

By following these tips and allowing ample time for preparations, you will ensure a relaxed and enjoyable wedding morning, creating lasting memories for you and your bridesmaids.

Photos with family and wedding party

Photos with family and the wedding party are an essential part of capturing the memories of your special day. Here are some tips and guidelines to ensure you have ample time for these precious moments to be captured.

Timing

It is recommended that you allow for 30-45 minutes for family photos and 45 minutes to an hour for wedding party photos. This time allocation will ensure you get a variety of shots, from classic poses to fun and creative images, as well as individual shots with each bridesmaid or groomsman.

Location

The ideal location for these photos is the venue lobby, garden, beach, park, or an off-site location. Natural lighting is important, especially the window lighting in hotel rooms, which creates a unique look. If possible, choose a location with shaded areas and natural light for the first look.

Photographer's Input

Every photographer is different, so it is essential to ask your photographer how much time they need. Some may want two hours, while others may only require 45 minutes. It is also important to have at least 30 minutes for detail shots, such as the rings, dress, shoes, and other important details.

Order of Photos

To ensure the process runs smoothly, carefully consider the order in which photos are taken. It is recommended to have the first look and individual portraits taken right after hair and makeup are completed, as this is when hair and makeup are freshest, and the day is not yet hectic.

Additional Tips

• If you are doing a "first look," this will usually take 5-10 minutes, with the rest of the time spent on basic portraits of the couple.
• If there is no other time in the day, allocate another 45 minutes to an hour for couple portraits to ensure you have enough photos together.
• For immediate family photos, plan for 3 minutes per group on average. For example, if you have 10 groups, schedule a 30-minute time slot.
• If possible, have a list of groups and helpers from each side of the family to round people up efficiently.
• If you are doing formal table shots with guests, these will take about 3-5 minutes per table.

Frequently asked questions