How to Plan Your Wedding Morning Hair and Makeup Schedule
Tips from a bridal hair and makeup artist who does this every weekend
Planning your wedding morning timeline can feel like one of those last-minute details no one warns you about, but it actually plays a huge role in how calm and enjoyable your day feels. As a bridal hair and makeup artist, I’ve helped hundreds of brides create a smooth, stress-free start to their day by mapping out a realistic and beautifully timed getting-ready schedule.
Here’s exactly how I recommend planning your wedding morning, with time built in for touch-ups, photos, and a little breathing room.
How Long Does Wedding Hair and Makeup Take?
Every artist is different, but here’s how I structure things:
Bride’s hair – 60 minutes
Bride’s makeup – 60 minutes
Guest hair or makeup – 45 minutes per service
Setup time – 15 minutes before starting
Touch-up buffer – 15-30 minutes at the end
So, for example, if you’re having hair and makeup for yourself and 3 guests, that looks like:
15 mins setup
6 x 45 mins for guests
2 x 60 mins for the bride
30 mins buffer
= Total: around 6.5 hours from first brush to final touch-up
What Time Should You Be Ready By?
I always recommend being completely ready at least 1 hour before you need to leave or start photos. If you’re having a first look, you may want to be ready even earlier.
This gives time to:
Get dressed without rushing
Take bridal portraits or family photos
Handle any unexpected delays calmly
Do final touch-ups and lipstick checks
If you're getting ready off-site and need to travel to your ceremony, be sure to include that time in your plan.
Realistic Start Times (Examples)
Final Thoughts
You deserve a wedding morning that feels calm, relaxed, and special. Your hair and makeup help set the tone for the entire day, so planning it well is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
If you're still looking for a bridal hair and makeup artist who can bring a calm presence and long-lasting soft glam, I’d love to hear from you.
