Wedding Day Hair+Makeup Timing

The timing of wedding day hair + makeup is often something that can make or break a wedding day timeline {not to mention completely stress a bride out if it isn't running on schedule}... We have listed some tips on how to schedule hair + makeup on wedding day so that everything runs {as much as possible} according to plan. By including enough time for beauty prep on wedding day, you will ensure that everyone arrives at the ceremony venue relaxed and with time to spare...

How Much Time To Allot For:
{allow for more time for longer, thicker hair} 
Bride's makeup: 60 minutes
Bride's hair: 60 minutes
Bridesmaids' makeup: 45 minutes per person
Bridesmaids' hair: 45 minutes per person

Timing Tips: 
• When the hairstylist arrives, have her start on the first bridesmaid, while the makeup artist begins on the second bridesmaid. Then they can switch places.
• Book the photographer to arrive at least one hour before the bride is ready to go. That way, he or she will be able to shoot those "finishing touches" shots, like the bride applying lip gloss or having a flower pinned to her hair. This also gives your photographer plenty of time to capture those oh-so-important detail shots — your gown on a hanger, shoes, jewelry, purse, etc. — in addition to the hustle and bustle of the room.
• If you have yourself plus four bridesmaids all getting your hair and makeup done, allot at least five hours of getting-ready time. That may seem like a lot, but trust us, it's just enough!
• If you have more than yourself plus four bridesmaids getting your hair + make-up done, ask your stylist/makeup artist to bring an assistant to cut down on time.
• If you're traveling to a salon, double the travel time you anticipate — better to have too much time than not enough.
• Make sure you include time for breakfast and lunch to be provided while getting ready.  

Sample Getting-Ready Timeline:
{Based on 4:00pm ceremony start time with hair + makeup for the bride + four bridesmaids}
9:00am 
Breakfast served
Bridesmaid 1 makeup
Bridesmaid 2 hair
9:45am
Bridesmaid 2 makeup
Bridesmaid 1 hair
10:30am
Bridesmaid 3 makeup
Bridesmaid 4 hair
11:15pm
Bridesmaid 4 makeup
Bridesmaid 3 hair
12:00pm
Lunch served
Bride makeup
12:30pm
Photographer arrives to take "getting ready" + "details" photos
1:00pm
Bride hair                                                                                             
2:00pm
All hair + makeup complete
Bride + Bridesmaids get dressed + ready for photos
2:15pm
First Look of Bride + Groom {if desired} 
2:30pm
Bridal Party photos begin
3:30pm
All Pre-Ceremony photos done
Guests begin to arrive {sometimes even one hour before ceremony!}
4:00pm
Ceremony begins

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Photos of ATP bride Kimberly via Kristina Ross Photography.  

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Check back tomorrow for more tips on wedding day timelines!