How to Plan Your Wedding Day Makeup Like a Pro
Planning your wedding is exciting, but when it comes to the schedule for the big day, a lot of brides don’t know exactly how things should flow—especially when it comes to their makeup. When should you get ready? How long does it take? And how do you make sure everyone looks flawless without feeling rushed? Let’s break it down so your wedding morning is calm, smooth, and enjoyable.
1. Timing is Everything
One of the most common questions I get from brides is: “When should we be ready?” The short answer? You need to finish your makeup at least an hour and a half before your ceremony. This gives you breathing room to get dressed, take photos, and enjoy a moment to yourself before the whirlwind begins.
Your photographer plays a huge role in setting your timeline. Are you doing a first look? Are family photos happening before the ceremony? Will they capture getting-ready moments? All of this affects your schedule. I always recommend chatting with your photographer first—they’ll help you determine exactly when makeup needs to be done.
2. How Long Does Makeup Take?
Here’s a general breakdown:
Bridesmaids & bridal party: About 45 minutes per person.
Bride: A solid hour to ensure perfection.
Touch-ups: I always schedule 15-30 minutes at the end to freshen up everyone before heading out.
And let me tell you, that last part is key. The first ones who got their makeup done? They’ve probably had coffee, a mimosa, or a snack by now. Everyone deserves to look fresh for the photos, not just the last few who sat in the chair!
3. The Bride Should NEVER Go Last
This might surprise some people, but I never do the bride’s makeup last. Instead, I always do her second to last. Why? Because when the bride is getting her makeup done, that should be a moment of relaxation. But if she’s the very last one in the chair, it becomes chaotic. People are asking a million questions: “Where’s the bouquet?” “Should I start getting dressed?” “Do we have the rings?” It’s just too much. By doing her makeup second to last, she gets to enjoy her moment in peace, and then she’s available for any last-minute details.
4. The Importance of a Makeup Trial
A trial isn’t just about testing out the look—it’s a must for so many reasons:
You get to see how the makeup wears throughout the day.
You can check how it looks in different lighting and in photos.
You get to experience how it feels with a full outfit, styled hair, and everything put together.
We can make any tweaks in advance so that on your wedding day, we nail the look effortlessly.
And let’s talk about longevity. My makeup lasts all day and night—but you won’t truly know that until you wear it for a full day. That’s why I always recommend booking your trial on a day when you have an event or a night out planned.
5. Prepping Your Skin for the Best Results
Makeup can only do so much. If you want that flawless, radiant look, skincare is everything. In the months leading up to your wedding, focus on:
Hydration—Drink water and use a good moisturizer.
Exfoliation—Keep your skin smooth so makeup applies evenly.
Eye Cream—Yes, it makes a difference. Use it!
No Last-Minute Changes—Avoid facials or trying new skincare products within two weeks of your wedding. The last thing you want is a surprise breakout!
6. The Perfect Setup for Your Makeup Artist
You’d be surprised how often I arrive at a wedding prep location, and there’s nowhere for me to set up. Brides—this is crucial! Make sure you have:
A well-lit space (preferably with natural light, though I bring my own light too).
A sturdy table with enough room for all my products.
No need to worry about a chair—I bring my own to ensure the right height for makeup application.
These little details make a huge difference in making everything run smoothly.
7. Hair & Makeup Can Happen at the Same Time
Yes, hair and makeup can be done simultaneously! The key is making sure the hairstylist and I don’t need the same person at the same time. A well-planned schedule keeps everything flowing efficiently so that everyone is ready on time.
8. Your Touch-Up Kit
Once makeup is done, I provide a touch-up kit for every bride and bridal party member. The main thing you’ll need to refresh? Lips. Everything else should stay in place beautifully, but having a touch-up kit on hand ensures you stay picture-perfect all night.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life, and your morning should be a stress-free, enjoyable experience. With the right planning, a solid schedule, and a bit of preparation, your makeup session will be a moment of calm in the midst of all the excitement.
If you’re a bride-to-be and still need to book your wedding makeup, let’s chat! I’d love to help you create the perfect look for your big day. 💕