The bride will of course want to look her best and feel wonderful on her big day. Timing is the key to an enjoyable and relaxing wedding morning, and I am well aware of the time required for a bridal party’s hair and make-up, particularly the bride’s.
Things like the arrival of flowers, friends wanting to say hello, phone calls and text messages, last minute nerves, cheeky glasses of champagne and bridal prep photographs all come in to play with the timings. From past experience most brides and wedding party guests underestimate the time required for hair and make-up preparations.
How Long Should the Bridal Party’s Hair and Make-Up Take?
If you decide to do your own hair and make-up on your wedding day be aware of things that may delay you, and allow plenty of time for interruptions. I usually allow two hours for the bride’s hair and make-up, an hour and a half for mothers and bridesmaids, and then around one hour for flower girls. Specific timings will all depend on the hairstyles and make-up required, but this will be determined upon completion of a trial. I also fill in a face chart at the trial so I know exactly what products I used. This means there is no time wasting on the day searching for shades and tones to suit the bride.
I always allow too much time, so my arrival time may come as shock to you! However, when I have a larger bridal party I work out a timing plan and also bring an assistant with me if required.
Bridal Preparations Order
I usually find that bride and groom’s mothers prefer to go first, as this gives them time to go and do the things they need to do. I then like to prep most of the bridesmaids.
As the bride is the most important lady of the day I like to have her ready in plenty of time. This gives her time to take a deep breath, spray her perfume, put on her jewellery, get into her dress and think a little about the wonderful relationship she is about to enter with the person she loves. Finally, after the bride I then complete any touch-ups, if required.
Guest post by Claire Salter
Images from Phil Drinkwater
