Planning a wedding can feel like juggling a million things at once, with each decision adding a new layer to your big day. Amongst the dress shopping, venue hunting, and guest list wrangling, booking your wedding hair and makeup artist is a crucial step in creating the look you’ve always dreamed of. After all, the photos from the day will be cherished for years to come, so how you look and feel in those photos is important! But when should you book this essential service? Let’s dive into the ideal timeline to secure your bridal beauty team, ensuring a stress-free and flawless experience.

The ideal booking timeline

In an ideal world, you should aim to book your hair and makeup artist 9-12 months before your wedding day. If that feels too early, at least 6 months in advance is the minimum recommended timeframe. Remember, this will vary depending on when you’re getting married and how in-demand your hair and makeup artist is.

Why so far ahead? Popular wedding dates, particularly weekends during peak months like May to September, book up fast. The earlier you secure your spot, the more likely you’ll be able to work with your preferred artist. If you’re planning a weekday wedding or getting married during the quieter months such as January or February, you might have a little more flexibility, but it’s always better to book sooner rather than later.

The importance of booking early

Booking early has several benefits:

Peace of mind

By securing your hair and makeup artist early, you’ll tick a major task off your to-do list and avoid the stress of last-minute searches or disappointment if your dream artist is already booked.

More flexibility

Once you’ve secured your hair and makeup artist, you’ll be able to arrange your bridal preview (trial-run) at a time that works best for you, and have more options available to you. This is a crucial step where you and your artist work together to perfect your wedding day look. Booking your wedding hair and makeup in advance ensures you’re not rushing to squeeze your bridal preview in too close to your wedding date.

More choice

Depending on how sought-after your preferred artist is, you may need to secure them early. If they are very in-demand, and your getting married on a peak date, it is better to reach out to them as early as possible! The close to the wedding date that you leave it, the less choice you’ll have when it comes to hair and makeup artists.

Peak dates go fast

Saturday weddings in summer are the most sought-after, so these dates tend to fill up quickly. Booking a year in advance gives you the best chance of securing your top choice for your big day.

Breaking down the timeline

Here’s a step-by-step guide to planning your wedding beauty journey:

12+ months before the wedding

• Start researching makeup artists and hairstylists.

• Save images of hair and makeup styles you love for reference.

• Reach out to artists whose work aligns with your vision to check their availability and request quotes.

9-12 months before the day

• Book your hair and makeup artist and secure your date with a deposit.

• Start thinking about your overall bridal look, including your wedding outfit, accessories, and veil, as this will influence your hair and makeup choice.

6-9 months before the day

• Confirm your bridal preview appointment. This is your chance to experiment with styles and refine your final look. I recommend scheduling your preview for around 3-4 months before your wedding date.

• Share details with your artist ahead of your preview appointment, such as your wedding colour scheme, dress style, any accessories like headpieces or veils, as well as inspiration images of the hair and/or makeup look you are envisioning.

2-4 months before the day

• Finalise the details of your wedding day with your artist, such as the number of hair/makeup services required for the bridal party, as well as the wedding morning schedule.

• Ensure your trial is scheduled no later than two months before the big day, as you’ll need time to make any required adjustments, purchase necessary hair accessories or extensions, book an appointment for a trim and/or colour, and your artist will need to finalise your schedule for the day.

6-8 weeks before the day

• Most artists will request the final payment for your booking around this time, so ensure all the final details are confirmed.

• Confirm your wedding morning timeline with your artist, ensuring there’s enough time to get everyone ready without rushing. Circulate the timings to your bridal party and any relevant people such as your photographer and wedding coordinator

The wedding week

• Keep your skin hydrated and get plenty of rest.

• Drinks LOTS of water!

• Double-check the morning schedule with your artist and your bridal party.

• Make sure you have all that you need for the wedding morning, including your shoes, underwear, accessories, perfume, and any other items you will need. Making a list will help!

• Relax and enjoy the day knowing you’re in great hands.

Why the bridal preview is essential

The bridal preview is a critical part of the process and something to prioritise. It’s more than just a trial, it’s a collaboration between you and your artist to create a look that makes you feel beautiful and confident on your special day.

Here’s what to expect:

• Testing products: Your artist will assess which products work best for your skin type and ensure everything lasts all day.

• Perfecting the look: You’ll have the chance to try different hairstyles or makeup looks, making adjustments to find what works for you.

• Confidence boost: Knowing exactly how you’ll look on your wedding day removes any last-minute nerves or surprises.

When you can afford to wait

If your wedding is on a weekday, during an off-peak season, you may not need to book quite as early. However, don’t leave it too late as most artists’ diaries fill up far in advance, and you don’t want to miss out.

What to look for in a Hair and Makeup Artist

When researching and booking your artist, consider the following:

• Portfolio: Does their work align with your style?

• Reviews: Look for testimonials and reviews from previous brides.

• Personality: Choose someone you feel comfortable with, after all, they’ll be with you on one of the most important mornings of your life.

• Price: Are their prices in line with your budget? Remember, pricing often directly reflects quality!

• Transparency: Is their pricing, booking process and Terms & Conditions clear, and have they included all of the costs in your quote, such as travel and accommodation?

• Special requirements: Can they accommodate any specific needs, such as working with sensitive skin, allergies, or a particular hair type?

• Services: Ensure they can accommodate your bridal party’s needs if required.

Final thoughts

Booking your wedding hair and makeup artist well in advance ensures you’ll have one less thing to worry about as your big day approaches. With plenty of time to perfect your look and plan your schedule, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the process.

If you’re ready to book or have questions about my bridal hair and makeup services, feel free to get in touch. I’d love to help make your wedding day as beautiful and stress-free as possible!

Ready to start planning your wedding morning? Get in touch to enquire about our bridal hair and makeup packages. We’d love to be part of your special day!

Visit our Bridal Services page or contact us to secure your wedding date and start planning your dream look.

alice@lucenthairandmakeup.co.uk | +44 (0)7500848183 | @lucenthairandmakeup