Once you have booked your wedding day hair and makeup services, you will want to plan out a timeline for getting ready on the big day. One of the best ways to have a stress-free wedding day is to allot plenty of time to getting ready so you can arrive at the ceremony relaxed and on-time. The process of getting ready on your wedding day is also a wonderful way to create memories with your bridal party. Here is your guide to getting ready so you can truly enjoy this special time.
How long before the wedding ceremony should you get ready?
The start time for getting ready for your wedding depends partly on how many people are in your wedding party. Plan for each member of the bridal party, except the bride, to take approximately 40 minutes to get their hair done and 40 minutes to get their makeup done. For the bride, hair and makeup will take approximately 60 minutes each.
Who gets ready first?
The bride should be close to last to getting her hair and makeup done so her look is the freshest. At All Dolled Up, we recommend that the bride have her makeup done second to last.
What if I want getting-ready photos?
Book the photographer to arrive at least 1 hour before the bride is ready to go. This way, they will be able to capture those getting-ready shots like the bride getting her hair pinned or applying lipstick. Make sure to communicate to the hair and makeup artists ahead of time that a photographer will be taking getting-ready photos as it may affect your timeline.
Where should I get ready for the wedding?
If you are not doing hair and makeup on-location, then you will need to plan for travel time to the location for the ceremony. Whether you are having your wedding hair and makeup done at a salon, at home, or elsewhere, make sure to plan for traffic and driving time so you arrive on-time for the ceremony.
What else should I have planned for getting ready on my wedding day?
Getting ready for your wedding can be a long process, but it should be fun and relaxing! You'll be surprised how quickly time flies. That said, it can take 4-6 hours to get ready for your wedding. Here are 5 things to have prepared to help the day go smoothly.
#1 – Don't forget to eat & hydrate
It can take several hours to get ready for the ceremony so plan to have water on hand. It's important that everyone stays hydrated and keeps snacks available; or have breakfast or lunch served depending on the time of day. Pro tip: Staying hydrated is also great for your skin and will help with makeup application.
#2 – Keep tissues on hand
Getting ready to walk down the aisle in a room full of your loved ones can be emotional. Keep plenty of tissues on hand and remember that makeup can always be touched-up.
#3 – Have outlets available
As everyone is getting ready in the same space, there are sure to be lots of people wanting to charge their phones so they can check in with loved ones and take photos. Plus, your wedding stylist may need outlets for curling irons or other tools. Check to see how many outlets are in the room where you are getting ready and bring a power strip so everyone can keep their phones charged up through the last song of the night.
#4 – Have a dedicated space
You will want to make sure that you are comfortable wherever you are getting ready. Having a dedicated space away from non-bridal party guests can be helpful. Make sure there is plenty of comfortable seating and that it will accommodate you and the full bridal party plus a photographer and your hair stylist and makeup artist.
#5 – Delegate as much as possible
Getting ready is a luxurious and intimate part of your wedding day and a time of beauty and bonding for you and your loved ones. If you don't have a wedding planner, try to delegate last minute tasks or arrangements to others so you can enjoy the process of getting ready. Have a bridesmaid or party member be in charge of keeping you on-time as well so you can be fully present in the moment.
No matter the time of day you are getting married or the location of your wedding, be sure to plan accordingly for getting ready to make your big day stress-free.
Be sure to work out exact details with your wedding hair and makeup artist as well as your wedding photographer and, if you have one, your wedding planner. When you book your hair and makeup services with All Dolled Up, we will create a getting ready timeline for you so you will know exactly how much time to prepare. Our expert team covers a wide area on the NC and SC coast, including Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, and Wilmington, NC, as well as Charleston and Myrtle Beach, SC. Ready to book your wedding day hair and makeup services? Get started today.