9 to 6 months before
- Shortlist artists whose portfolio matches your skin tone and style
- Confirm they travel to your venue and can cover your party size
- Ask whether a second artist is included for large parties
- Secure the date with a deposit — peak Saturdays go first
3 to 2 months before
- Book the trial close to your wedding season so skin and tan match
- Bring your veil, hair accessories and a photo of the dress neckline
- Photograph the trial result in daylight and in flash
- Start any facials or skin treatments now, not later
2 weeks before
- Send the final headcount and the getting-ready address
- Confirm start time, parking and power access
- Stop trying new skincare products
- Book lash appointments at least 5 days out
Wedding morning schedule
Work backwards from photos, not from the ceremony. Bride's hair and makeup runs about 90 to 120 minutes; each additional person is roughly 45 minutes for makeup and 45 for hair. Leave a 30-minute buffer before the photographer arrives.
| Service | Bride | Each guest |
|---|---|---|
| Makeup | 60–75 min | 40–45 min |
| Hair | 45–60 min | 35–45 min |
| Hair + makeup | 90–120 min | 75–90 min |
| Touch-ups before ceremony | 15 min | — |