Wedding Makeup Timeline

Everything you need to know and consider when planning your makeup start time.

I get a lot of questions about what time we need to start makeup on your wedding day. While this process does not have to be complicated, there are a number of factors that go into determining the start time of your wedding day. (Spoiler, it’s usually earlier than you think.)

I will start out by saying all of this information is what I prefer to do personally as an artist. If I am not your makeup artist the information will be similar and valuable, however, your artist may do things a little different. It is always best to go with how they like to schedule the morning. 

I do a 2hr trial appointment with all of my brides about 4-6 weeks before the wedding and this is where we go over all of the details and map out the morning. Your start time will be finalized during this appointment. The week of your wedding I will send out a loose timeline outlining what times everyone will need to be ready for makeup. 

Questions I ask that go into factoring the makeup start time. 

• How many people are getting makeup done?

• Are you doing a first look?

• What time does the ceremony start?

• Are you wanting a lot of getting ready photos or photos with your bridesmaids?

• Where are you getting ready?

How many people are getting makeup done? As a good rule of thumb, the more people who need to get ready, the earlier you will want to get started. It is not uncommon to have a 7:30 am or 8 start. (I’ve done earlier). I budget about 45 minutes for each bridal party member and one hour for the bride. I also like to add a 30 minute buffer time between when I finish everyone’s makeup and when everyone needs to be ready. This way we are not rushing.

Are you doing a first look? First looks are so wonderful and intimate. I personally love them. This does however mean that you will need to be ready sooner because this event usually takes place about 1-2 hours before the start of the ceremony. Again, this means you will need to plan for an early start to make sure everyone is ready for early photos.

What time does the ceremony start? Going the more traditional route and not seeing each other till you walk down the aisle? Great! You may be able to start a tad later; 9 am or 10 am. But this still will depend on the size of your bridal party.

Are you wanting a lot of photos with your bridal party before the Ceremony? How many photos do you want with them? Do you guys have cute robes or flannels you want photos of? You still will probably want to start early to make sure there is enough time to have cute group shots with your girls.

Where are you getting ready? Will you be at a hotel nearby? Or do you have to drive at least 15-30 minutes to get to your wedding venue? Let’s avoid getting a speeding ticket on your wedding day, and make sure drive time is accounted for. If you’re getting ready at the venue do they have a time of when you are allowed to enter? Certain venues in Chico won’t let you enter until 9 am, others let you enter as early as 7 am. Make sure you talk to your venue and see when they let you in the morning of your wedding. 

All of these questions are things I go over with you during our trial appointment, so you don’t need to have all the answers beforehand. We will brainstorm what will works best for you and your bridal party. I personally tend to lean on the earlier the better side. This way we aren’t stressed for time, and you have plenty of time to hang out with your girls and relax all morning. 

If you are getting married and looking for an artist you can fill out my Bridal form here.

If you are getting married and already have an artist I hope you find this post informative and helpful for your wedding day. 

XO,

Annie

photo: @kalieciaannphotography