Your wedding morning sets the tone for the entire day. A calm, well-structured beauty schedule means less stress, more time to soak in the special moments, and no last-minute rushing. But how much time should you actually set aside for hair and makeup?
The answer depends on a few key factors—your desired style, the number of stylists, and those inevitable last-minute touch-ups. Let’s break it all down so you can plan the perfect wedding day timeline.
Every member of your bridal party will need a dedicated time slot for hair and makeup. Here’s a general guide to help you schedule everything seamlessly:
Time Estimate: 90 minutes – 2 hours
Your bridal look is the most detailed and customized of the day, designed to make you feel your most beautiful and confident as you walk down the aisle. Unlike the rest of the bridal party, your hair and makeup require extra attention to detail to ensure everything is flawless from every angle, in person and in photos.
For hair, whether you're envisioning an intricate updo with braids and twists, cascading Hollywood waves, or a sleek and polished ponytail, styling alone can take up to an hour. More complex styles with detailed pinning, extensions, or added volume may require even more time to perfect.
Makeup is just as important—especially if you're going for full glam, airbrush application, or a dramatic eye look. Precision is key to achieving a polished and long-lasting finish that will withstand hours of celebration, happy tears, and endless photo ops. Your artist will take extra care in blending, contouring, and setting everything to ensure your makeup remains picture-perfect from the first look to the last dance.
Additionally, your stylist may build in extra time for finishing touches and final adjustments, such as securing your veil, refreshing your lipstick, or ensuring your curls hold just right. These small but crucial steps help guarantee your bridal beauty lasts all day and night without worry. By setting aside enough time for your hair and makeup, you can relax and enjoy the process, knowing you’ll look and feel your absolute best on your special day.
Time Estimate: 45 minutes – 1 hour per person
Bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and groom, and other VIPs play an essential role in your wedding day, and their hair and makeup should reflect their importance while complementing the overall bridal aesthetic. While their looks are typically less intricate than the bride’s, they still deserve professional styling that enhances their natural beauty and ensures they feel confident and camera-ready.
For hairstyling, most bridesmaids and family members opt for elegant but simpler styles, such as soft curls, half-up looks, classic chignons, or polished waves. Unlike the bride’s hairstyle, which often includes intricate braiding, voluminous updos, or hair accessories, their styles are designed to be chic yet efficient to create. However, if a bridesmaid or family member prefers a more elaborate style—like Hollywood waves, an intricate braid, or an elaborate updo—it may require additional time, so it’s always a good idea to factor that into the schedule.
Makeup for bridesmaids and VIPs is usually tailored to be flattering and cohesive with the overall wedding look. Most choose soft glam, natural makeup, or a classic beauty style that enhances their features without being overly dramatic. A well-blended foundation, subtle contouring, neutral or softly defined eyes, and a polished lip color are common choices. While bridesmaids and mothers may not require the same level of detail as the bride—such as airbrush application, intense contouring, or elaborate eye looks—each person’s makeup is still thoughtfully applied to ensure a fresh and long-lasting finish throughout the event.
Since these styles require less time than the bride’s, the overall schedule moves more efficiently. However, it’s always a good idea to communicate with the bridal party beforehand to understand any special requests or specific styling needs that may require extra time. A little planning goes a long way in ensuring a smooth and stress-free wedding morning for everyone involved!
Time Estimate: 15 – 30 minutes per person
Younger bridal party members, such as flower girls and junior bridesmaids, don’t require as much time in the chair as the bride or bridesmaids, but they still love feeling included in the wedding day glam. Since their styles are typically more minimal and age-appropriate, their hair and makeup are kept simple, enhancing their natural beauty without overdoing it.
For hair, flower girls and junior bridesmaids often opt for soft curls, gentle waves, or a simple half-up, half-down style. Braided accents, delicate buns, or a touch of sparkle with small accessories, like floral clips or a subtle tiara, can add a sweet and polished touch without requiring too much time. Unlike adult hairstyles, which may involve intricate updos or extensive styling, younger wedding party members benefit from quick and easy styles that will stay in place throughout the event.
Makeup is kept light and natural to maintain a youthful look. A touch of blush to brighten their cheeks, a soft pink or clear lip gloss, and perhaps a swipe of mascara (for older junior bridesmaids) are all that’s needed to make them feel special. The goal is to keep their look fresh and radiant while ensuring they still look like themselves.
Since their beauty prep is minimal, their time slot can be shorter—usually around 15 to 30 minutes per person. However, it’s always a good idea to consider any special requests from the parents or the child themselves. Some younger participants love having their hair curled or styled a certain way, while others may be more comfortable with just a simple brush-through and a decorative headband.
While these estimates offer a solid starting point, a few things can impact how long hair and makeup actually take on the big day:
Number of Stylists & Artists – The more pros you have, the faster the process moves. If time is tight, consider bringing in additional artists to work on multiple people at once.
Style Complexity – Full glam, intricate braids, false lashes, and precise contouring all take extra time. The simpler the style, the quicker the process.
Hair Type & Length – Thick or extra-long hair often requires more time to curl, straighten, or style into an updo.
Trial Runs & Communication – Having a trial session ensures your stylist knows exactly what to do, reducing unexpected delays.
Touch-Ups & Last-Minute Changes – Smudged eyeliner, unexpected weather changes (hello, humidity!), or someone deciding they suddenly must have a bold lip can add a few extra minutes to the schedule.
If you have a large bridal party, one stylist or makeup artist may not be enough to get everyone ready on time. Here’s an estimate to help you figure out how many beauty pros you’ll need:
💡 Tip: If you have a strict timeline, hiring extra stylists ensures that no one is rushed, and everyone looks picture-perfect right on schedule.
To keep your wedding morning stress-free, here are a few tried-and-true tips:
Create a Beauty Schedule – Assign time slots for each person so no one is scrambling at the last minute.
Start Early – It’s always better to have extra time than to feel rushed. Aim to be completely finished at least an hour before the ceremony.
Prep in Advance – Make sure everyone arrives with clean, dry hair and a well-moisturized face so your stylists can work efficiently.
Keep the Space Organized – A clutter-free area makes it easier for the glam team to work their magic.
Plan for Touch-Ups – Pack essentials like blotting papers, setting spray, lipstick, and bobby pins for last-minute fixes before walking down the aisle.
Your wedding morning should be a time of excitement, celebration, and making memories with your bridal party—not stress and last-minute chaos. By planning your hair and makeup timeline carefully, you’ll ensure that everyone has enough time to get ready without feeling rushed.
The key to a smooth and seamless beauty prep is communication and preparation. Work with your stylists to create a schedule that accommodates your bridal party size, style preferences, and any potential timing challenges. If anyone requires extra time due to long, thick hair or an intricate look, be sure to factor that in ahead of time. The more organized your timeline, the more relaxed and enjoyable your wedding morning will be.
Most importantly, remember to soak in every moment. Getting ready with your closest friends and family is a special part of your wedding day—so sip that mimosa, take plenty of pictures, and trust your beauty team to bring your vision to life. With a well-planned schedule and the right professionals by your side, you’ll walk down the aisle feeling confident, radiant, and ready to say “I do.”
Photo: The Makeup Photographer
