Let’s talk about wedding beauty—one of the most exciting (and let’s be honest, occasionally stressful!) parts of planning your big day.
As a beauty lover, I had so much fun dreaming up my wedding day glam. From creating a beauty regimen months in advance, to curating hair and makeup inspiration, to working with my bridal party to create a cohesive but personalized look—it was such a creative and rewarding part of the planning process.
But if you’re anything like me (very detail-oriented), the pressure to get everything “just right” can feel overwhelming. What if my hair won’t hold a curl? What if my makeup melts off by dinner? What if the style I love doesn’t flatter my face shape?
So I did what any curious bride would do: I asked a lot of questions. And over the course of trials, planning, and now having been in the industry for ten years myself, I picked up tons of wisdom that completely changed the way I approached bridal beauty. Today, I’m sharing all of that with you—things your wedding hair and makeup artists really want you to know (and that will save you so much stress!).
Let’s dive in:
10 Things Your Wedding Hair & Makeup Artists Want You to Know
1. Look for inspiration that reflects your features.
When scrolling Pinterest or Instagram, try to find looks on people who share your hair texture, skin tone, face shape, or eye color. A style that looks stunning on someone with thick, long hair or a different skin undertone might not translate exactly the same on you—and that’s okay. It’s all about setting realistic expectations and finding inspiration that enhances your natural beauty.
2. Know your hair type and plan accordingly.
Those voluminous face-framing styles? They often require thick or textured hair—or a bit of extra help with extensions or products. If your hair is finer or shorter, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a beautiful style, but it may look a bit different than what you see online. Your stylist can help you adapt your dream look to suit your unique hair type.
3. Stick to what feels like you.
Your wedding day is not the time to suddenly go full glam if you usually wear minimal makeup—or vice versa. The goal is to feel elevated but still yourself. The best bridal looks are the ones where you feel comfortable, confident, and like the most polished version of who you already are.
4. Use your trial as a testing ground.
This is your time to experiment, give feedback, and tweak the look. If something doesn’t feel right, say something! Your artist wants you to love how you look. It’s better to speak up now than to regret staying silent on the big day.
5. Prepping your skin and hair matters—big time.
No amount of product or skill can fully make up for months of neglect. Focus on hydration, regular exfoliation, and healthy hair habits in the lead-up to your wedding. The better your canvas, the better the results.
6. Waterproof everything.
You will cry (happy tears, of course). Whether it’s your vows, a touching speech, or just that first look moment—it’s going to happen. Waterproof mascara, eyeliner, and setting sprays are non-negotiables.
7. Let your wedding party be themselves.
You can absolutely create an overall vision—soft glam, boho waves, elegant updos—but letting each member of your bridal party choose something that suits their features and comfort level is a game changer. It keeps everyone happy and looking their best, which makes for the most beautiful photos (and vibes).
8. Keep touch-up products simple.
There’s no need to carry your full makeup bag. A blotting sheet, lipstick, and maybe a bit of translucent powder or setting spray will do the trick. You want to enjoy your night—not live in the bathroom mirror.
9. Time is your friend—pad your schedule.
Weddings always run behind, and beauty services take time. Start earlier than you think you need to, build in buffer time, and make sure your artists know the schedule. A calm, unrushed morning sets the tone for the whole day.
10. Trust your beauty team.
This might be the hardest one—especially for the perfectionists among us—but once the planning is done, take a breath and trust the pros. They’ve done this countless times, and they know how to roll with anything. Relax, sip your coffee (or champagne), and enjoy the process. You’re in good hands.
The morning of your wedding is such a special time. It’s the calm before the beautiful chaos, the moment where everything starts to feel real. Being surrounded by your people, getting pampered, and seeing your vision come to life—it’s pure magic.
So take a deep breath, let go of the small stuff, and remember that the most important thing is how you feel. Radiant, loved, confident, and so, so ready to say “I do.” 💕
