Planning your wedding day is an exciting yet stressful task. Among the many important details to consider, one thing you might be wondering about is how long it will take to get your bridal hair and makeup done. After all, you want to look stunning on your big day, but you also don’t want to feel rushed or lose precious time. So, how long should be set aside for bridal hair and makeup?
Here’s a breakdown of the typical time needed, along with some helpful tips to ensure everything runs smoothly.
1. Bridal Hair: How Much Time Does It Take?
The time required for bridal hair can vary depending on several factors:
The Style You Choose: A simple, elegant updo may take less time than a more intricate, layered style with curls and accessories.
Hair Length and Texture: Longer hair or hair that needs extra styling (e.g., curling or adding volume) may need a bit more attention than shorter or naturally styled hair.
Your Preferences: If you’re adding extensions, braids, or any intricate details, it will take more time to perfect.
On average, bridal hair usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. If you’re going for a Hollywood Wave with extensions, you should budget up to 90 minutes. Discuss your desired hairstyle with your stylist ahead of time so they can give you a more accurate estimate.
2. Bridal Makeup: How Much Time Will You Need?
When it comes to bridal makeup, the process is typically more methodical. A skilled makeup artist will need time to perfect your look and ensure that it lasts throughout your entire wedding day. The time needed for bridal makeup depends on several factors, such as the style you want and the complexity of the makeup:
Simple vs. Glam: If you’re opting for a natural, glowing look, your makeup may only take 50 minutes. However, a bold, glamorous look with detailed eye makeup, contouring, and lashes can take longer.
Skin Preparation: If your makeup artist includes an extensive skincare routine or uses specific treatments to prep your skin, you may need to allow extra time for this process.
Touch-ups and Adjustments: Some brides prefer to do a trial run beforehand to ensure they’re happy with the look, which can add a bit of time on the wedding day as well.
On average, bridal makeup takes around 50 minutes to 1 hour, but it can stretch to 90 minutes for more elaborate looks.
3. The Total Time: Hair + Makeup
When you add up both hair and makeup, it’s essential to consider the overall time required for your bridal prep. The combined time for both services usually falls within the range of:
- 1.5 to 2.5 hours for just the bride
- 2 to 3 hours if you’re also getting ready with bridesmaids or family members
- Make sure to allow ample time to get ready before you need to be at your ceremony or photoshoot. Starting earlier is always better than rushing.
4. Tips for Efficient Bridal Hair and Makeup
Communicate with Your Stylist: Share your vision and any preferences during your trial run. Knowing exactly what you want beforehand can speed up the process on the day of the wedding.
Consider a Timeline: Coordinate with your stylist to establish a timeline that includes buffer time for unexpected delays.
Don’t Forget Touch-Ups: Have your makeup artist or a trusted person ready to do touch-ups after the ceremony, especially if you’ve opted for a more elaborate look.
Plan for Bridesmaids: If you have bridesmaids who need hair and makeup services as well, make sure to allow more time. A good stylist can usually manage a few clients in a group, but plan for about 30-45 minutes per person.
5. Additional Factors That May Affect Timing
Location: If your stylist is coming to your location, make sure they have enough time to set up, and your space is comfortable.
Trials: Always schedule a trial run for both hair and makeup a few weeks before the wedding. This will help you know how long the real thing will take and prevent any last-minute surprises.
Weather: If it’s a particularly humid or windy day, it may affect the longevity of your hair and makeup, so your stylist may need a little extra time to ensure everything holds up.
Conclusion
The amount of time it takes for bridal hair and makeup can range from 1.5 hours to 3 hours, depending on the complexity of your desired look, whether you’re also getting ready with others, and any additional factors like hair length and skin preparation. To ensure everything goes smoothly, communicate with your stylist about your needs, plan ahead for the timing, and always allow for a little extra buffer time.
With the right preparation, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your bridal beauty session, knowing you’re in great hands and will look absolutely stunning on your wedding day!