Wedding Morning Timeline: When Should Hair and Makeup Start?
One of the most common questions I get from brides is:
“What time should hair and makeup start on the wedding day?”
And let me tell you—this part of your schedule can make or break how your whole morning flows.
As a professional bridal makeup artist, I’ve worked with countless brides and bridal parties. I know how important it is to build a wedding morning timeline that gives you enough time to relax, get glam, and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. So here’s exactly how I recommend planning your beauty schedule for a stress-free, picture-perfect morning.
⏰ What Time Should We Start Hair and Makeup?
Here’s what I always tell my brides: Work backward from your ceremony time, and build in at least one hour of buffer time before you need to be dressed and ready.
If you're having a larger bridal party (five or more), we typically need to start hair and makeup around 7:00–8:00 AM for an afternoon ceremony. I’ll give you a full, customized beauty timeline based on your party size, ceremony time, and photographer’s arrival.
💄 Here’s the Timing I Recommend for Each Person:
Bride’s Makeup: 60 minutes
Bride’s Hair: 60 minutes
Bridesmaid or Mother’s Makeup: 35–45 minutes
Bridesmaid or Mother’s Hair: 35–45 minutes
Touch-Ups / Buffer Time: 30–60 minutes
If I’m working with a larger party or if we’re tight on time, I always bring a second artist to help us stay on schedule without sacrificing quality.
👰 When Should the Bride Get Her Makeup Done?
I recommend my brides go second-to-last or third-to-last in the chair. This ensures:
Your makeup is fresh for photos
You’re not the very first one up while everyone else is still half-asleep
There’s still time for final touch-ups once you’re dressed
You’ll look flawless and feel relaxed—not rushed.
📸 Plan Around the Photographer’s Arrival
If your photographer is scheduled to arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before your ceremony, you’ll want to have your hair and makeup fully finished at least 45 minutes before they arrive. This gives you time to slip into your dress and take those beautiful getting-ready shots without feeling flustered.
🕒 Here’s a Sample Timeline (Based on a 3:00 PM Ceremony):
Photographer Arrives: 1:00 PM
Bride Must Be Dressed & Ready: 12:15 PM
Hair & Makeup Fully Complete: 12:00 PM
Start Time (for 5 people, 2 artists): 7:30 AM
This schedule gives plenty of time for photos, robe shots, a mimosa or two, and those little quiet moments you’ll remember forever.
✅ My Wedding Morning Tips as Your Makeup Artist:
Have a clean face and moisturized skin when I arrive—your prep starts before I do!
Provide a chair and table near natural light (if possible) for the best makeup application
Start the morning with music, water, and breakfast—you’ll need the energy
Share the timeline with your party ahead of time so everyone knows when they’re up
Stay present—this is your moment, and I’ll make sure you look as good as you feel
A calm, organized wedding morning starts with a solid beauty timeline. I’m here to make sure your glam feels effortless, and your look lasts all day—through every hug, kiss, and happy tear.
If you're a 2025 bride and want a personalized schedule for your wedding morning, I’ll map it out for you during your bridal consultation. Let’s take the stress out of your day—so you can focus on the magic.
xo, Lena K
Professional Makeup Artist | Sudbury, ON
Specializing in bridal, boudoir, and mature skin makeup with a luxury, skin-first approach.
✨ Now booking weddings + photo shoots across Northern + Southern Ontario.
📍Mobile services available | 📧 lenakstudio@yahoo.com | 📱 416-737-5547
📸 IG: @lenak.mua | TikTok: @lenakmakeup