6 min read
Hair and makeup is the vendor closest to you on the morning of the wedding, and the one most likely to run late if you don't plan it. Get the trial and the timeline right and you'll start the day calm and looking like the best version of yourself.
The trial is non-negotiable
Always book a trial before the wedding, ideally near your date so your hair length and skin match. A trial is where you catch what photos and words can't convey — how a look wears over hours, how it photographs with flash, and whether it truly feels like you. Bring inspiration photos and wear a light-colored top.
Build the morning timeline backward
Hair and makeup almost always run longer than quoted. Work backward from when you need to be ready, allow 45–60 minutes per person, and add a 30-minute cushion. Decide the order — often the person being photographed getting ready goes last so their look is freshest.
Decide who's in the chair
Count everyone getting professional hair or makeup — you, attendants, mothers — because it drives both timing and cost. More people means an earlier start or a second artist. Confirm whether the quote is per person and whether there's a minimum.
Questions to ask
- Is a trial included, and when should we schedule it?
- Do you come to us, and is there a travel fee?
- How long do you allow per person, and do you bring an assistant for larger groups?
- Do you use long-wear or airbrush products for photos and heat?
- Can you do touch-ups later, or provide a touch-up kit?
- What's the deposit and cancellation policy?
Lock the logistics
Confirm the arrival time, the number of services, travel fees, and the trial date in writing. Share your morning timeline so the artist knows exactly when each person needs to be finished.
Frequently asked questions
- Should you do a hair and makeup trial before the wedding?
- Yes — always. A trial shows how a look wears over hours and photographs with flash, and lets you adjust before the day. Book it close to your wedding date so hair length and skin tone match.
- How long does wedding hair and makeup take?
- Allow roughly 45–60 minutes per person and add a 30-minute cushion. For larger groups, ask about a second artist so you're not starting before dawn.
- How much does wedding hair and makeup cost?
- It's usually priced per person, often with a minimum, plus a possible travel fee. Confirm whether the trial is included and whether pricing changes for the bridal look versus attendants.
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