Let’s talk timelines
Lorena Burns Photography
Yesterday I opened my laptop to multiple requests for proposals that had come in over the weekend. And ya’ll, not a single one had a realistic window for hair and makeup services. Needless to say, a blog post about timelines seemed “timely” (I’m sorry… couldn’t help myself.)
Here’s an example of the kinds of inquiries we’ve been receiving:
How many bridesmaids, mothers or other ladies IN ADDITION TO THE BRIDE will need hair and makeup? 5
What time is your ceremony? 4pm
Do you plan to use your venue’s bridal suite for hair and makeup services? YES
If yes, what time are you able to access the bridal suite? 12pm
What time do you need hair and makeup services completed by? (Generally this will be 3 hours prior to the ceremony if you’re doing a first look, 2 hours if not.) 1pm
Do we see the problem here? Six ladies need hair and makeup, we can’t access the space where hair and makeup services are to occur until 12pm but everyone needs to be ready by 1pm. That gives us exactly one hour for hair and makeup which isn’t enough time for even one person, let alone six.
Here’s the issue. More and more venues are implementing tighter time constraints on when you are able to access your venue, and most brides have never had a wedding before and have no idea how much time hair and makeup will take. The beautiful bridal suite with multiple hair and makeup stations may have been one of the things that sold you on your venue, and now you’re faced with the very real possibility that you won’t be able to utilize it the way you had hoped due to the time limitations.
So what is the solution here?
Our team has run into this issue literally hundreds of times, and as a result we have multiple solutions to offer our brides on how we can work around this situation.
First - it’s important to understand what a realistic hair and makeup timeline is going to look like.
Generally speaking, whether you use our team or not, you can expect each hair and makeup service to take about 45 minutes, and you will likely need one artist for every 5-9 services booked (one service = either one makeup application or one hairstyle). The absolute minimum amount of time needed is probably two hours (this is how long it takes to do just the bride’s hair and makeup with a single artist.)
Below is an example from one of our recent weddings where we had four artists booked for 11 ladies’ hair and makeup. Each artist did 5-6 services each. Our timeline was 5 hours - from 10am to 3pm, and the bride’s ceremony was at 5pm. This gives the bride about 30 minutes to get dressed, an hour for pre-ceremony pictures, and 30 minutes to hide away in the bridal suite while guests arrive (if this bride had been doing a first look and additional photos prior to the ceremony, we likely would have needed to back up this entire timeline by an additional hour for a 2pm finish time)
Bride + 9 hairs & 11 makeups with four artists = 5 hours
This timeline looks great, right? Well here’s what you didn’t know… the venue from the wedding above typically does not allow brides access until 12pm, so this bride added on additional time at the venue in order for us to be able begin services at 10am This is Option 1 - adding on additional time at your venue. This may be an expensive option depending on the venue, but it may also be your only choice if you have your heart set on having everyone’s hair and makeup done on site and you don’t have access early enough for your hair and makeup team.
Brides out there who are still searching for a venue, know that if you want to utilize the bridal suite for hair and makeup, you may need to add on additional time. a 9-2 or 10-3 hair/makeup timeline is very typical for a 5 or 6pm ceremony. If your venue does not allow access until later, we recommend finding out what the additional charge will be to get in earlier and factor that price into your budget from the beginning (and remember, the earlier you need to be ready for pictures - the earlier hair and makeup will need to begin too.)
Now let’s say it is just not an option or not within your budget to add on additional hours at your venue. Or maybe you have an earlier ceremony but would like to avoid having to start hair and makeup in the wee hours the morning. Perhaps this next option would work best for you: Option 2- adding on additional artists for an expedited timeline. This option will also have an additional cost associated with it - you’re just paying for additional artists rather than additional hours at your venue. Most bridal businesses will have an additional fee for each artist and also will require a certain minimum per artist regardless of how many services they actually do. However, the “extra artists” option may still be less expensive than adding on additional time at your venue, PLUS it also has the added benefit of requiring less time overall for hair and makeup.
One important consideration - in order for this option to be feasible, your venue must have enough space for each artist to work. If your venue only has enough room in the bridal suite for a limited number of artists (the vast majority can accomodate about 3 artists comfortably), we will need to also utilize the groom’s suite or an area outside of the bridal suite (such as setting up a table in the hallway) to create enough space for additional artists.
Here is an example of an expedited timeline we executed a couple of years ago. In this scenario, the bride had both an early ceremony time and also couldn’t access her venue until a certain time (even with adding on more hours). To meet the tight time constraints, we added additional artists for a total of seven for these 15 ladies hair and makeup (without time constraints, a booking this size could have been accomodated with only five artists.)
Since our minimum # of services per artist is 5 for a Saturday wedding, and each artist only had time to do four services, the fifth service was charged as an expedited timeline fee which ensures each artist is still able to make their minimum. This venue also has a massive bridal suite and adjoining bathroom that was easily able to acommodmate the additional artists.
Bride + 13 hair/makeups with 7 artists = 3.25 hours
When it’s not within your budget to add on more hours at your venue or to add additional artists, Option 3 is to start at an offsite location and then transfer to the venue once you are able to access it. The plus side is that you don’t have to add on any additional time at your venue or additional artists. However there will be a fee for your artists to break down and pack up their kits, drive to a new location and set up again. This also takes time to do so you will have to begin hair and makeup about 30-60 minutes earlier (depending on the distance between locations) in order to build in a window for the artists to move locations. However the transfer fee is most likely less costly than it would be to add extra hours or extra artists.
Here is an example of what a timeline with this option looks like from a wedding we did just last weekend:
Bride + 5 hairs & 6 makeups with two artists = 7 hours (includes 45 minutes to transfer to venue)
Similar to Option 3, Option 4 is when we utilize an offsite location for hair and makeup, but only the lead artist transfers to the venue once it’s available. Typically this artist will do ONLY the bride’s hair and makeup at the venue while the rest of the bridal party stays behind to finish their hair and makeup at the off-site location. This option is often one of the most cost-effective solutions since you only need to pay a single transfer fee for one artist instead of all the artists.
The only downside to this option is that it splits up your bridal party for part of the day, and you may have envisioned being surrounded by all your best friends sipping champagne while getting your hair and makeup done at your beautiful venue all morning. That being said, it is worth pointing out that you may find the 1-2 hours of quiet and calm before everyone gets dressed and begins pre-ceremony pictures to be a pleasant respite from all the wedding day hustle and bustle. If you are the type of bride that needs a little time for solitude, reflection and decompression before (or after) being surrounded by a lot of people for an extended amount of time, then this option may be extra appealing to you.
Here is an example of a timeline where only the lead artist transferred to the venue from a wedding we did this past summer.
Bride + 8 hair/makeups with three artists = Approx 5.5 hours (includes 30 minutes to transfer to venue)
And finally, the simplest solution of them all. Option 5 is to choose an off-site location for hair and makeup, and only utilize your bridal suite for getting dressed. This may not be what you envisioned when you booked your venue, but if you aren’t able to access the venue further in advance than 2 or 3 hours prior to the ceremony - this option is probably the most logical solution. And bonus - it also won’t incur any additional fees from your hair/makeup team or your venue. Large hotel suites (the kind with separate living and dining areas) are typically comfortable for hanging out in, have great amenities (like room service!) and will have no limitations on how early we are able to begin. A family member’s home or an AirBnB may be a good option for a getting ready space as well. Your timeline won’t feel rushed, and you’ll have plenty of time to get dressed, have all the special “first look” moments and take almost all your formal group portraits prior to the ceremony so you’ll be able to enjoy the cocktail hour with your guests afterward.
Hannah Way Photography
Would you like to chat with us about the unique timeline needs of your wedding day, or get a specific quote for one of the options listed above? We’d love to chat with you! Request a quote or schedule a phone consultation and we can discuss our customized solutions to ensure your wedding day goes as smoothly as possible.
How to prepare your hair for special event hairstyling
1) Wash your hair within 24 hours of your appointment. Contrary to what your grandma may have told you, dirty hair does NOT style better! We prefer to start with clean hair and we can “dirty it up” with products if needed.
When you wash your hair, use a good quality shampoo (nothing from the drugstore) to avoid product buildup. Product buildup is even worse than dirt/oil and an excessive amount will make it practically impossible to achieve a pretty result.
In the shower, really incorporate the shampoo into your scalp using your fingertips - don’t skip the crown area! Rinse thoroughly (REALLY thoroughly), and then REPEAT. Yes, wash and rinse a second time. Your shampoo bottle says “wash, rinse, repeat” for a good reason - not just to try to sell you more shampoo! The first wash breaks up the dirt and oil, and the second wash will actually get your hair clean. You probably will get a much better lather on the second wash for this reason!
The importance of double washing!
In this image, our bride came to her trial with washed hair - but it had quite a bit of product build-up because she wasn’t double washing. On the wedding day, she followed our hair-prep steps including double washing and it made a HUGE difference! Her final result was absolutely STUNNING. Soft, fluffy curls that held all night!
2) Once your hair has air-dryed a bit, add some detangling and heat protectant spray (I really like Amika “The Wizard” Detangling Primer). Then add a bit of mousse throughout your hair which will help your style hold better as well as give you more volume. And if you’re going for a textured/toussled hairstyle - adding some sea salt spray while damp is also a great idea!
3) Finally you’re ready to blow dry. Yes, while you COULD let your hair air dry - we really prefer you blow dry it. This will help eliminate frizziness, get your hair laying in all the right directions (so if for example you want a middle part - be sure to blow dry it that way!), and also help get some lift at the roots of your hair.
Then let us take care of the rest! Your stylist will absolutely love you if you show up with your hair fully prepped by following these steps! And hey, if this seems overwhelming - you can always book an appointment at a blow dry bar the morning of or evening prior to your special event and let a pro take care of it for you!
How to prepare your skin for your professional makeup application
When it comes to your wedding day, having flawless and radiant skin is essential for achieving that beautiful, glowing bridal look. However, makeup can not accomplish the smooth “lit from within” complexion on its own! The fact of the matter is, your makeup application will only be as good as the skin you are starting with. So prepping your skin properly (as well as implementing a comprehensive and consistent skincare routine in the weeks leading up to your big event) is KEY.
CLEANSING
I’m sure you’re thinking “Well OBVIOUSLY.” But hear me out. Having skin that is clean but not STRIPPED is so important.
First of all, is your skin REALLY clean? Are you truly removing all the oil and sebum from your pores, or are you just doing the bare minimum (ie - lying in bed and rubbing a makeup remover wipe over your face before passing out?)
Here’s what I recommend. First, remove your stubborn eye makeup with an eye makeup remover. Something like Neutrogena’s oil free eye makeup remover or a simple Micellar Water is just fine. If you wear waterproof mascara or eyeliner, I’m especially talking to you! I can’t tell you how many clients get in my chair thinking they have clean skin that actually have days worth of eyeliner and mascara clinging on for ear life all around their lash line.
Second, we are going to do a double cleanse. The first pass is to get all your makeup off, and I’m actually a big fan of oil cleansing for this (Limelife’s Midnight Oil cleanser is a great one!). Then, I want you to do a SECOND cleanse to make sure your skin is truly clean. But please use a gentle cleanser - nothing harsh that will strip all the oil out of your skin (just say no to sulfates!). I like Limelife’s Dream Clean for normal to oily skin and Quench Cleanse for drier skin types.
And yes, you need to cleanse twice a day! But that mornign cleanse can just be a quick pass with your cleanser. But on the days you wear makeup, do the 3-step process outlined above at night before you go to bed.
EXFOLIATING
Do you know what it looks like when you apply foundation and powder to skin that has patches of dry, dead skin all over it? Well, I’ll tell you - it doesn’t look great. So let’s get rid of it shall we? Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells, revealing the smoother, brighter skin beneath. It is important to use a gentle exfoliating product that is appropriate for your skin type and that doesn’t over dry the skin. I recommended exfoliating once or twice a week. Yes, that’s all! Because OVER-exfoliating is as much of a problem, maybe even more-so, than skin that’s un-exfoliated. Your makeup will fave a scaly look to it, and will often slide around your face if you are exfoliating too often or with too harsh of prodcuts. Check your daily cleansers and toners. If they are scrubby, or if they include any ingredient with the word “acid” or contain retinol / retinoids - those are not daily products! Those are once a week products!
What are my favorite exfoliating products? I absolutely love the Limelife Glowing Green toner pads that contain lactic acid! I’m also a big fan of dermaplaning which both exfoliates and gets rid of all the peach fuzz - but recommend doing this 3-5 days prior to your makeup appointment.
SERUMS
There are a wide variety of facial serums available to target specific skin needs. They are designed to be used after cleansing and before moisturizer, and that are formulated to deliver concentrated doses of active ingredients to the skin. There are different kinds of facial serums available on the market that cater to different skin types and concerns. Hydrating serums, for example, contain humectants like hyaluronic acid to boost skin's moisture levels, while anti-aging serums are formulated with ingredients like retinol and vitamin C to target fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. Brightening serums contain ingredients like vitamin C and kojic acid to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots, while calming serums with ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile soothe and hydrate sensitive or irritated skin. Additionally, there are also oil-based serums that provide nourishment and hydration to dry or mature skin, and lightweight, non-comedogenic serums that cater to acne-prone skin. Serums are an optional step, but personally I’m a big fan of them and specifically a hylauronic acid serum can really help your skin look extra hydrated and glowy for your makeup application!
MOISTURIZER
Moisturizing is also crucial for achieving that beautiful, glowing bridal look. Moisturizers help to hydrate and nourish the skin, keeping it supple and smooth. It's essential to use a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type, whether it is oily, dry or sensitive. You should aim to moisturize your skin at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Personally, I like using a light moisturizer in the morning (Limelife Skin Therapy is my go-to) and a richer, creamier moisturizer in the evening (like Limelife Green Smoothie).
MASKS
Face masks help to detoxify, hydrate, and rejuvenate the skin. Like serums, there are various types of facial masks available on the market that cater to different skin types and concerns. Clay masks, for example, are ideal for oily or acne-prone skin as they contain ingredients like kaolin, bentonite, and charcoal that absorb excess oil and draw out impurities. Sheet masks, on the other hand, are a great way to deliver hydration and nourishment to the skin as they are saturated with serum and packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Cream masks are great for dry or mature skin as they contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and squalane that provide intense hydration and help to plump up the skin. Gel masks, which have a cooling and soothing effect on the skin, are perfect for sensitive or irritated skin as they contain ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile that help to calm and reduce redness. Lastly, exfoliating masks contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), or enzymes that help to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and brighten the complexion. You should aim to use face masks once or twice a week.
In conclusion, implementing a consistent and effective skin care routine is crucial for achieving that beautiful, glowing bridal look. It is important to start your skin care routine as early as possible, ideally six to twelve months in advance. But at minimum, making sure your skin is properly cleansed, exfoliated, hydrated and moisturized the day of your appointment will help your makeup application look as good as it possibly can!
How much should your wedding hair and makeup cost?
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! One of the most important aspects of your special day is how you look and feel. Hair and makeup play a crucial role in how you will feel and look in your wedding photos, which will be cherished memories for years to come. With that said, it's important to understand the cost of wedding hair and makeup and how to budget accordingly.
Up until now, your only experience in hiring a hair or makeup artist may be at a makeup counter or blow dry bar. It’s important to understand that wedding hair and makeup services are different from the more “every day” services you may have had in the past, and as such - will be more expensive. Bridal artists are more specialized in delivering looks that look good not only in person, but also on camera, in all types of lighting situations. They also specialize in looks that have longevity and will hold up for multiple hours and that can withstand hugs, kisses, sweat and tears! It’s also important to note that bridal artists will be holiding your wedding date for you for several months in advance, and likely can only book one bridal party per day. So supply and demand is also a factor when it comes to bridal briding.
The total cost of your beauty services can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the specific services requested, the location, how early your artist will need to arrive, how much time you have available for hair and makeup (if it’s a short window, multiple artists may need to be hired), the experience and reputation of the artist, and if the artist is staying on site for touchups.
Generally speaking, the most established, experienced, and highly recommended artists are likely to book up first and will likely be at the higher end of the pricing range. Keep in mind that sometimes the artists that planners and photographers love to refer are not only great at their artistry, but also at their timing! Because on the wedding day you want to look great but you also want no worries about the artist you hired showing up on time (or at all) or making you run late to your ceremony. So your investment in a highly reputable artist is also an investment in ensuring your wedding day goes smoothly and is as stress-free as possible!
However, don't let this discourage you if you are on a budget. There are less established, up-and-coming artists whose rates will be on the lower end of the scale. They may not have as much experience or a large portfolio, but they can still provide good results and may be more affordable. It’s just a little more risky going with someone that’s less established and reputable. However my recommendation for brides on a tighter budget is to invest in a fantastic artists at least for themselves, and perhaps give your bridesmaids the option of adding on their own hair and makeup if they’d like to at their own expense.
In the Dallas area, most professional artists charge between $75 and $125 per service for bridal party members and typically the bride will be about twice that amount. The reason the bride's cost is higher is that administrative fees are rolled into the bride's cost, and artists also tend to spend more time with the bride on the wedding day as well as in the months leading up to the wedding regarding logistics and answering beauty-related questions.
While cost is certainly a consideration, it's important to remember that a highly skilled and experienced artist is well worth the investment. A professional artist will keep you on schedule and get you to your ceremony on time, and most importantly, won't leave you stranded without an artist on your big day. Also, you want to LOVE the way you look on your wedding day. It’s probably the most photographed day of your life and the pictures will be around for generations to come! You’re probably investing a lot into a great photographer - but you will hate all the pictures if you don’t like the way you look. Plus, when you know you look great, you FEEL great too. The last thing any bride wants is to feel insecure on her wedding day!
If you’d like some more information on our current bridal rates, feel free to download our Wedding Beauty Guide which contains some basic pricing information, or request a quote for a detailed estimate based on your unique needs!
Happy Planning!
When should you book your wedding hair and makeup artist?
Congratulations on your engagement! As you dive into wedding planning, one of the most important things to think about is how you want to look for your big day - from your dress to your hairstyle. After all, all eyes will be on YOU that day and your photos will be around a lifetime and even generations to come! So booking the professional who who will be doing your hair and makeup on your big day truly is oe of the most important decisions you will make. The right artist can make all the difference not only in how you look, but also how you FEEL on one of the most special days of your life. After all we all know that we feel better and have more confidence when we love the way we look!
As soon as you have your venue booked and date set, it’s imporant to secure your vendors who can only book ONE wedding per date, and this typically includes your photographer, videographer… AND your hair and makeup artist. Starting the process as early as possible will give you the best chance of being able to book your first choice artist or beauty team. Then you can breathe easy for the remainder of your engagement knowing you’re in capable hands that can bring your vision to life.
So, when should you book your bridal beauty vendor?
The short answer is… it depends on your date! If your wedding is on a Saturday during peak wedding season (generally considered to be March-June and September-Mid December in the DFW Area), it's best to book your hair and makeup artist at LEAST 6-9 months in advance. A lot of people are surprised to know that in Texas, October is actually our busiest wedding month! And if you’re getting married on a holiday weekend, your Sunday wedding is going to be as popular as a peak season Saturday, so plan accordingly! Also if your date is at all “mathy” or has repetitive numbers… rest assured it’s going to be popular. I’ve been around a while and trust me, I’m still trying to recover from the insanity that was 07/07/07, 10/10/20 and more recently 04/22/22) The most popular and established beauty artists are often booked up to a year in advance on the most popular wedding dates of the year, so don't wait too long to make your decision!
On the other hand, if your wedding is on a weekday or Sunday, or during non-peak season (July-August or Late December-February), you will probably be okay waiting until 3-6 months out from your wedding to book your beauty vendor if you need the extra time or have a shorter engagement. (But of course it’s always safer to book earlier in order to secure your top choice artist.)
Is it possible to book TOO far in advance? If you have a long engagement (over a year), by all means start doing your research early. Maybe even book a few date night hair and makeup sessions with different artists to start getting a feel for whose style and personality is the best fit for you. If you’re hoping to do trials with multiple artists before making your final selection, definitely start that process early! Most artists will not hold your date without a contract and retainer. Many artists won’t start booking weddings until closer to 12-18 months out so they have a better idea of what their personal schedule and availability looks like for the year.
When you do find the right artist, expect to sign a contract and put down a date retainer fee to hold your wedding date. The contractual agreement will give you peace of mind that your artist will be there for you on your wedding date (and won’t leave you high and dry if something else comes along… trust us we hear about this happening ALL the time.). And it also ensures that the artist won’t experience a loss of income that day if for some reason you need to cancel or reschedule your booking.
“But Erin, I still don’t know how many of my bridesmaids are going to want hair and makeup!” I get it - this happens ALL the time, and my suggestion in this case is to book your chosen artist’s minimum - or, the amount you know for SURE you will need on the wedding day. Most artists will allow you to add on more services, but won’t let you remove services once they are contracted as they have likely blocked off the time and number of artists necessary. In this scenario, I just would advise not to wait TOO long to finalize those numbers. If you add on enough that another artist will be necessary, you’ll want to be able to get that additional artist secured before it’s too late and nobody is available!
Overall, while the process of booking your bridal beauty vendor may seem a bit overwhelming, just remember to take it one step at a time. And remember that the most important thing is to find the artist that both has professionalism and also makes you feel like the absolute best version of yourself. So, take your time, do your research, and don't be afraid to reach out to potential artists with any questions or concerns you may have.
So did I convince you that it’s time to get your beauty team booked? You can get the ball rolling by requesting a phone consultation or a quote!