Wedding day beauty tips you have to know before your big day arrives!

Even if you’ve planned thoroughly in the weeks and months leading up to your big day, a lot happens on the wedding day long before you walk down the aisle. Wondering how to make the most of that pre-ceremony prep time? Here’s what you need to consider:

When should I do my nails? If you’re planning on a mani/pedi, consider getting your nails done the day before. Depending on the formula used, nail polish can take awhile to harden completely (they might seem dry but many kinds of polish can be easily dented hours after application), so you’ll be unable to do much of anything until they are fully hardened. Unless you’re getting a fast-drying manicure at the very crack of dawn, save yourself the frustration by getting it done the day before (and set aside a bottle of a matching color & top coat for any emergency chip repairs!)

What time should I start hair & makeup? I always ask my clients to determine when they’ll need to be dressed and ready, and then we work backwards from there. I suggest finishing hair and makeup approximately one hour before “go time” – that leaves plenty of time for everyone to get dressed, gather their things, hug, take pictures, and share a final toast. You may not need that much time but also remember to factor in whether or not you are having getting-dressed photos, first look photos, or if any family or bridal party photos will be done pre-ceremony. That way you can determine the order and scheduling of services accordingly.

How long does hair & makeup take? This depends on the artist(s), on the number of people getting services, and on the complexity of the desired looks. I always allot at least 45-60 minutes per person for makeup, with a little extra time for the bride. Hair can range from just a few minutes for a simple primping to an hour or more for an intricate updo. My suggestion is to OVERestimate how much time you’ll need – that way your schedule will allow for different styling choices and last-minute add-ons, as well as late family members, interruptions, and other unanticipated (but often unavoidable) wedding day chaos. Don't forget to book your hair stylist one hour before getting your makeup done.

Where should hair & makeup happen? Whenever possible, I always request a spot by a window – natural light is ideal for makeup! Make sure there’s somewhere for makeup & styling tools to be set up, a power outlet or two, comfortable temperature, and a reasonable amount of space for the number of people who will be in the room.

How will I get everything done while sitting still in the hair & makeup chair? This is where it’s best to delegate ahead of time, decide what the rules will be, and stick to the plan. Answering the phone, texting, getting hugs from friends and family, answering bridesmaids’ questions about which earrings to wear… all of these things are great but they can slow down the beautification process significantly, which is a problem if you’re on a tight schedule. Also, if everyone is demanding your attention at once, it will be difficult to relax and enjoy the process of being pampered. Instead, delegate phone-answering to a bridal party member if you can, and try to limit the total number of people in the prep area. If nothing else, i will love you for it!

Indian Bridal Makeup

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