[Originally at Complete Wedding-Day Timeline by Kristen O’Gorman Klein]
Photo Credit: Husar Photography
Bride’s hair: One hour. “This gives enough time to get it right and make any tweaks or changes from the trial run,” said hair stylist Kacee Geoffroy.
Bride’s makeup: 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the makeup style the bride
selects, according to makeup artist Erica of 10.11 Makeup.
Bridesmaids’ hair: 30 minutes per person.
Bridesmaids’ makeup: 45 minutes per person.
The order: When your hairstylist arrives, have her start on your bridesmaids first. “I prefer to have the bride go last so that when her photographer arrives, they catch those last-minute ‘getting ready’ shots, and the bride looks the freshest,” said Geoffroy.
Instead, the bride should start with makeup. “We like to prep the bride’s face first, let her relax and enjoy the day, and then allow her the last two hours of time for final styling,” said Erica. “But it depends on the bride’s preference as well. Regardless, with proper makeup application, her look will last.”
When should the photographer arrive? One hour before the bride is ready to go. “It’s generally best to arrive during the bride’s hair and makeup. The latter portion of the hair and makeup styling, when the bride is closer to being finished, makes for more flattering photos,” said photographer Suzy Clement. This also gives your photographer plenty of time to capture the details — gown, shoes, jewelry, etc. — in addition to the hustle and bustle of the room and the often emotional interactions between the bride and her bridesmaids and relatives,” said Clement.
If you have more than yourself plus four getting hair done, ask your stylist to bring an assistant to cut down on time. For makeup, add an assistant after yourself plus two.
If you’re traveling to a salon, double the travel time you anticipate — better to have too much time than not enough, advises Geoffroy.
Put on your veil after the dress. Consider asking your stylist to stick around until then to make sure your veil is secure.
Pre-ceremony photos of the bride with her family and attendants/groom with his family and attendants: Two to three minutes per shot; more if the groups are very large, and less if they are very small. “You must also consider how punctual the groups tend to be and possibly cushion the schedule to allow for unexpected delays,” said Clement.
First look: 15–30 minutes.
Photo Credit: Susan Jackson Photography
Groom and groomsmen arrive: An hour and a half before the ceremony.
Bride and bridesmaids arrive: An hour* before the ceremony. “We want to make sure you are hidden before your guests arrive, so they don’t get an early peek at your gown!” said wedding planner Erin McLean of Erin McLean Events.
*If the bride won’t be taking photos at the church prior to the ceremony, then she can arrive moments before walking down the aisle and wait in the limo until it’s time.
Ideal ceremony length: 30 minutes. “It’s enough time to have meaningful readings and music to make your ceremony unique and memorable,” said McLean.
For more timeline tips, the rest of the list is at https://www.bridalguide.com/planning/wedding-planning-basics/complete-wedding-day-timeline or take a look at Raleigh’s Best DJs
Timeline questions are some of the most common questions I get in this line of work. And this is definitely a solid timeline. You want there to be enough space between ceremony and reception events that there’s some breathing room, but not so much that people are standing around awkwardly. But there also has to be a balance. Rigidly adhering to down-to-the-second timeline is also not great. So there’s a delicate balance that has to be struck, and this a very very good example of that balance.
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