What Is the Timeline for Bridal Hair and Makeup?
Start your bridal beauty plan as soon as you have a wedding date and a venue. Reach out early so we can send a copy of our bridal contract with the complete details, book your hair and makeup trials about two to three months ahead, put color, cuts and spa services on the calendar in the final weeks, and keep the last week simple. On the wedding morning, plan backward from your photo time.
Key takeaways
- Send your date, party size and location as soon as the venue is set.
- Trials come two to three months out; color, cuts and spa come in the final weeks.
- Build the wedding morning backward from the time photos start.
For an overview of every bridal service, start with our bridal hair and makeup page.
What Should You Do as Soon as the Date and Venue Are Set?
Reach out early. Wedding dates fill, and a whole party takes planning. Send us three things so we can build the right plan for you.
- The total number in your bridal party, and who needs hair, makeup or both.
- Your dates of service, including any trial dates you have in mind.
- Your location, if you need us to travel to you.
Email saltsalonspa1@gmail.com or call the salon at (224) 788-8028. We will send a copy of our bridal contract with the complete details, and you can see every service on our bridal hair and makeup page.
What Should You Sort Out Four to Six Months Out?
This is the planning stage. Nothing needs to happen in the chair yet, but a few decisions now make every later step easier.
- Start saving photos of hair and makeup you love, and a few you do not.
- Choose your dress, or at least the neckline, since it shapes the hairstyle.
- Decide whether you want a color change or a length change before the wedding.
- If you are growing your hair out, book regular shaping trims so the ends stay healthy.
When Do the Hair and Makeup Trials Happen?
About two to three months before the wedding is a good window. It is early enough to change course and close enough that your hair will look much the same on the day.
- Book your hair trial and your makeup trial, back to back if you want to see the full look together.
- Bring your veil or hair jewelry, a photo of your dress and your inspiration photos.
- Talk through makeup options. Our bridal day makeup is an airbrush application with lashes, which we explain in our guide to airbrush makeup for your wedding.
- Sketch the morning timeline with your stylist while you are in the chair.
If you are unsure whether a trial is worth it, our article on whether you need a bridal hair trial covers it. If you plan to change your color or cut, do that first and book the trial after, so the trial matches the hair you will have on the day.
When Should Color, Cuts and Spa Services Go on the Calendar?
Four to Six Weeks Before
Book your color refresh now, so your shade has time to settle and there is room for an adjustment. Book your final haircut too, so the shape suits your wedding style. Keep your skin care routine steady and avoid testing lots of new products.
Two to Four Weeks Before
This is the time to book your spa services. Schedule any facial or wax for a few days before the wedding, never the day before, so your skin has time to settle. Our Ultimate Bridal Spa Bundle pairs a Dry Brush Body Treatment, a Brazilian wax and brow wax, and a facial or peel treatment.
The Classic Bridal Spa Bundle pairs a bikini wax, a brow wax and a facial treatment. There is a Groom's Bundle too, with a haircut, a brow clean-up and a SALT mini facial.
Lash and brow services can be booked now as well. A lash lift lasts up to four weeks and brow lamination about four weeks, so schedule them a few days before the wedding so they look their best on the day.
See our lashes and brows page for the options.
What Does the Final Week Look Like?
Keep it quiet. The work is done, and the goal now is to arrive rested.
- Keep your hair and skin routine simple, and try nothing new.
- Drink water, sleep and eat well.
- Confirm your timing and location with us.
- Send your party the prep instructions: hair washed and dried, no heavy product, a clean face.
- Pack your veil, hair jewelry, shoes, a button-front shirt and snacks.
How Do You Build the Wedding Morning Schedule?
- Start with the time you need to be dressed and ready for photos.
- Count back the time each person needs for hair and makeup.
- Agree on the order of the party with your stylist, so the bride is not rushed.
- Give every person a set arrival time and share the list with the whole party.
- Add a buffer. Weddings run late, and a calm plan absorbs it.
Ask everyone to arrive with hair washed and dried, since that is how our updo and special occasion styling is set up. We explain why in our article on washing your hair before a wedding updo. Plan food, water and a place to sit, and name one contact person so questions go to one place.
What If the Wedding Is Only Weeks Away?
Reach out right away. Send your date, your party size and your location, and we will tell you what is possible.
A shorter timeline can still work. Usually the trial comes first, and the rest of the plan fits around it.
How Does an On-Location Wedding Change the Plan?
On-location services are available on request, and travel fees apply for each stylist or makeup artist needed. Tell us early, so we can plan the right team for your timeline.
Share the address, the room where we will set up, and whether there is good light and a power outlet. If the venue is far, build extra time into the morning. Everything is confirmed in your bridal contract.
Who Helps You Plan the Day?
Our stylists receive mentorship and training consistently, so the plan you make at your trial is carried out the same careful way on the morning. You can pick a stylist from our team and ask about bridal availability when you reach out.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should the Final Haircut Happen Before the Wedding?
About four to six weeks before is a good window. The shape has time to settle, and there is room for a small adjustment before the day.
How Many Days Before the Wedding Should Waxing and Facials Be?
Plan them a few days before, not the day before. That gives your skin time to settle before photos.
What Should the First Bridal Email Include?
The total number in your bridal party, your dates of service and your location if travel is needed. We reply with a copy of our bridal contract.
What Happens to the Plan If the Wedding Date Moves?
Contact us as soon as you know. We will walk through what your bridal contract says and rebuild the timeline with you.
How Early Should Bridesmaids Arrive on the Wedding Morning?
Each person gets a set time based on the order you plan with your stylist. Ask everyone to arrive on time with hair washed and dried.
Book Your Bridal Trial
Ready to start your timeline? Email saltsalonspa1@gmail.com with your party size, dates and location, call (224) 788-8028, or book a bridal trial online. You can see every bridal service on the Bridal section of our Service Menu.
