Wedding Day Timeline for Photography: When Should Hair & Makeup Start?
Planning Your Wedding Morning Timeline
One of the most common questions we hear from brides is: “When should hair and makeup start on my wedding day?”
Your wedding day timeline is crucial to ensuring a stress-free morning, especially when it comes to wedding photography. A well-planned schedule allows enough time for pre-ceremony portraits, bridal party photos, and getting-ready moments without feeling rushed.
The short answer? Hair and makeup should be nearly complete when your wedding photographer arrives.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- The best time to start hair and makeup
- Why the bride should never go last for beauty services
- How it all ties into your wedding photography timeline
- The best places to get ready in Detroit for amazing photos
When Should Hair & Makeup Start on Your Wedding Day?
The key to a seamless wedding morning is buffer time. Hair and makeup typically take 60-90 minutes per person, so your wedding day schedule needs to allow for:
- Hair & makeup for the bride, bridesmaids, and moms
- Time for touch-ups before heading to the ceremony
- A buffer in case things run late
Pro Tip: The Bride Should Never Go Last!
- If you’re the last in the chair, you’ll be rushed—and so will your photos.
- Instead, schedule yourself earlier so there’s extra time for final touch-ups.
- Once the bride is ready, the real photography coverage begins.
Recommended Timeline for Hair & Makeup:
Number of People | Start Time (for 2 stylists) |
---|---|
Bride + 3 | 4 hours before photos start |
Bride + 6 | 5-6 hours before photos start |
Bride + 9 | 6-7 hours before photos start |
Why Your Wedding Photography Timeline Depends on Hair & Makeup
Your pre-ceremony photography can’t begin until hair and makeup are done. A late start means:
- Rushed or skipped getting-ready photos
- No time for bridal portraits
- First-look delays or ceremony running behind
When Should Wedding Photography Start?
Your photographer should arrive when hair and makeup are about 80-90% done—usually 30-45 minutes before finishing touches.
The Best Getting Ready Locations in Detroit
Where you get ready matters for your wedding photography. The right location ensures:
- Great lighting for natural photos
- A clutter-free, elegant space
- A relaxed & enjoyable morning atmosphere
Top Getting Ready Locations for Detroit Weddings
- Royal Park Hotel – A luxurious, light-filled space perfect for classic and elegant wedding photos.
- Detroit Foundation Hotel – Modern and stylish, with an urban vibe and plenty of natural light.
- The Siren Hotel – A chic boutique hotel with gorgeous vintage decor and unique backdrops.
- Westin Book Cadillac – A classic hotel with spacious suites, ideal for bridal parties.
- Shinola Hotel – A sleek, contemporary space perfect for modern wedding prep moments.
- Luxury Airbnb Rentals – Choose a home with big windows and neutral decor for bright, natural-light images.
Tips for a Smooth Wedding Morning Timeline
- Go second-to-last for hair & makeup
- Eat something before getting dressed
- Keep your space clean
- Have your details ready for photos
- Plan for extra time
- Consider a First Look with bridesmaids
FAQ: Wedding Day Timeline & Photography
How long does wedding hair and makeup take?
Expect 60-90 minutes per person for hair and makeup. If you have a large bridal party, consider hiring additional stylists to keep the timeline on track.
When should the bride get her hair and makeup done?
The bride should go second-to-last for hair and makeup. This ensures you look fresh for photos while giving enough time for final touch-ups before portraits begin.
What time should my photographer arrive?
Your wedding photographer should arrive when hair and makeup are 80-90% complete, usually 30-45 minutes before finishing touches.
How much extra time should I build into my wedding morning?
Plan for at least 30 extra minutes to handle delays, last-minute touch-ups, and getting into your dress.
Should I get ready at my venue or a hotel?
If your venue has a beautiful bridal suite, it’s a great option. Otherwise, a hotel or luxury Airbnb with good lighting and plenty of space is ideal for photos.
Final Thoughts: The Key to a Perfect Wedding Day Timeline
Your wedding day timeline for photography starts with a well-planned morning. By scheduling hair and makeup correctly, choosing a great getting-ready location, and adding a buffer to your timeline, you’ll set yourself up for a stress-free, beautiful wedding day.
Need help planning your wedding photography timeline? Contact Mike Staff Productions to create a customized wedding day schedule.
Final Checklist: Wedding Morning Essentials
- Hair & makeup nearly done before photography starts
- Bride goes second-to-last for beauty services
- Add extra time into your schedule
- Eat something before getting into your dress
- Choose a beautiful getting-ready location
- Have all wedding details ready for photography
Pre-Ceremony Wedding Photography
Mike Staff is the founder and CEO of Mike Staff Productions, one of the most highly acclaimed wedding services companies in the country, providing award-winning Wedding DJs, Wedding Photographers, and Wedding Videography for over 25 years.