Hair and Makeup - the huge impact of starting on time!
by Shawn Cavlan
In my opinion, one of the most important elements in a wedding day is time. You simply can not have enough of it. In a previous life, I ran a large hair and makeup company that focused on weddings. One of our claims to fame from photographers was that we ALWAYS had the bride and her bridal party ready for them at the desired time. This is not an easy task! Whether you are hiring a team of professionals or doing it yourselves, here are some factors to consider in making your timeline…..
What time does your Photographer want you ready and in what state? For example, do they want you totally dressed and ready to walk out the door or do they want you still in your robe with everything done, but maybe just the lips still to do for the photo opportunity?
It will always take you longer to get dressed than what you think! Build in about 15 extra minutes for emergency time. What if a zipper gets stuck, buttons are hard to do with nervous hands, etc.
Take a good long look at your maids and discuss with your Beauty team the thickness and length of everyone’s hair. Be realistic! Some girls will simply need more time because they are blessed with a gorgeous mane of hair.
Your maids should be getting dressed as you are finishing your makeup. It will always look better in the photos of them “helping” you get dressed if they are already in their dresses.
Because of #4, if you want robe shots with all of you….plan that in accordingly. This usually is about a 20 minute process and needs to be placed in your timeline.
Bride - if you are exchanging gifts with your soon to be spouse, open your gift before your makeup. Self explanatory :)
Bride - have a good snack or meal before you get your makeup done or at least your lips put on. This way you can carefully brush teeth and be fresh and not mess up all of your efforts.
I would always add in about 15 extra minutes in the timeline just as a buffer. If you don’t need it, you can relax and have a mimosa with your girls. If you DO need it, you will be so thankful it is there!
One of the biggest things to remember is that this is the first part of your day. It is such an awesome feeling to not be stressed and to enjoy this time with your girls. In my opinion, enough time = relaxed. You don’t want to be playing catch up this early in the day!
Here is an example of one our timelines
I hope this helps a bit when trying to get everything scheduled pre-photography!!