Wedding day morning timeline: how long everything actually takes

How early do hair and makeup artists arrive?

Earlier than most couples expect. If you're picturing a leisurely 10am start, adjust those expectations now.

"Hair and makeup artists are usually there at the crack of dawn, between anything from 6am to 8am," explains Lauren Garfitt, wedding hair and makeup artist. "As a general rule, the most popular ceremony time in the UK is about 1 or 2pm, so typically we need about 6 or 7 hours."

Sabrina Duparcq of Sabrina Duparcq Hair Artistry confirms the early starts: "Typically I would say a seven to eight o'clock start is pretty average for a 2pm ceremony."

The exact time depends on several factors. "Start times depend on many things," Duparcq explains. "They'll depend on what time you can get into your wedding venue, how many people are having hair styling, and your ceremony time."

How long does bridal hair actually take?

This is where couples most often underestimate. Your bridal hair isn't a quick blow-dry.

"Bridal hair styling can take anywhere between an hour and three hours, depending on the hairstyle," says Duparcq. "If you're looking at a simpler, sleek updo, then an hour is usually fine. However, if you're looking at a more intricate updo, half up half down style, or Hollywood waves, then the time usually takes between an hour and a half and three hours."

Why such a range? "It depends on whether extensions need to be fitted, your curls need time to be pinned and set, and then the style needs to be dressed out. That's a conversation to have with your hair artist depending on the style choice you want."

Garfitt works to similar timelines: "Bridal hair and makeup takes a minimum of two hours. I allow a little bit extra if there's things like hair extensions that need to be included."

How long does bridesmaid styling take?

The bridal party adds significant time to your morning, which is why early starts are essential with larger groups.

"For bridesmaids hair and makeup, I allow an hour and a half per person. This also includes mothers," says Garfitt.

So a bridal party of four bridesmaids plus the bride means roughly 8-9 hours of styling time if one artist is working alone. This is why many stylists bring assistants for larger parties.

"I typically take about six to seven hours to do five hair or makeups," Garfitt explains. "I spend longer with the bride, so if I've just got the bridal party to do, then I am a bit quicker. But when it comes to the bride, she gets more of my attention."

How many people can be styled in one morning?

There's a practical limit to what one artist can achieve before your ceremony.

"On a typical wedding morning with an 8 o'clock start and 2pm ceremony, hair artists can style anywhere between four to six bride and bridal party members," says Duparcq. "But it depends on their own timings as well as the hairstyles being asked."

For larger bridal parties, stylists bring backup. "A lot of hairstylists will bring additional artists with them to assist on big wedding bookings," Duparcq notes. "When you're filling out an inquiry form, discuss your ideal start time, ceremony time, and the number of bridal party members needing styling."

What makes a wedding morning run smoothly?

The answer is simple: a proper schedule that everyone follows.

"The things that make a wedding morning run smoothly are having a schedule in place so everybody knows who is going to be in the chair at any one time," says Duparcq. "Making sure that all bridal party members know when their slot is and that they are ready and prepared."

Preparation the night before matters too. "Make sure all the steaming is done the night before so you don't have to worry about it in the morning. Have your dress hung up and ready. Have a clear idea of what time the photographer is coming. Have breakfast available for your bridal party."

There are also specific prep instructions for individuals. "Hair and faces need to be in the correct conditions as per the guidance given by the stylist or makeup artist. Clean hair, dry hair prepped if necessary, faces clean, cleansed, moisturised, exfoliated."

What do couples overlook when planning their morning?

Time. Almost always, time.

"I think the most overlooked thing is the amount of time that is required," Duparcq explains. "A lot of brides will want loads and loads of photos taken, maybe a first look with husband to be, they may be travelling from one getting ready area to the venue and not really understand how long everything takes."

The solution is communication. "Having those conversations early with your suppliers will really help. Your hair and makeup artist should provide a schedule for services. Be open and honest about the timings that you ideally want to start services, and anything else that you need to factor in time-wise."

Storme Makeup and Hair adds another consideration: "It is always essential to have the dress already before your trial. The wedding dress style can influence how best to wear your hair and it also dictates the general vibe."

Sample Wedding Morning Timeline

For a 2pm ceremony with a bride plus 3 bridesmaids: