When Should You Book Your BridalMakeup?
- Krystal Molette
- Jan 6
- 3 min read
Will my date be available?
I know your wedding planner probably told you it’s time to book your bridal beauty and may have even sent you a list of referrals. I love that you’re planning early. But here’s something most brides don’t realize:
Booking your bridal makeup 6–9 months out isn’t about panic — it’s about options.
When brides search “how far in advance to book wedding vendors” or “wedding planning timeline,” hair and makeup is often placed much later than it should be. In reality, bridal makeup belongs in the planning phase, not the final checklist. Booking early gives you time to plan properly, schedule a trial, and create a calm, well-paced wedding morning.
Why Bridal Makeup Is Often Booked Too Late
Most general wedding timelines lump hair and makeup into the “details” category. But bridal makeup isn’t just a service — it affects:
your wedding morning timeline
when photography begins
how early everyone needs to be ready
the overall flow of the day
Because of this, bridal makeup should be booked alongside your major vendors, not after them.
When Should I Book Bridal Makeup?
The best time to book your bridal makeup is after you’ve secured your photographer.
By this point, you’ve already:
booked your venue
hired your planner (if applicable)
confirmed your wedding date
started thinking about engagement photos
This is the moment when your wedding vision starts becoming real — and when your bridal beauty planning should begin.
Bridal Makeup Booking Timeline by Season
🌸 Spring Brides (March, April, May)
Peak wedding season
Book by: June–August of the previous year
6 months out: September–November
Danger zone: January–February
Why:
Spring weddings compete with:
Proms
Photo shoots
Other weddings
Unpredictable weather that often requires earlier call times
If you’re reaching out in January for a March–May wedding, you’re often competing for already-full calendars.
☀️ Summer Brides (June, July, August)
High demand + early mornings
Book by: September–November of the previous year
6 months out: December–February
Cutting it close: March–April
Why:
Summer weddings require:
Earlier start times
Heat-proof prep
Longer timelines
Artists intentionally limit bookings during this season to protect quality, stamina, and the overall experience.
🍂 Fall Brides (September, October, November)
The most competitive season
Book by: January–March of the same year
6 months out: April–May
Danger zone: June–July
Why:
Fall is the most popular wedding season. Saturdays disappear quickly, especially for larger bridal parties.
❄️ Winter Brides (December, January, February)
Smaller season, still strategic
Book by: March–May of the same year
6 months out: June–July
Cutting it close: August–September
Why:
While winter has fewer weddings, brides still need:
Timeline coordination
Travel flexibility
Weather backup plans
How Bridal Makeup Fits Into Your Vendor Timeline
When brides ask, “How far in advance should I book wedding vendors?” the answer depends on the type of vendor.
Most vendors fall into two categories:
Date-Dependent Vendors
(Only take one wedding per day)
Venue
Planner
Photographer / Videographer
Hair & Makeup
Flexible Vendors
(Can take multiple events)
Florals
Rentals
Cake
Favors
Typical Vendor Booking Order
Venue: 12–18 months
Planner: 12–15 months
Photographer / Videographer: 9–15 months
Hair & Makeup: 6–9 months
Florals: 4–6 months
Rentals / Décor: 3–6 months
Cake / Favors: 2–4 months
If a vendor only takes one wedding per day, they should be booked earlier — not later.
The Wedding Planning Timeline That Actually Works for HMU
What Generic Timelines Say
“Book hair & makeup 3–4 months before”
What Actually Works
9–12 Months Out
Secure venue
Book planner
Start vendor research
Begin HMU inquiries
6–9 Months Out
Book bridal hair & makeup
Schedule your trial
Begin skin prep planning
Draft your wedding morning timeline
3–5 Months Out
Finalize your bridal look
Confirm bridal party services
Adjust timeline if needed
1–2 Months Out
Final confirmations
No major changes
No scrambling
Bridal makeup affects your entire wedding morning, which is why it belongs in the planning phase — not the final checklist.
Final Thoughts
Booking your bridal makeup early isn’t about pressure or fear. It’s about giving yourself flexibility, options, and peace of mind as your wedding day approaches.
If you’re within 6–9 months of your wedding, now is the right time to start the conversation and ensure your bridal beauty is fully planned — not rushed.
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