Bridal Beauty Prep
There's a lot to organise when planning a wedding, but your bridal beauty prep doesn't need to feel overwhelming. A little preparation at the right time can make all the difference — helping you feel confident, relaxed and completely yourself on your wedding day.
Here's our bridal beauty timeline to help you know exactly what to do and when.
1–1.5 Years Before
Secure Your Beauty Team
Book your hair and makeup artists early
Popular wedding dates, particularly Saturdays and peak-season weekends, can book out well in advance. Once you have your wedding date and location confirmed, we recommend securing your bridal hair and makeup team as early as possible.
Build a consistent skincare routine
Healthy, well-hydrated skin creates the best base for beautiful makeup. Dehydrated skin can sometimes look rough, textured or uneven, which can make foundation sit less smoothly on the skin. Focus on keeping your skin well hydrated and incorporate gentle exfoliation to help remove dead skin-cell build-up and keep the skin feeling smooth and fresh.
You don't need an elaborate or expensive routine — consistency is far more important. A good cleanser, gentle exfoliant, moisturiser and daily SPF are a great foundation. If you have ongoing concerns such as congestion, significant texture, acne or sensitivity, now is the ideal time to see a qualified skin professional rather than trying to fix everything close to the wedding.
Start saving inspiration
Create a collection of hair and makeup looks you're naturally drawn to. Think about the overall feeling you want — soft and natural, glowing, polished, romantic or full glam.
It can also be helpful to save examples of things you don't like, as this gives your artist an even clearer understanding of your preferences.
3–4 Months Before
Have Your Trial
Your bridal trial is an opportunity to work with your artist to refine your wedding-day look. It allows you to see how your chosen hair and makeup work together and make any adjustments before the big day.
For your trial, we recommend bringing
- Hair and makeup inspiration photos
- A photo of your wedding dress
- Your veil, hair accessories or jewellery, if you already have them
Take a few photos in natural light after your trial and check your hair and makeup again throughout the day. This will help you see how everything photographs, wears and feels over several hours.
1–2 Months Before
Keep Things Consistent
This is the time to stick with what you know works for you. Avoid introducing strong new skincare products, treatments or making dramatic changes to your hair too close to the wedding.
If you're planning a hair colour or trim, schedule it with enough time for the colour and cut to settle before the wedding. Plan your brow, lash and other beauty appointments ahead of time, leaving a little buffer before the wedding wherever possible.
You should also make sure your bridal beauty details are finalised, including your number of services, getting-ready location and the time everyone needs to be completely ready.
1 Week Before
Keep Everything Gentle
The week before your wedding is all about maintaining rather than changing anything.
Drink plenty of water, prioritise sleep where you can and keep your skincare routine gentle and familiar. Avoid experimenting with new products, facials, peels or treatments that could cause irritation or an unexpected reaction.
Make sure your bridal party also knows where they need to be and when, so your wedding morning can run as smoothly as possible.
The Night Before
Prep Your Hair
Good hair preparation can make a big difference to how beautifully your wedding-day style holds. Unless your artist has given you different instructions, we recommend washing and blow-drying your hair the night before or the morning of your wedding.
Shampoo twice, then apply conditioner through the ends only, avoiding the roots. Rinse thoroughly and avoid adding oils, serums or heavy styling products afterwards.
Before bed, lay out your robe or getting-ready outfit, accessories and anything else you'll need in the morning. Then try to switch off, get some rest and enjoy the excitement — the planning is done.
The Morning Of
Relax and Enjoy It
Your wedding morning should feel exciting, not rushed.
Have a proper breakfast, drink plenty of water and arrive with a clean, moisturised face unless your artist has advised otherwise. Wear a button-up shirt, robe or loose-fitting top that can easily be removed without disturbing your finished hair and makeup.
Where possible, create a comfortable getting-ready area with plenty of natural light and enough space for your artists to set up. Have water and easy snacks available for everyone throughout the morning.
Most importantly, enjoy it. Your hair and makeup team will take care of the beauty side of things so you can relax, spend time with your bridal party and soak up the morning.
Stay Fresh All Day
Bridal Touch-Up Kits
Want to keep your makeup looking fresh throughout the celebrations? We also offer personalised Bridal Touch-Up Kits for your wedding day.
We'll organise a quick 15-minute FaceTime consultation with Alysha before your wedding to chat through your makeup, colour preferences and the shades that will work best for you. Alysha will then personally select your products and post your customised touch-up kit directly to you, ready for the big day.
We require a minimum of two weeks' notice, however we always recommend booking your kit as early as possible so it's one less thing to think about in the lead-up to your wedding. 🤍
Enquire About a KitReady to Plan Your Bridal Hair & Makeup?
Beautiful bridal hair and makeup starts with good preparation, clear communication and a team you trust. Start early, keep your routine consistent and choose a look that still feels like you.
Planning your wedding? Enquire with the Alysha Maree Makeup team and let us take care of your bridal hair and makeup from the trial through to the wedding morning. 🤍