How early should hair and makeup be done before a wedding?

Plan your beauty schedule so everyone is ready well before the ceremony, not just in time. A good rule is to finish hair and makeup at least an hour before you need to leave for the venue. That gives you a quiet moment to eat, drink water and put on your outfit without rushing.

If your hair is long, complex or needs colour work, allow more time. Ask your stylist how long each look takes and add a little extra for safety. On the day, keep the room warm and tidy so stylists can work efficiently. Have your outfit, shoes and accessories laid out beforehand so no one has to hunt for things.

• Book a trial session weeks earlier to confirm the look and timing.
• Share a realistic timeline with your whole party so no one feels behind.
• Consider your venue distance and travel time when setting the finish time.