How long before the ceremony should hair and makeup be finished?

Finishing 30 to 45 minutes before the ceremony gives you a buffer for any small delays, like a button that needs fixing or a last-minute tissue for happy tears. It also lets you take a few quiet breaths, have a sip of water, and gather your thoughts before the main event. If you are having photos before the ceremony, you will need to finish earlier, so plan that with your photographer. Work backwards from your ceremony time and add extra time for travel if you are getting ready somewhere else. For a morning ceremony, start early enough that you are not rushing. For an afternoon or evening wedding, you can enjoy a relaxed breakfast first. Tell your stylist your ceremony time and your preferred finish time, and ask them to build in a small cushion. If you are doing your own hair and makeup, give yourself more time than you think you need, especially if you are not used to doing it for a big occasion. Remember that your hair and makeup need to last through photos, food, dancing and emotion, so a good setting spray and a few bobby pins are your friends.