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Dresses, suits and style · Hair and make-up

Who goes first for hair and makeup on wedding day?

Answered by the UK Wedding Websites editorial team · Updated 2026-10-12 · For the bridal party · For brides

Short answer

The bride usually goes first for hair and makeup so she is ready before the rest of the bridal party. This keeps the schedule calm and lets everyone relax.

Getting the bride done first makes the most sense logistically. Once she is ready, she can help the rest of the party get dressed and styled without rushing. It also means she is photographed first, which often works better with natural morning light.

Start with whoever needs the most time. If the bride's hairstyle is complex, she should go first. If a bridesmaid needs extra work, they might go before her. The key is to build the schedule around the most time-consuming looks.

Consider having hair and makeup done in a different order if you want to spend more time together. Some brides prefer to get ready with their bridal party and go last, while others like to be finished early to enjoy a quiet moment.

Whatever order you choose, allow plenty of time for each person. Rushing leads to mistakes and stress. Build in buffer time for unexpected delays like traffic or extra touch-ups.

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