How far in advance should brides book their bridal makeup?
Planning a wedding is an exciting whirlwind, but when it comes to securing your dream team of vendors, timing is everything. One question I hear a lot as a professional makeup artist is, "How far in advance should I book my bridal makeup?" The short answer: as early as possible! Let’s dive into why booking early matters and what you need to get the process started.
My Recommendation: Book your bridal makeup 12 to 18 Months in Advance
I recommend brides book their bridal makeup artist at least 12 months in advance. For those who want to lock in their top-choice vendors, some even book as early as 18 months out. Why so early? The wedding industry moves fast, and the best makeup artists, hairstylists, photographers, and venues get snapped up quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons (think spring and autumn). I’ve had brides secure my services 18 months in advance to ensure I’m available for their big day, while others have reached out just 8 days before their wedding!
Booking early gives you the best chance of securing your preferred vendors and ensures peace of mind knowing your glam team is confirmed. Last-minute bookings are possible, but they come with the stress of limited availability and fewer options. You don’t want to be scrambling to find someone who aligns with your vision days before you say “I do.”
What I need to book you in for bridal makeup
To reserve your spot in my schedule, I need a few key details to get started. Don’t worry if you don’t have every single detail finalised—wedding planning is a journey, and we can refine things as we go. Here’s the minimum information I need to lock in your booking:
Your details: the usual basics, think full name, finance’s name, email, phone number, you know the drill.
Wedding date: The exact date of your wedding. I require a confirmed date to secure your booking, as this ensures I can commit to your special day without conflicts and uphold my exclusive booking guarantee.
Number of people requiring makeup: This includes you, your bridal party, family members, or anyone else who wants professional makeup. A rough estimate is fine to start, remembering my minimum booking requirement of 3 adults.
Getting-ready address: The location where you and your party will be getting ready. If you’re not sure of the exact address yet, a general area (e.g. Maleny, Bribie Island, Redcliffe) works for now. Travel fees can be estimated with this information, and confirmed with an exact address.
We can fine-tune these details closer to the date, but keep in mind that significant changes—like adding more people to the makeup roster or switching locations—could affect pricing. I’ll always work with you to keep things transparent and stress-free, but starting with as much clarity as possible helps us both plan effectively.
Why booking your wedding makeup early, pays off
Booking 12 to 18 months in advance doesn’t just secure your spot—it gives us time to collaborate on your perfect bridal look. This timeline allows for a makeup trial (typically scheduled 1-3 months before the wedding), where we can experiment with styles, colors, and techniques to ensure you feel radiant and confident. It also means I can coordinate with your hairstylist, photographer, or planner to make sure everything flows seamlessly on the big day.
On the flip side, waiting too long can limit your options. I’ve had brides reach out just days before their wedding, and while I do my best to accommodate, it’s not always possible to squeeze in a last-minute booking, especially if I’m already committed to another bride. Early planning = less stress and more choices.
Ready to book your bridal makeup for your special day?
If you’re newly engaged or starting to plan your wedding, don’t wait to secure your makeup artist. Reach out with your details, and let’s get your date reserved! Whether you’re 18 months out or closer to the big day, I’m here to make you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself.
And let’s start creating your dream bridal look.
