How to Plan Hair and Makeup in a Bridal Suite: A Guide for Brides
Your wedding day is one of the most memorable days of your life, and getting ready in a bridal suite with your closest loved ones is such a special and fun part of the experience. However, coordinating hair and makeup for yourself and your bridal party can be a challenge, especially when it comes to managing the schedule and ensuring everything goes smoothly. In this blog post, we will provide helpful tips for brides on how to prepare for hair and makeup in the bridal suite, including important considerations for scheduling and timeline planning purposes.
1. Know When You Have Access to the Bridal Suite
Before you start planning your wedding day morning, make sure you know exactly when you'll have access to the bridal suite. It's best to establish this upon booking your venue. Keep in mind, most venues don't allow access to the bridal suite until later in the morning so if you have a large group of girls needing to be hair and makeup ready by early afternoon, you might want to consider having a backup plan for the getting ready location. Things to inquire:
Check-In Time: Ask your venue or the location where you're getting ready what time you can start using the bridal suite. Sometimes, check-in times can be later than expected, so knowing this in advance will help you plan the rest of your morning.
Confirm the End Time: In addition to knowing when you can begin using the suite, confirm the time you need to vacate the room. This way, you can ensure you’re ready and able to move to your next location without rushing.
Additional Charges: Sometimes, you might be able to negotiate an earlier start time in the bridal suite, but it may come with additional fees. Be sure to discuss this with the venue in advance.
2. Coordinate with Your Hair and Makeup Artists
Once you know the timeline for the bridal suite, communicate this information to your hair and makeup artists as soon as possible. The last thing you'll want to do is leave your artist in the dark regarding start times - especially if you have a larger party. Be sure to:
Share Suite Access Times: Let your artists know when they can start setting up in the bridal suite. This way, they can plan their arrival and set-up time accordingly.
Discuss the Timeline: Work with your artists to create a realistic schedule for getting everyone ready, including when to start and finish each person's hair and makeup. Consider a buffer in case there are delays.
Consider Additional Assistance: If you have a larger bridal party or want more intricate styles, consider hiring additional stylists to speed up the process.
Additional Charges: If an additional artist is needed to help alleviate an early start time due to working around later venue operating hours, additional charges may apply.
3. Plan for a Comfortable Environment
A comfortable environment can make your getting-ready experience stress-free and enjoyable. Consider the following tips:
Set Up a Snack and Beverage Station: Keep the energy up with a spread of light snacks and drinks. Avoid messy or greasy foods that may cause stains.
Prepare Music and Entertainment: Create a relaxing atmosphere with a playlist of your favorite songs.
Make Space for Everyone: Clear the space to ensure everyone has room to move around comfortably and set up their belongings. The larger the space, the better!
4. Communicate Clearly with Your Bridal Party
Your bridal party should be on board with your schedule and plans for the morning. Keep everyone informed by:
Sharing the Schedule & Prep Instructions: Your beauty team should provide you with a detailed timeline for wedding day services along with prep instructions for you and your party. Be sure to share this with your girls ahead of time to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Setting Expectations: Let your bridal party know what you expect in terms of attire and any other preparations (e.g., the hair/makeup styles you'd prefer they have.)
Designating Roles: Assign someone as your personal bridal assistant to help with tasks like coordinating breakfast, keeping an eye on the schedule, handing off your details to the photographer, or handling any unexpected issues.
5. Stay Flexible and Enjoy the Experience
While it's important to be prepared and have a schedule in place, remember that flexibility is key. Unexpected delays can happen, and being prepared to adapt can help keep the day stress-free. It's not your vendors first rodeo and they will be there to support you every step of the way, ensuring your experience is a smooth and enjoyable as possible. Most importantly, remember to take a moment to enjoy the special time with your loved ones and soak in the excitement of the day.