As Los Angeles wedding experts, we are asked a lot of valuable questions.
How much time do you need to complete the wedding party hair and makeup?
After 10 years of experience, we have timing down to a science. Most of the time the wedding planner will ask for a list of time slots for bridesmaids to get services done. This isn’t really needed because we just need someone to be ready at a moment’s notice.
Time per person
This is where experience definitely matters. Someone just starting out will be slower. A more experienced artist moves faster. If you need time on your side go with more experience.
Bridesmaids x 40 = Time
Time / 60 = Hours Needed
Plus 1 hour for Bride
= Time Needed to get ready
Adding an Assistant
When you have a party of 8 or more it is a good idea to add an assistant to keep things moving along.
If you have 10 bridesmaids but don’t want to get up at 6 am. Pay the assistant fee and we can do two bridesmaids at a time. We can get you ready in half the time. I know it costs more but it helps your day run smoother.
If you have more time but a lot of people? PAY THE ASSISTANT FEE. This keeps your artist from getting fatigued and always doing their best work not an assembly line of makeup.
Adding an assistant is a courtesy to your maids that they won’t have to be getting up at 5am to face the long day that lay ahead of them. They will greatly appreciate the gesture.
Getting Ready Locations
Nothing will eat into your time more than having your artist switch locations.
Remember it takes us 15-20 minutes to set up and break down, not to mention going and traveling to another location. Set up alone could run up to 40 minutes total and travel time could be longer. If time is a concern, have your party get ready all in one location.
TIP: Don’t like your finance’s sister? Ask your venue to allow you to use a conference room to host your getting ready area. This way you can go back to your room and the people you care less about won’t be with you the entire time. Shady, yes, but it keeps the energy positive and fun. Talk sweetly and we may add a touch extra blue eyeshadow just for you.
The Slow Moving Maid
Nothing will slow your wedding down more than the slow moving maids.
You know, the “get in the chair” or fighting over who will go first or last?
Be sure to tell your maids in the interest of time, be ready to go at a moments notice.
Bride should always be in the middle but never last.
Removing Old Makeup
One of the things that slows us down as makeup artists is removing old makeup and not having a clean canvas to start with.
It’s best to come fresh faced and clean skin so you don’t run into any time issues.
Interruptions in the Makeup Chair
Cell phones, selfies, getting up multiple times while sitting in the makeup chair is one of the #1 reasons wedding parties run late. To keep from being tardy to the church, be ready to relax and enjoy your time in peace.
It may be the only time you get to relax. Savor it. When your done, selfie your way to kingdom come (then tag us in it!) #ChristineDidMyMakeup
The “I don’t know what I want”
One of the major cause of being late to the wedding are bridesmaids changing their mind during the getting ready process.
We know that bridesmaids don’t get trials, but it’s crucial to have them bring a photo of makeup or hairstyles they like. This keeps communication open between artist & client.
Having full expectations of what they want allows your artist or stylist to nail it the first time.
Be Prepared To Start On Time
The number one reason for time delays is not being where you need to be when your hair or makeup artist arrives. Makeup and hair teams usually arrive 15 minutes before start time to set up.
Be sure you are where you need to be and let the pros handle the rest. Teamwork is the name of the game!
I hope these tips help you decide how much time you need to get ready on your wedding day. And don’t stress. I am always here to help you if you have questions!
Make-up Artist Los Angeles 