When Should You Book Your Wedding Hair & Makeup Artist?

One of the very first questions brides ask after getting engaged is:

“When should I book my wedding hair and makeup artist?”

Short answer? Earlier than you probably think!

Long answer? Let’s walk through it together so you can book with confidence and zero stress.

At Updos For I Dos, we’ve worked with thousands of brides across Baltimore, DC, Northern Virginia, and beyond, and timing your bridal hair and makeup booking correctly can truly make a huge difference in how smooth your planning experience feels.

When Is The Ideal Time to Book Wedding Hair & Makeup?

For most weddings, we recommend booking your wedding hair and makeup artist(s) 9–12 months in advance.

Why book so early?

Top bridal hair and makeup artists book quickly!

Peak wedding season dates fill first (especially spring and fall)

Larger bridal parties require more artists

If your wedding falls on a Saturday March through June and August through November, booking early is especially important! 

What Happens If You Wait Too Long?

Waiting can limit your options, and we’re not just talking stylistically! 

When brides delay booking wedding hair and makeup, we often see:

Limited availability for their wedding date

Fewer options (especially!)  for large bridal parties

Less flexibility with getting-ready timelines

Increased stress as the wedding day approaches

Booking early gives you peace of mind and allows your beauty team to fully plan for your wedding morning.

Booking Timeline by Wedding Type

Peak Season Weddings

(Spring, Summer, Fall | Saturdays)

Book 10–12 months in advance

These dates go fastest, especially in high-demand wedding destinations like Charleston and the DMV.

Off-Season or Weekday Weddings

(Winter months, Fridays, Sundays)

Book 6–9 months in advance

You may have slightly more flexibility, but earlier is always safer!

Large Bridal Parties (8+ services)

Book as early as possible

More services = more artists = more coordination. Booking early ensures your entire party is covered completely seamlessly!

When Should Hair & Makeup Trials Happen?

Your bridal hair and makeup trial typically takes place:

2-4 months before your wedding day

After your dress and accessories are chosen
When you have inspiration images ready

This is another reason booking early matters; your artist’s calendar fills up quickly for trials, especially if you’re wanting to have your trial around peak wedding season! 

Why Brides Choose to Book a Team vs. a Single Artist

Many brides assume one artist is enough, until timelines (and lots of other logistics) come into play.

Working with a professional bridal hair and makeup team (like Updos For I Dos, wink wink!) allows for:

Multiple artists for larger parties

A smooth, on-time wedding morning

Built-in backups and support

Consistent, polished results across your bridal party

Our team also creates custom beauty timelines, ensuring your morning flows calmly and stays completely stress-free!

What to Do If Your Wedding Is Soon

If your wedding is less than six months away, don’t panic!

We still encourage you to:

Reach out to professional teams immediately

Be as flexible as possible so we can hopefully accommodate you

You may be surprised what’s possible with the right team!

Book Vendors Early, Relax Later

Your wedding hair and makeup set the tone for your entire day. Booking early gives you:

Confidence in your vendor team

A smoother planning process

A calm, joyful wedding morning

At Updos For I Dos, we believe bridal beauty should feel exciting, effortless, and completely stress-free, and it all starts with booking the right people at the right time!

Ready to Reserve Your Wedding Date?

We’d love to be part of your day! Contact our team at Updos For I Dos now to check availability and begin planning your perfect bridal look! We can’t wait to chat with you. 

Cover Photo Credit: Bakerture Photography