7 things I wish every bride knew before planning

With over 100 weddings as a bridal makeup artist and hairstylist under my belt and a previous 2022 bride, the following list contains the 7 things I wish every bride knew before planning their wedding. Social media has created an image of what wedding celebrations should look like, but I want to give you a behind the chair perspective intention that I believe will help educate and prepare you for what’s to come. 

1.All getting ready photos are staged and taken when you and your whole party are absolutely 100% done with hair and makeup.

This is key when trusting the process and allowing your artist to plan your service timeline by working backwards from your photographer arrival. If you aren’t planning to capture getting ready photos at your bridal suite, when you wish to depart for your next destination is the best time to work backwards from.

2. Always add buffer time in your timeline.

You need to include buffer time into your morning if you want to have breathing room and to avoid feeling rushed. Work backwards from when you leave to depart from your getting-ready location to your ceremony and add even more buffer time! P.S. If you have an early ceremony, your getting ready time will be early.

3. Choose your getting ready space wisely.

More space is always welcome and natural lighting is crucial during your wedding morning. If getting ready photos isn’t your thing and your photographer is meeting you at your venue, it is still a huge benefit to have more space if you have a large bridal party with multiple hairstylists and makeup artists in your glam squad. More space will bring you more breathing room and peace of mind with more individuals present. Booking your hotel’s meeting and conference rooms are a great alternative to booking a large suite.

4. Avoid trying new skin care before the wedding.

Your skin routine should be on lock 6 months prior to your wedding morning. Work with a licensed skin specialist to make sure your skin concerns are addressed with at home and in clinic treatments if needed. Adverse reactions from trying a new trendy skincare product is not worth it the week of your wedding.

5. Plan your wedding day experience intentionally.

Before planning, make a list of what is most important to you and what your non-negotiables are. This can go beyond your makeup and hair experience. You don’t need to do every wedding activity that you saved on instagram reels or tiktok, enjoy your celebration of love that will honor you! This is also true when select your wedding professionals to match your vibe and to help you create your dream morning.

6. Wear a cute getting-ready outfit!

Wearing a similar color and neckline to your wedding dress will seriously help bring your entire look together while sitting in your makeup artist’s chair. Find a dreamy robe to wear if you are chilly! Avoid wearing a baggy t-shirt because you will not be happy struggling to take off your shirt over your head after finishing your hair and makeup.

7. Last but definitely not least: Start your inner work now.

You are going to be marrying the love of your life on this special day! You are loved by so many. Please, please, please love yourself so much that the bridal hair and makeup I create for you is a cherry on top. The art I create with my brides runs far deeper than surface level. I am in the business of enhancing beauty and helping you feel like the best version of yourself—not in the business to make you look like a model you found on Pinterest.