The short answer? Earlier than you think.
The longer answer (and the helpful one) is below
Why Bridal Hair & Makeup Gets Booked Early
Bridal hair and makeup artists usually only take one wedding per day (sometimes two with an assistant). Once that date is gone, it’s gone.
Popular wedding dates — especially spring and summer weekends — can book up 12–18 months in advance!
If hair and makeup is important to you (and for most brides, it really is), it should be one of the first suppliers you secure
The Ideal Time to Book Your Bridal Hair & Makeup
12–18 months before your wedding (best case)
This is ideal if:
- You’re getting married between May–September
- Your wedding is on a Saturday
- You’ve found an artist whose style you truly love
Booking early gives you:
- Peace of mind
- More flexibility for trial dates
- Time to plan your wedding morning calmly
9–12 months before (still very good)
This works well for:
- Spring or autumn weddings
- Midweek weddings
- Smaller bridal parties
At this stage, many artists still have availability, but popular dates may already be filling up.
6 months or less (possible, but limited)
If you’re booking within 6 months:
- Availability may be limited
- You may need to be flexible on timings
- You may need to compromise on your first-choice artist
It’s not impossible — but it’s more stressful than it needs to be.
When Should You Book Your Bridal Hair & Makeup Trial?
A common misconception is that you need to book a trial before securing your artist.
In reality:
- You book your artist first
- Your trial usually happens 2–3 months before the wedding
This works better because:
- Your skin, hair colour and overall style are closer to the wedding
- You’ll likely have your dress and accessories chosen
- Trends and personal preferences can change over time
What If You’re Not Sure What Look You Want Yet?
That’s completely normal — and not a reason to delay booking.
Most brides don’t have a fully formed vision at the enquiry stage. A professional bridal hair and makeup artist will help guide you during your trial, based on:
- Your features
- Your dress
- Your wedding style
- How you want to feel on the day
You don’t need all the answers upfront — just a date and a general idea.
Why Booking Early Makes Your Wedding Morning Better
Booking your hair and makeup artist early isn’t just about availability — it’s about how your wedding morning feels.
An experienced bridal MUA will:
- Create a calm, organised schedule
- Help the morning run smoothly
- Allow you to relax and enjoy the process
- Make sure you still feel like you
A calm wedding morning sets the tone for the entire day.
If you’re wondering whether it’s “too early” to book your bridal hair and makeup artist, it usually isn’t.
Once you’ve set your date and venue, securing your hair and makeup should be high on your priority list — right alongside photography and your dress.
Enquiring About Bridal Hair & Makeup
If you’re getting married and would like to check availability for your date, you can get in touch via my contact page. I’m always happy to answer questions and talk through what might work best for you and your wedding.
Learn more about me as an artist here
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