Planning the perfect wedding day timeline helps ensure a smooth, stress-free celebration where you can actually enjoy getting ready with your closest friends and family.
The getting-ready portion sets the tone for the entire wedding day, giving you precious moments to savor with your wedding party while ensuring everyone looks their best.
This quick guide breaks down a realistic wedding day prep schedule, with buffer time built in for unexpected delays.
Sample Wedding Day Getting Ready Timeline
Time | Activity |
---|---|
7:00 AM | Wake up, light breakfast |
8:00 AM | Hair and makeup team arrives |
8:30 AM | Bridesmaids begin hair/makeup |
10:30 AM | Bride’s hair and makeup begins |
12:30 PM | Light lunch served |
1:30 PM | Bride gets dressed |
2:00 PM | Photos begin |
3:00 PM | First look (if scheduled) |
4:00 PM | Ceremony |
Essential Tips for a Smooth Getting Ready Experience
- Book hair and makeup artists at least 6 months in advance
- Allow 60-90 minutes per person for hair and makeup
- Schedule the bride’s beauty services last so everything stays fresh
- Add 30 minutes of buffer time to account for delays
- Designate someone to track the timeline and keep everyone on schedule
What to Have Ready in the Getting Ready Suite
- Full-length mirror
- Steamer for dresses
- Emergency kit (safety pins, fashion tape, sewing kit)
- Plenty of bottled water
- Light, clean snacks
- Phone chargers
- Bluetooth speaker for music
- All accessories and undergarments
Timeline Adjustments Based on Photography Needs
Work with your photographer to determine how much time they need for getting ready photos, detail shots, and formal portraits.
- Detail shots (dress, shoes, jewelry): 30 minutes
- Getting ready candids: 45-60 minutes
- First look: 30 minutes
- Wedding party photos: 45-60 minutes
- Family portraits: 30-45 minutes
Managing Your Wedding Party
- Send the timeline to everyone 1 week before
- Ask bridesmaids to arrive with clean, dry hair
- Request everyone brings their own makeup for touch-ups
- Assign specific roles to keep things organized
- Consider providing matching robes or getting-ready outfits
Planning for Success
Start your wedding day preparation timeline backwards from your ceremony time to ensure adequate coverage for all activities.
Book your beauty team through reputable vendors – consider reviews on WeddingWire or The Knot for reliable recommendations.
Most importantly, remember to eat, stay hydrated, and take moments to breathe and enjoy this special time with your loved ones.
Weather Considerations
Different weather conditions can impact your getting-ready timeline and should be factored into your planning.
- Humid conditions may require extra time for hair styling
- Rain contingency should include extra travel time
- Hot weather necessitates additional makeup setting time
- Consider indoor backup locations for photos
Transportation Logistics
- Schedule transportation arrival 15 minutes early
- Book separate vehicles for different groups if needed
- Plan parking arrangements for the getting-ready location
- Have backup transportation contacts available
Vendor Coordination
Morning Deliveries
- Flowers arrival time: 1-2 hours before photos
- Cake delivery coordination
- Rental item drop-offs
- Coordinator check-in schedule
Making Memories That Last
Your wedding morning should be a celebration in itself, not just preparation for the ceremony. Create an environment that allows you to cherish these moments while staying organized.
- Take candid photos with your wedding party
- Write notes to each other
- Share a special moment with parents
- Document the transformation process
- Create a playlist of meaningful songs
Creating Your Perfect Wedding Morning
The key to a successful wedding morning lies in thorough planning while maintaining flexibility. Remember that this time is about more than just getting ready – it’s about celebrating the start of your wedding day with those closest to you.
By following this comprehensive timeline and preparation guide, you’ll set yourself up for a relaxed, joyful morning that flows seamlessly into your ceremony and reception. Keep your schedule realistic, your expectations manageable, and your focus on what truly matters: beginning your marriage surrounded by love and support.
FAQs
1. How many hours before the ceremony should the bride start getting ready?
Most brides should begin getting ready 4-5 hours before the ceremony. Hair typically takes 60-90 minutes per person, makeup takes 45-60 minutes, and you’ll need extra time for dressing, photos, and unexpected delays.
2. What order should bridesmaids get ready in?
Bridesmaids should get ready before the bride, with the mother of the bride and mother of the groom scheduled in between. The bride should be last to ensure her hair and makeup are freshest for the ceremony and photos.
3. When should hair and makeup artists arrive?
Hair and makeup artists should arrive and set up 30 minutes before the first person’s scheduled time. For a 4pm ceremony, they typically start working around 9am-10am depending on the size of the bridal party.
4. Should the bride do hair or makeup first?
Most makeup artists recommend doing makeup first, followed by hair. This prevents hair products from interfering with the makeup application and allows the bride to touch up makeup if needed after the hairstyling.
5. What time should the photographer arrive during getting ready?
The photographer should arrive about 30-45 minutes before the bride puts on her dress to capture detail shots, candid getting-ready moments, and the dress being put on.
6. When should the bride put on her wedding dress?
The bride should put on her wedding dress approximately 60-75 minutes before the ceremony or first look photos. This allows time for bridesmaids’ help, photographer documentation, and final touches.
7. How can I ensure everyone stays on schedule during getting ready?
Create a detailed timeline with 15-minute buffers between services, assign a timekeeper (often the maid of honor), and share the schedule with all vendors and bridal party members in advance.
8. What items should be ready before hair and makeup begin?
Have all details shots items ready (dress, shoes, jewelry, invitations, rings), breakfast/snacks, robes/getting ready outfits, emergency kit, and proper lighting and mirrors in the getting ready space.
9. Should the bride eat during getting ready time?
Yes, the bride should eat a protein-rich breakfast and light snacks throughout the getting ready process to maintain energy levels and prevent lightheadedness during the ceremony.
10. What’s the ideal getting ready room setup?
The getting ready space should have natural light, multiple electrical outlets, full-length mirrors, adequate seating, hangers for dresses, and enough room for the entire bridal party and vendors to move comfortably.