Your wedding beauty timeline
- ThePlus Audio
Please click here to listen to this article
As soon as you get engaged, there’s so much to do – but how early should you start to think about booking your make-up artist (MUA) and beginning your skincare regime?
Leigh Blaney of Make-up by Leigh Blaney explains, “I have a three-year diary… and some prime popular dates and bank holidays have been snapped up for 2027!”
Leigh says it used to be more common for MUAs and hair stylists to be booked just a year before the wedding, but now it’s all about priorities.
“Some brides work around the availability of their MUAs and hairstylists before they choose their date.
“It’s all about what’s important to each bride,” she says.
At YSW we frequently speak to couples who know from day one who they need on their dream team to pull together their perfect day and we always say if you know who your wished-for suppliers are book them in as soon as you secure your wedding date and venue.
Amy McCann of ARK Bridal agrees.
She says, “If you have a make-up artist in mind that you love, get in touch with them ASAP to see if they have your date free.
“All businesses differ on how far in advance they open their diaries.
“We open a year in advance but some will open two to three years in advance.”
If you don’t already have a preferred MUA then all of our experts suggest doing some research on social media, looking up testimonials and reviews.
And of course leafing through the pages of YSW or heading to our website is always a good start!
“You could also book in for an occasion make-up before booking (if they offer this service) to explore their style and personalities before committing,” Amy suggests.
And don’t forget to think about budget and find a MUA who aligns with your price range.
Make Up by Leigh Blaney – ALL PHOTOS | Laura A Tiliman Photography
Booking a trial
Once you have found your chosen make-up artist it’s time to book a trial to see exactly how your w-day look will play out.
We reckon it’s a good idea to pop this in the diary to coincide with a night out or other special occasion.
After all, what’s the point in having your make-up professionally done if you’re going straight home to sit in your jammies?!
Amy usually recommends trials between one to three months before the wedding day so clients have the clearest picture in their mind of what they envisage for their look.
“Some brides elect to have a trial just for them and some bring along a bridesmaid or mum for a second opinion – or for them to have a trial too.
“We advise not bringing too many people along as not all artists are able to accommodate this and you don’t want to be overloaded with opinions.
“Yours is the only one that truly matters!”
Leigh says the year of the wedding is her preference for a trial.
“Make-up trends and products change and update constantly.
“I leave it to my brides about who gets a trial.
“Brides are essential for trials, but I usually suggest they ask who else wants one and who’s happy waiting until the day.”
ARK Bridal
Twelve to six months to go
When there’s still a little while to go, it’s a good idea to settle on your skincare regime.
Amy says, “We usually advise seriously thinking about skincare and aesthetics treatments a year in advance.
“Sensitivities can occur in any case and the closer you are to the wedding, the harder it may be to recover your skin in time!”
Leigh explains, “I always suggest going to a skin specialist and starting a really good skin regime around a year before the wedding and sticking to that.
“It’s personalised to you and your needs.
“Don’t do any quick-fix TikTok trends.
“Be good to yourself and be kind to yourself.”
When to stop treatments
Knowing when to stop your beauty treatments is just as important as when to start.
Leigh says to be led by your specialist and not to panic a month before the wedding and do things you’ve never had before.
“You might take a reaction. So give yourself the right amount of time.
“If you’re not sure, don’t do it.”
And remember to leave yourself plenty of time for any other beauty treatments, sticking to a cut-off date.
Amy says, “Your last facial would ideally be a week before, aesthetic treatments around two weeks before, waxing one week before and nails/spray tanning two days before your wedding day.
Last few days!
With a matter of days until the wedding, our experts say to prioritise self-care.
Leigh advises putting aside a full day for beauty appointments like tans, nails and waxing. And Amy adds, “Make hydration your top priority, drinking lots of water and eating as healthily as possible.”
