How Long Does Bridal Hair and Makeup Take in Cape Town?
Bridal makeup takes about an hour to an hour and a half, and bridal hair about an hour. If I do both for you one after the other, plan on roughly two to two and a half hours before you get dressed. A trial takes up to three hours.
I'm based in Milnerton and I come to you, so here is how I work out the timing for a Cape Town wedding morning.
Bridal hair and makeup time at a glance
| What | Rough time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Bridal makeup | 1 to 1.5 hours | Longer if you wear false lashes |
| Bridal hair | About 1 hour | Long hair, extensions or a detailed style can take longer |
| Hair and makeup together | 2 to 2.5 hours | Add a buffer before photos |
| Bridal trial | Up to 3 hours | We settle on your look and try it out |
| Bridesmaids and mums | Quicker per person | It adds up, so tell me how many |
These are rough guides. Your hair, your look and the size of your group decide the real number.
What makes bridal hair and makeup take longer?
Your hair
Long, thick hair and extensions take more time, and so does a detailed style with braiding or lots of pinning. A simple half-up style is quicker.
Your makeup
False lashes add time. A very natural look is often quicker than a full glam look, but I never rush the skin, because that is what makes makeup last. I use a combination of the Smink Setting Spray and the Revlon Setting Spray at the end, and that step takes a few minutes too.
The size of your group
One person is simple. Eight people is a schedule. For large bridal parties I always bring an assistant artist, so we work as a team and everyone is ready on time. It also means we don't need a 4am start.
Work backwards from your ceremony
Start with the time you need to be dressed and ready for photos. Then subtract the hair and makeup time, and a buffer on top.
For example, if you want to be ready for photos at 12:30, and your hair and makeup take two and a half hours, we start by 10:00 at the latest. I'd suggest 9:30, so there is room for a bite to eat and a few calm minutes. My wedding morning timeline shows how to plan the rest of the morning, including who goes first.
A trial tells you how long your look really takes
At a trial we try your hair and makeup properly, so by the wedding morning we know your timing. Read more in 5 Reasons to Do a Wedding Makeup Trial, and see how to prepare for it.
Quick answers
When should my hair and makeup start?
Early enough to finish before your photos, with a buffer. Tell me your ceremony time and I'll work out the start time with you.
Does hair or makeup go first?
It depends on your look and the venue. We decide at your trial or when we plan your morning.
Can you come to my venue or home?
Yes. I come to you, and you can get ready at home, at your venue or at your hotel. Travel costs depend on where you are, so send me your venue.
Let's plan your morning
If you'd like a start time for your wedding, get in touch with your date, venue and the number of people who need hair and makeup.
Before you book, you can read my Booking Terms.