After months (sometimes years!) of planning your wedding, the big day has finally arrived. The excitement is real, the nerves might be kicking in, and you're surrounded by your favourite people. Your wedding morning should be one of the most memorable parts of your day, but between getting everyone ready, keeping to a timeline and making sure everything is where it needs to be, it's easy for things to become a little chaotic.
As a professional bridal hair and makeup artist, I've been part of many wedding mornings, and I've seen how a little preparation can make a world of difference. So, here are some of my wedding morning do's and don'ts to help you have a relaxed, enjoyable morning and ensure your hair and makeup look beautiful for as long as possible.
DO: Relax, have fun and enjoy the moment!
I know, easier said than done! But remember, this is your wedding day. You've spent so much time planning everything, so try to give yourself permission to enjoy it.
Put on some music, have a laugh with your bridal party, share a few happy tears and soak up the excitement.
Your hair and makeup appointments are also a chance to sit back, relax and let someone else take care of you for a change.
Don't feel like you need to be constantly checking the time or worrying about what's happening next. That's what your wedding planner, coordinator or designated helper is there for.
And if something doesn't go exactly according to plan? Take a breath. The little things that feel like a big deal in the moment often become funny stories later.
DO: Eat, drink and keep your energy up
This is one of the most important things I remind my brides about!
Wedding mornings can start very early, and you've got a long day ahead of you. Between hair and makeup, getting dressed, photographs, the ceremony and celebrations, you might not get a proper meal for several hours.
Even if you're feeling nervous and don't have much of an appetite, try to eat something before we get started.
Have breakfast, keep some easy snacks nearby and remember to drink water throughout the morning.
You don't want to be feeling lightheaded, tired or running on an empty stomach before you've even walked down the aisle!
A little preparation goes a long way. Arrange for someone to organise breakfast, snacks and drinks for the bridal party so you don't have to think about it.
DO: Delegate, delegate, delegate!
Repeat after me: I do not need to do everything myself on my wedding day.
There are so many little tasks that need to be taken care of on the morning of your wedding. From answering questions from vendors to organising family members, collecting bouquets, steaming outfits and checking timelines, it can quickly become overwhelming.
Choose a trusted person (or a few!) who can take care of these things for you.
Your maid of honour, bridesmaids, wedding planner or family members can help with the practical stuff while you focus on enjoying your morning.
The less you have to worry about, the more relaxed you'll feel.
And please, don't feel guilty about asking for help. People who love you are generally more than happy to be part of making your day special.
DON'T: Leave steaming dresses until after hair and makeup
This is a big one, and something I really encourage brides to plan for in advance.
Steamers are wonderful for getting rid of wrinkles in wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses and other outfits. But the steam and humidity they create can be detrimental to freshly styled hair and makeup.
Here's why:
Humidity and moisture can affect your hairstyle. Heat and steam can cause hair to become damp, making it more prone to frizz, losing its shape or dropping out of curls. Even a beautifully secured hairstyle can be affected by excess moisture in the air.
Steam can affect your makeup. Heat can cause you to perspire, and moisture on the skin can disturb freshly applied foundation, concealer and other complexion products. This can lead to makeup becoming patchy, shifting or looking less fresh.
It can undo hours of work. Your hair and makeup artist has carefully selected products and techniques to help your look last throughout the day. Introducing unnecessary heat and humidity afterwards can compromise that longevity.
My advice? Steam all dresses, veils and outfits the day before your wedding wherever possible.
If something absolutely needs steaming on the wedding morning, please have someone who hasn't had their hair and makeup done take care of it, preferably in a separate room away from the getting-ready space.
Your future self (and your hair and makeup artist) will thank you!
DON'T: Plan intense activities or dance practices after getting your hair and makeup done
I completely understand wanting to squeeze in every last detail before the ceremony. Perhaps you want to practise a bridal party dance, have a full dance rehearsal or get everyone involved in some energetic activities.
But I'd strongly recommend scheduling these before your hair and makeup appointments, rather than afterwards.
Here's why:
Sweating can affect your makeup. Physical activity raises your body temperature and causes perspiration. Sweat can break down makeup, particularly around the forehead, nose and upper lip, and may cause it to shift or separate.
Movement can disturb your hairstyle. Jumping, vigorous dancing and repeated movement can loosen pins, disturb curls and cause hair to become frizzy, especially if the weather is warm or humid.
You'll want to avoid unnecessary touch-ups. Your hair and makeup are designed to last, but they're not indestructible! The more physical activity you do after your appointment, the more likely you are to need extra time for repairs.
Of course, I'm not saying you need to sit completely still for the rest of the morning. Hug your loved ones, laugh, take photos and enjoy yourself!
Just save the high-energy dance rehearsals and anything that will leave you hot and sweaty for earlier in the day, before your glam session.
DO: Prepare your getting-ready space in advance
A comfortable, organised space makes a huge difference to your hair and makeup team and the overall flow of the morning.
If you're getting ready at home, in a hotel or at a bridal suite, try to have these things sorted before your artists arrive:
A space with plenty of natural light
A table or surface for makeup products and hair tools
Access to power outlets
A comfortable chair and enough room for your artists to work
A clean, uncluttered area for the bridal party
Your dress, accessories, veil and jewellery organised and ready
It also helps to have everyone know when their hair and makeup appointments are scheduled so that nobody is rushing in at the last minute.
The more organised the space, the smoother the morning tends to run.
DO: Have your outfit ready for getting your hair and makeup done
Think carefully about what you'll wear while getting ready.
A button-up shirt, robe or something that can be easily removed without pulling over your head is ideal.
The last thing you want is to have a beautiful hairstyle finished and then have to pull a tight-necked top over it!
It's a small detail, but one that can save you from unnecessary stress and protect your finished look.
DON'T: Leave everything until the last minute
Your wedding morning is not the time to be hunting for earrings, searching for your veil, trying to find your shoes or figuring out where your lipstick is.
Have everything organised the night before.
If your photographer is capturing getting-ready photos, you may also want to have your invitation, perfume, rings, jewellery and other special details gathered together in one place.
A little preparation means fewer interruptions and more time to enjoy those lovely candid moments with your bridal party.
DO: Trust your hair and makeup artists
You've chosen your artists for a reason, so trust them to do what they do best.
Of course, communicate your preferences, share your inspiration photos and let them know if you have any concerns. A good hair and makeup artist wants you to feel comfortable, heard and happy with your look.
But once you're in the chair, allow yourself to relax and enjoy being pampered.
And remember, your trial is the perfect opportunity to discuss your look, make adjustments and ensure you feel confident about the plan for your wedding day.
Your wedding morning should be something you enjoy, not just get through
Ultimately, your wedding morning is about more than getting your hair and makeup done.
It's about spending time with the people you love, celebrating the beginning of a new chapter and creating memories you'll look back on for years to come.
A little preparation, a realistic timeline and a willingness to let others help can make all the difference.
And when it comes to your bridal hair and makeup? My goal is always to create a look that makes you feel beautiful, confident and completely yourself, while helping it last through all the special moments ahead.
So eat your breakfast, drink your water, put on your favourite playlist, leave the steamer alone and most importantly…
Relax. Have fun. It's your wedding day! 🤍
Getting married in Auckland, New Zealand?
I'm Naeema, a professional mobile bridal hair and makeup artist based in Auckland. I love helping brides feel beautiful, confident and comfortable in their own skin on their wedding day.
If you're looking for a bridal hair and makeup artist for your Auckland wedding or celebration, I'd love to hear from you.
