When to Book Your Wedding Makeup Artist: The Timeline Every Bride Needs
One of the most common questions brides ask is, "When should I book my wedding makeup artist?"
The short answer: as early as possible!
Makeup artists, especially those specializing in luxury bridal looks, can book out 9 to 18 months in advance — particularly for popular wedding months like May through October. If you have a specific artist in mind whose work you love, or if you're getting married on a Saturday during peak season, reaching out early is key to securing your dream team.
But let’s dig a little deeper. In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know about booking timelines, why early booking makes a huge difference, and my personal Makeup with Anna K recommendations to help make your bridal beauty prep seamless and stress-free.
Ideal Booking Timelines Based on Your Wedding Date
Peak Wedding Season (May–October):
Book 12–18 months in advance if possible.
If you're planning a Saturday wedding or a destination wedding, lean closer to 18 months.
Off-Peak Season (November–April):
Booking 6–12 months in advance is usually safe.
Last-minute dates may sometimes be available, but it’s never a guarantee — especially for key holiday weekends!
Destination Weddings:
Start the conversation 18+ months out if you have a destination wedding in mind.
Travel logistics and securing accommodations can take a little more planning.
At Makeup with Anna K, we start receiving inquiries as soon as a bride sets her date and venue — sometimes even before the dress shopping begins! The earlier we connect, the more options you’ll have when it comes to scheduling your trial, locking in your bridal party glam, and customizing the perfect look for your day.
Why Booking Early Guarantees a Better Trial Experience
When you book early, you’re not just reserving a spot on my calendar — you’re opening the door to a more relaxed, intentional experience leading up to your wedding.
Flexible Trial Scheduling: You'll have more flexibility when choosing a date for your bridal trial — which can be especially helpful if you want your trial for an engagement shoot, bridal shower, or hair trial day.
Time to Customize: Booking early gives us time to tweak, adjust, and perfect your look based on your evolving wedding details (like your dress, venue, or floral style).
Less Stress: No last-minute scrambling to find someone you love and trust. You’ll feel calm, confident, and excited every step of the way.
How Securing Your Artist Early Supports Your Beauty Prep
Your wedding day makeup isn't just about one day — it’s the final touch on months (sometimes years!) of beauty preparation.
By securing your artist early, we can plan ahead for things like:
Skincare Routines: I love guiding brides toward skincare goals that ensure their skin is healthy, hydrated, and radiant on the big day.
Brow Shaping: Perfect brows take time! Regular brow appointments leading up to the wedding help create a natural, beautiful shape.
Facials and Treatments: Having time allows you to schedule any facials or gentle treatments that will enhance your skin’s natural glow without risking last-minute irritation.
The earlier we connect, the more intentional we can be about preparing your canvas so your makeup sits beautifully and lasts all day and night.
Makeup With Anna K: My Recommended Timeline
Here’s the simple timeline I recommend for Makeup with Anna K brides:
12–18 Months Before: Book your wedding date and secure your artist with a signed contract and retainer.
4–6 Months Before: Schedule your bridal trial.
3–4 Months Before: Finalize your full bridal beauty plan, including timeline details for your wedding morning.
2 Weeks Before: Confirm final headcount for bridal party makeup services.
Wedding Day: Relax, pop the bubbly, and enjoy every moment while my team and I take care of you!
Final Thoughts:
The earlier you book your makeup artist, the smoother and more stress-free your wedding planning will feel. Your bridal beauty is such a special part of your day, and it deserves the same level of attention and care as every other detail.
If you're ready to chat about your wedding, I would love to hear from you!
Let’s start planning your dream bridal glam together.
