By Sonja Schwarz, bridal stylist and hair & make-up artist since 2010 ·
On the wedding morning, time is the most valuable thing. That is why I always work backwards: from the time of the ceremony I subtract travel, getting dressed, photos and buffer, and then plan who sits in my chair when.
How much time styling takes
- Bride, make-up and hair: about two hours
- Bride, make-up only or hair only: about one hour
- Guest, make-up and hair: about one hour
- Guest, make-up only or hair only: about 30 minutes
- Guest, updo: about 45 minutes
- Arrival and setup: 20 minutes
- Buffer and final check: 15 minutes
Example: ceremony at 2 pm
With a ceremony at 2 pm, 30 minutes of travel, one hour for getting dressed and photos and two guests with make-up and hair, the morning looks like this:
- 7:55 am: I arrive and set up
- 8:15 am: guest 1
- 9:15 am: guest 2
- 10:15 am: you, the bride
- 12:15 pm: buffer and final check
- 12:30 pm: getting dressed and photos
- 1:30 pm: travel to the ceremony
- 2:00 pm: ceremony
Schedule generator
You can work out your own schedule with my schedule generator. Enter the time of the ceremony and the number of guests, it works backwards and you can share the plan or print it as a PDF.
Tips for a relaxed morning
- Wear a button-up top, so nothing has to go over your head after your hair is done
- Keep a spot by the window with daylight and a power socket free
- Have breakfast and water ready, with a straw for after the make-up
- Lay out your dress, shoes, jewellery and veil the evening before
- Tell your photographer when styling will be finished so she can capture the final touches
If there are many guests or a very early start, I work with a second stylist. Mention it in your enquiry. A quiet getting-ready location near Düsseldorf is my holiday apartment in Mettmann.
Your bridal styling with Sonja
Make-up and hair from one artist, with a trial. In the studio in Mettmann or at your place in Düsseldorf, Cologne and all of NRW.
