Written By: Tris Alves Makeup and Aesthetics
How Far in Advance Should You Book Your Bridal Hair & Makeup Artist in Johannesburg, South Africa?
Planning your wedding comes with many decisions, and one of the biggest questions brides ask is when they should book their bridal hair and makeup artist. As a professional working with brides every week, I often see the same stress — a bride finds her dream artist… and the date is already taken.
The truth is, hair and makeup is one of the first suppliers you should secure after your venue.
Why Booking Late Causes So Much Stress
Most brides focus on décor, dresses and flowers first. But your beauty team controls your entire wedding morning timeline. If your artist is unavailable, you may need to:
- Change your getting-ready time
- Split your bridal party between artists
- Rush the morning
- Or compromise on the look you wanted
Unlike décor items, artists can only take one wedding per day.
The Ideal Booking Timeline
- 12–18 months before the wedding (Peak season: Sept–April)
If you’re getting married in spring or summer, you should book your artist as soon as you have your venue date confirmed. These months are extremely busy and popular artists are often fully booked a year in advance — especially Saturdays.
- 8–12 months before the wedding (Winter weddings: May–Aug)
Winter dates are slightly more flexible, but the best artists still fill their diaries early. Booking within this window ensures you get your first choice and allows enough time for trials and skin prep.
- 6 months or less
Possible — but risky.
When Should You Do Your Trial?
Your trial should not be too early — your skin tone, hair colour and style may change.
The sweet spot is usually:
6 – 8 weeks before your wedding
By then:
- Your dress is chosen
- Your accessories are ready
- Your hair colour is final
- Your skin routine is established
This allows us to refine your look rather than guess.
Why Brides Who Book Early Enjoy Their Wedding More
The biggest difference I see between relaxed brides and anxious brides isn’t personality — it’s planning certainty.
When your artist is secured:
- Your morning timeline is set
- Your bridal party knows what to expect
- You’ve already seen your look
- There are no surprises
You simply sit down, have coffee, and enjoy the experience.
What Happens If You Leave It Too Late?
Late bookings often mean:
- No trial availability
- Limited start times
- Multiple locations
- Or a style you didn’t truly choose
Your wedding morning should feel calm — not like problem-solving.
Your hair and makeup artist isn’t just a supplier — they guide the energy of your morning. Booking early gives you structure, confidence and peace of mind.
If you’re unsure about your timing, I always help my brides create a personalised beauty schedule so the day feels smooth, relaxed and enjoyable from the first appointment to walking down the aisle.
