Getting ready for your wedding is one of the most exciting parts of the entire planning process, but let’s be honest, it can also feel overwhelming at times, even for the best of us. Your wedding hair and makeup are a major part of your overall look, and the last thing you want is to feel unprepared on one of the biggest days of your life. From timelines and trials to extensions and beauty budgets, we’re covering everything you need to plan your bridal hair and makeup like a pro and give you memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re a DIY bride using clip in hair extensions or working with a glam squad who are permanent extensions experts, we’re here as your fairy hair godmother to give you all the love and support you need!
Start Planning Early
The best way to avoid stress is to start planning your bridal beauty look as early as possible, ideally 9 to 12 months before your big day. Use Pinterest, Instagram, and of course, the Cliphair Bridal Lookbook to explore different bridal styles. Create a mood board with different bridal aesthetics that suit your wedding theme and personality. Once you have a vision, begin researching hair and makeup artists in your local area. Top bridal stylists often get booked up quickly – especially during peak wedding seasons like spring and summer. Booking early gives you the best chance of securing the right professional for your big day, and getting to grips with the different bridal hair prices and makeup artists out there.
Choosing the Right Hair & Makeup Artist
Picking the right artist is about more than just talent, it’s also about trust. You need someone who understands your vision and knows how to make it happen under time pressure. Look for artists with great reviews, a solid portfolio of wedding work, and a style that aligns with yours. Whether you want a sun kissed glow, a dramatic full beat, or natural flushed cheeks, your artist should be 100% confident in delivering that style.
Another great tip is to make sure you ask about bridal party packages. Many professionals offer bundle options that include the bride, bridesmaids, mother of the bride, and even flower girls. For larger parties, your artist may bring an assistant or recommend someone they regularly collaborate with. You might also consider booking a separate makeup artist if you have a big group to ensure everything stays on schedule.
Wedding Hair Trials: What to Know
A hair and makeup trial for wedding days are essential; they're like dress rehearsals before the main event. Plan to have your first trial around three months before your wedding day. This gives you plenty of time to make changes, find a set of clip in extensions that are right for you, try a second look, or switch everything up altogether if needed. If you’re considering opting for professional hair extensions like tape ins or nanos, we also advise installing them around 7 weeks before your wedding to decide if they work for you, before replenishing and re-applying a fresh set in the days leading up to the date.
To get the most accurate result, wear makeup and an outfit that mimics your wedding dress neckline, such as strapless, halter, or off-the-shoulder. Bring your veil, favourite bridal hair accessories, and trusty clip-in hair extensions to your trial so your stylist can see how everything works together. It’s also a great opportunity to test how well the style holds up over a few hours and ensure you feel comfortable wearing it all day. The last thing you want is to unravel your stylist’s hard work before you get to the dancefloor!
Match Your Hair to Your Dress
Your hairstyle should compliment your dress, not compete with it. Think about the silhouette, neckline, and fabric of your gown when choosing a bridal hairstyle. For example, backless dresses pair beautifully with updos that show off your back detail, while soft waves or half-up styles are stunning with romantic off-the-shoulder gowns.
Don’t forget the accessories. A well-placed comb, a few floral accents, or a delicate veil can add the perfect finishing touch. Just be sure your accessories work with your hair, not against it. You want them to elevate your look, not overwhelm it.
Hair Extensions & Colour Matching
Hair extensions can completely transform your bridal look by adding volume, length, and styling options. Whether you’re dreaming of glam curls, a voluminous bun, or an intricate braid, Remy hair extensions offer the flexibility to achieve your vision, even if your natural hair isn’t quite there yet. If you suffer with thin hair or your locks are on the shorter side, there’s absolutely nothing stopping you from achieving the hairstyle of your dreams with the help of hair extensions!
Our human hair extensions are designed to blend beautifully with your natural hair. Our free colour match service makes it easy to find the perfect shade, and if you’re unsure where to start, our bridal hair quiz will point you in the right direction.
Some of our most popular bridal extension shades include soft blondes, warm balayage, and rich brunettes. Our seamless clip in extensions are especially loved by brides for their thick ends and super discreet seams, making them perfect for updos.
Budget & Beauty Prep
Planning your bridal beauty budget early on can help avoid last-minute surprises. In the UK, you can expect to spend around £100–£300 for bridal hair and £100–£250 for makeup. Bridesmaids usually cost between £60–£100 per person, while flower girls can range from £20 to £30 depending on the look.
It’s important to discuss costs with your bridal party in advance. Bridal party hair and makeup costs and arrangements can differ, but traditionally, the bride covers the cost for the group, especially if she’s requesting a specific look. However, this isn’t a concrete rule, some bridesmaids may offer to pay for their own services, especially if they want a particular type of permanent hair extensions like tape-ins or nano rings, so just be sure to clarify expectations early.
In the final weeks before your wedding, create a morning-of timeline with your hair and makeup artists. This ensures everyone is ready on time and keeps stress levels low. Lastly, pack a touch-up kit with essentials like blotting paper, lip colour, silky spray, a wave comb, and hairpins to keep your hair fresh and your makeup snatched from the ceremony to the last glass of champagne.
Conclusion:
Need help choosing your bridal hair extensions this year? Check out our exclusive Bridal Collection, explore some of our best-selling shades, from Ice Blonde to Espresso Melt, and try our free express colour match to find your perfect set. If you’re in need of further inspo, our Ultimate Bridal Hair Guide is your new go-to. Whether you’re saying “I do” in a countryside barn or a grand ballroom, we’re here to make sure your hair and makeup are as unforgettable as your dress.
