On-Location Bridal Makeup: What to Expect on the Wedding Day
- Makeup By Mary
- Oct 1
- 3 min read
Your wedding day is one of the most exciting and memorable days of your life, but it can also be stressful. Between coordinating with wedding suppliers, greeting guests, and keeping everything on schedule, mornings can sometimes feel chaotic. That’s why having a professional makeup artist come to your bridal prep address or venue is the best option. Hiring a professional makeup artist who comes to you ensures you, and your bridal party look flawless without the stress of travelling or rushing. Here’s exactly what to expect when you book me as your bridal makeup.
Arrival & Setup
I typically arrive about 20 minutes before our scheduled start time. This gives me enough time to set up my station with all the products, brushes, and lighting needed to create your look.
A well-lit area is essential! Natural light is ideal, but professional lighting can work wonders if the space is dim or has warm/yellow-toned lighting. Consider this when choosing where you’re getting ready on your wedding morning, it makes a huge difference!
The Schedule
During your bridal preview, we’ll discuss approximate timings for the day so you know what to expect. If you’re unsure about details at this stage, don’t worry as I’ll check in 2–3 weeks before your wedding to finalise timings and coordinate with your hairstylist.
If timings shift on the day, for example if a member of the party is finished earlier than planned, we’ll work together as a team to ensure someone is in the chair at all times.
I always work backwards from when you want to be in your dress - ideally 1 hour before your ceremony to allow for touch-ups.
Example timeline for a 1.00PM ceremony based on 5 people:
7.15 - Makeup Arrival / Set Up
7.40 - Bridesmaid 1
8.25 - Clean kit
8.30 - Bridesmaid 2
9.15 - Clean kit/brushes
9.20 - Bridesmaid 3
10.05 - Clean kit/brushes
10.10 - Bride
11.00 - Clean kit/brushes
11.05 - Bridesmaid 4
11.50 - Start getting in dresses
12.15 - Touch ups
12.45 - Registrar meeting
1.00 - Ceremony time
Touch-Ups & Longevity
Bridal makeup is designed to last all day. Artists typically use long-wear foundations, waterproof eyeliners, and setting sprays to keep your look flawless from “I do” to the last dance.
I always provide a touch-up kit for the bridal party with a pot of lipstick. This allows you to refresh your lippy throughout the day. Brides also have the option to add-on a full-sized lipstick if they want!
What the Bridal Party Should Have Ready
To make the morning as smooth as possible, here’s what you should prepare:
A clean, makeup-free face
Inspiration photos of your desired look (especially if some haven’t had trials)
A robe or button-up top to avoid messing up hair or makeup
A well-lit area with access to outlets if needed
Table space for setup
Final Tips
Schedule a makeup preview 8-12+ weeks before the wedding to create your ideal look with your artist
Communicate any skincare concerns or allergies with your artist
Trust your hairstylist / Makeup Artist to handle the timeline and touch-ups - relax and enjoy your morning!
If you are looking for a bridal makeup artist that specialises in soft and enhancing makeup looks, get in touch for a quote, my availability and more information on what to expect when working with me: info@makeupbymary.co.uk
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