How early should I book my Wedding Hair and Makeup Services?
When and how early should I book my wedding hairstyling and makeup services?
The answer: The earlier the better. (We’re talking more than 6 months out!) Booking earlier, rather than later provides you the best options and first choice for your Vendors! Now how early are we talking?…
Who Am I? Am I a Bridal Beauty Expert?
I’m Ruth B Medrano, an Event and Wedding Hair and Makeup Artist Professional based In Los Angeles, California with over a decade of experience as Bridal Makeup Artist and Hairstylist.
Events are my specialty, from smaller events like birthdays and baby showers, to huge, mega events like high-profile weddings and large-company experiences!
Some of the my clients have included: Grey Goose, Spotify, Discovery + and Golden Goose. As well as notable faces such as actress Maria Russell, Miss USA winner Alyssa Campanella, and social media influencer Haley Khalil! I’ve also been featured in many wedding publishings for my Wedding & Event Makeup & Hairstyling (Featured in: BRIDES, Style Me Pretty, California Wedding Day, BRIDAL GUIDE, The White Wren, etc.!)
Peak Booking Season & the Psychology of Scheduling an Important Date
Peak wedding season typically runs from late spring through early fall, with the most popular months being May, June, September, and October. Here's a quick breakdown:
Spring (April – June): Mild weather, blooming flowers, and longer days make this a favorite time for weddings.
Fall (September – October): Cooler temps, rich color palettes, and cozy vibes are popular for outdoor and rich color weddings.
Summer (July – August) can also be busy, especially for destination weddings or couples who love beach settings—but in hotter areas, some couples avoid these months due to heat.
If you're in Los Angeles or other warm climates, October and May are especially popular because the weather is ideal without being too hot.
There’s often a trend where certain event dates become highly sought after. For example, a specific weekend in August might receive 15-20 inquiries, while the following weekend could have only 4-5. To secure your top choice, it’s best to book early! The later you wait, the slimmer your chances of getting that perfect date and vendor.
So let’s break down “Early”? Early can vary by artist, but the safest bet is to reach out right around 1 year (10-14 months) in advance. This gives you the best chance to secure your date, especially with popular artists. That said, if your date is less than a year away, don’t hesitate to reach out—you may still get lucky!
The Best Time in during Wedding Planning to Book your Bridal Makeup and Hairstyling Glam Team/Artist:
When booking your Photographer
This is an ideal time to book your Bridal Glam team/artist. This ensures you can plan all of your photo sessions—like your engagement shoot, bridal portraits, or even a boudoir session—with the same glam team/artist. It also keeps your look consistent across all your photos and saves you the hassle of trying to find an artist later who fits into your already-set schedule.
Before sending your “Save the Date”
Booking your bridal glam team/artist before sending out save the dates might sound a little early—but it actually makes perfect sense. If you're scheduling engagement photos to go with your announcements, having your hair and makeup artist/team locked in means you’ll look and feel your best in those first official wedding photos. Plus, booking early helps you create a cohesive beauty look from your engagement shoot all the way through to the big day.
For your Engagement Photo session
At times, I’ve had Brides approach me only AFTER they’ve secured their photo sessions, hoping I’m available for all their pre-scheduled dates. If I’m unavailable for even one date, it causes major scheduling conflicts and sometimes, unfortunately limits our opportunity to work together. To ensure everything aligns smoothly, it’s best to book both your photographer and beauty artist at the same time, so each vendor is available for your key dates.
When going to buy your Wedding dress
Seeing your full wedding look come together is incredibly helpful when nailing down your dream Bridal look. Even if your look changes slightly later, you'll have a clearer sense of your overall vision, making it easier to make the best decision for your big day!
Bonus: When to book your Bridal Preview or Trial
I recommend scheduling your bridal hair and makeup preview 4 to 8 weeks before the wedding day. By this time, most brides have finalized their bridal vision and dress, making it the perfect moment to create a cohesive beauty look. It’s also close enough to the big day to ensure the trial reflects your current skin tone, hair length, and any beauty treatments you’re including for your day. Plus, it helps avoid last-minute changes influenced by fleeting bridal trends.
The bridal preview is also a great opportunity to schedule with a special event, such as your final wedding dress fitting, bridal shower, or bachelorette weekend. It’s the perfect excuse to enjoy your glam look while celebrating, and it can easily be coordinated with any other event you might be attending around that time!
The Benefits of Booking your Bridal Makeup Artist and Hairstylist Early
Booking your bridal makeup artist and hairstylist early comes with major advantages! You’ll have your artist by your side throughout the entire wedding journey— from save the dates to the bridal shower, bachelorette weekend, and rehearsal dinner.
As an added bonus, I provide all my brides with a 12-week Bridal Skincare Prep Guide to help them Glow their best on their big day!
Booking in advance gives you the opportunity to receive expert tips, trusted recommendations, and get a head start on looking and feeling your best for one of the most important moments of your life!
Now you know when to book, how do you find the right artist?
Tips when booking the right Wedding Makeup and Hairstyling services:
Look through all of the artist’s content FIRST. Their socials (Instagram, Tiktok, etc.) and their professional portfolios (usually their online websites) are a great way to achieve this. Find an artist who displays similar style to your dream look before reaching out for pricing or availability.
Review their reviews to see what other brides and clients are saying about them.
Start by researching artists local to your wedding venue or your area of residence for convenience and availability.
If you’re not finding the ideal artist nearby, consider broadening your search to surrounding areas.
Once you’ve located the artist(s) you’re interested in, it’s time to send an inquiry, share your details, and request the Investment Packet.
Additional Tips:
Be open to adjusting your budget if your dream artist is slightly outside your initial range. Remember, your wedding photos will be cherished for years, and investing in the right artist is a key part of capturing the magic of your special day. (Not to mention their the first person you’re spending time with day of!)
Schedule a phone consultation. This allows you to “meet” the artist, vibe, and discuss your wedding vision!
For the best questions to ask the makeup artist before booking, click here for 15 Essential Questions to ask your Makeup Artist Before your Wedding day
At this point, whether you’re ready to secure your Wedding day Glam or a bridal trial, your ready to move forward in booking your Bridal Glam!
Hi! I’m Ruth!
Are YOU looking for the best Makeup and Hairstyling Glam team for your you Los Angeles wedding?
Secure your bridal beauty with Ruth B Medrano Beauty!
With more than a decade of experience in the bridal industry and a myriad of awards as an artist, I bring a touch of sophistication and elegance to every bride's special day! Specializing in Chic & Modern Glam, I and my hand-picked glam team ensure flawless makeup and hairstyling tailored to my Bride’s unique vision.
Whether you're planning an intimate affair or a grand celebration, I’m happy to travel to you, whatever the distance!
To learn more about RBM Beauty Wedding Day Beauty Services or to inquire my availability for your wedding day, please visit my contact form!