Bridal Beauty Q&A: Your Most Common Wedding Hair & Makeup Questions Answered by Lauren Irwin
- melanierevell8
- Jul 18
- 4 min read
From when to book your trial to how to prep your skin and hair, wedding hair and makeup can bring up a lot of questions — and who better to answer them than expert hair and makeup artist Lauren Irwin who owns Wedding Hair and Make Up by Lauren. With years of experience, Lauren is a go-to for brides who want to look and feel their best. In this helpful Q&A, she shares her top tips and answers all the most asked questions.
How far in advance should I book a hair and makeup artist?
Ideally, I recommend reaching out 12 to 18 months in advance, especially if your wedding falls during peak season or on a popular date - these tend to go quickly! While I don’t always open my diary more than a year in advance, for example, 2027 bookings will open in January 2026, it’s still a great idea to get in touch early so I can pencil you in for priority access once my diary opens. I always say - it’s never too soon to start the conversation!
When should I book the trial, and is it included in the price?
I typically recommend booking your trial 3 to 6 months before the big day. By that point, most of your styling decisions are finalised - like your dress and accessories - so we can make sure your look complements everything perfectly.
Trials are charged separately and are only available to brides who’ve already booked me for the wedding day - this way, we can really focus on bringing your full vision to life.
Is it better to have one person or separate specialists for hair and makeup?
Honestly? I think it’s so much easier and more cohesive to go with one artist who does both. Not only does it save you the hassle of juggling two bookings, trials, and schedules, but it also means your overall look flows beautifully from hair to makeup. If your bridal party is on the larger side, I’ll bring along one of my trusted artists whose style and standards match my own. I handle all the logistics so you don’t have to stress - it’s your wedding morning, after all!
How many people can you accommodate on the wedding day?
Whether it’s just you or a big bridal crew, I’ve got you covered! For bride plus three or more needing both hair and makeup, I usually suggest bringing an additional artist to keep everything running smoothly - especially if you’ve got an early ceremony. I coordinate all of this for you so everything is seamless. Additional artists are charged at £150, and they’ll be fully briefed and prepped to keep your morning relaxed and on track.
How long do you allow for the bride’s hair and makeup, and how much time per bridal party member?
I’m all about creating a calm, enjoyable morning - no rushing around! I typically allow around 2 hours for the bride’s hair and makeup and 1.5 hours per bridal party member for both hair and makeup. That said, I always tailor the schedule to suit your chosen styles, so timings can vary slightly.
I also factor in time for setup and recommend we finish around 45 - 60 minutes before you need to leave, so there’s plenty of breathing space for getting dressed, photos, and those all-important final touch-ups.
Can you help me choose a look that suits my face shape, dress, or overall style?
Absolutely - this is one of my favourite parts of the process! At your trial, we’ll chat through all the details: your dress, venue, vibe, and any inspiration you’ve shared. I’ll guide you through looks that flatter your features and feel like you, just on your very best day. Whether you're going for timeless elegance or something a little more relaxed and modern, I’ve got you.
Should I bring anything specific to the trial?
Ahead of your trial, I’ll send over a booking form where you can upload your inspiration images and a photo of your dress. I’ll already have a good sense of your vision, which gives us a great starting point.
If you’ve chosen your veil, hair accessories, or earrings, it’s super helpful to bring those along so we can see how everything works together. It’s all about creating a look that feels beautifully ‘you’ and ties in effortlessly with the rest of your styling.
What should I do to prepare my hair and skin ahead of the day?
Once you’re booked in, I’ll send over my Wedding Booking Guide & Trial Tips - packed with advice for glowing skin and healthy hair in the lead-up to your big day. On the morning itself, come with makeup-free skin and follow your usual skincare routine to keep your skin hydrated - I’ll take it from there with a full prep before makeup. Hydrated skin really helps everything sit beautifully and last all day. For hair, I usually recommend washing and drying it the night before (unless we’ve discussed something different). Clean but not overly soft hair is ideal, and it’s best to skip heavy styling products so we’ve got the perfect base to work with.
Do you provide a morning schedule or timeline?
Yes! After your trial, I’ll create a personalised schedule for your wedding morning that includes arrival and setup times, a breakdown of hair and makeup slots for each person, and a buffer at the end before you need to leave. This extra time allows for getting dressed, photos, veil placement (if needed), and any final touch-ups, so everything feels calm, organised, and not rushed. It's all about making your morning as smooth and enjoyable as the rest of your day.
Will you recommend any products for touch-ups during the day?
Absolutely. After your trial, I’ll let you know which lip products I used so you can pick them up for top-ups throughout the day. I’ll also send over a little list of other handy bits - like blotting papers, a mini powder, or hairspray - in case you’d like to put together a small touch-up kit. It’s those little details that help you stay feeling fresh, polished, and photo-ready right through to the last dance.
Thank you so much Lauren. You can find Lauren's website here. If you are looking for Wedding Planning support the do take a look at our brochure, we would love to help you.
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