How to Perfect Your Wedding Day Hair and Makeup Look
Last updated: July 2026
How to Plan Your Wedding Day Hair & Makeup
Up, down, half-up, to the side, curled, soft waves, faux bob, veil, no veil, headpiece, tiara? Nude lip, bold cheek, contour, highlight, berry stained lip, Smoky eye?
You "nit-picked" every detail of your big day, from food to flowers to the tiny cufflinks your partner will sport on the big day. All these details are important in creating a day that best fits you. So, by the time you find yourself sitting in our chair you are frazzled-to say the least. But we are here to help! Here are the steps you can take today to create a look that will last!
Step 1: Start Planning 6–12 Months Before Your Wedding
The first step to creating an effortless wedding day look is defining what you like and what you don't like. Before you start collecting inspiration, consider your wedding date, the size of your bridal party, and your venue and wedding day timeline. These details can help you choose the right hair and makeup team and ensure there is enough time for everyone to get ready.
Step 2. Build Your Bridal Hair & Makeup Inspiration
Pinterest is a great resource for inspiration, but don't forget Instagram or even good old-fashioned magazines. Start creating a collection of hair and makeup looks you love, and be sure to think about, and explain, what you like about each one. Look for inspiration in a variety of places, including:
- Pinterest: Save looks that capture the overall feeling, style, or details you love.
- Instagram: Explore current bridal looks and follow stylists and beauty professionals for fresh inspiration.
- Real wedding photos: Look for photos of real brides to see how different hairstyles and makeup looks photograph throughout the wedding day.
- Dosha's own portfolio: Explore our Photoshoots , hair services and hair extensions to find styles that inspire you.
- Your stylist's portfolio: Browse our Stylists Instagram pages to find a stylist whose work and aesthetic align with your vision.
Even if you think a look isn't possible for your hair type or face shape, save it anyway. Bringing together the details you love in one place can help reveal a pattern and give your stylist a better understanding of your personal style.
As you collect reference photos, pay attention to the specific details that catch your eye. Is it the shape of the hairstyle, the texture, the way the hair frames the face, or the softness of the makeup? Maybe you love the hair from one look, the makeup from another, and the overall feeling of a third. You don't need to find one image that captures everything you want. Your stylist can help bring those individual elements together to create a look that feels uniquely yours.
Next create a board of all the things you dislike! Fill your board with absolute no's, the looks that make you cringe. All these details will help define the look that is perfect for you!
*Pro-Tip: Don't forget to set your board to private so you can comment with your sincere and unfiltered thoughts!
Step 3: Keep Your Wedding Theme in Mind
Keep the theme of you wedding in mind and how you want all the elements of your look to work together. A sleek updo might complement a sophisticated, formal gown, while soft waves or a relaxed style may feel more natural for an outdoor or bohemian wedding. Your makeup can also help tie everything together, whether you prefer a fresh, natural look or something more defined and glamorous.
You don't have to match every detail perfectly. Instead, think about the overall feeling you want to create and choose hair and makeup that complement your personal style while fitting naturally into the atmosphere of your wedding day.
Step 4: Schedule Your Hair & Makeup Trial (3 - 6 months before wedding date)
Your bridal hair and makeup trial is the perfect time to bring your inspiration to life. Together, we can take the elements you love from your reference photos and combine them to create a look that feels uniquely yours. Bring your inspiration images, hair accessories, veil, or anything else you'd like to incorporate, and don't be shy about sharing your vision. The more we know about what you love, and what you don't, the better we can tailor your look.
Your trial will be scheduled in the salon, so be sure to bring everything you plan to wear or use with your final look. This is your opportunity to make adjustments, ask questions, and feel confident about your wedding day hair and makeup before the big day arrives.
If at first you don’t succeed, get yourself up and TRIAL again!
And if you don't get it right come back in for a second or maybe even third trail. This is why we plan in advance but be sure to finalize your looks 1-2 months in advance.
Tip: Book your hair, facial, waxing, and makeup appointments three to six months in advance to help ensure your preferred date and stylist are available. During your complimentary consultation, your stylist can also help you create a timeline for your appointments leading up to the big day.
Step 5: Prepare Your Hair and Skin Before the Wedding
A little preparation can go a long way toward helping you feel confident and look your best on your wedding day. If you're considering a major hair change, give yourself plenty of time to make sure you love the result before the big day. Schedule hair color and hair services in advance, and talk with your stylist about the best timing for your final cut or color appointment.
The same goes for your skin. Start a consistent skincare routine well before your wedding, and consider scheduling professional facials and skincare services in advance. Avoid trying new products or treatments immediately before your wedding, especially if you don't know how your skin will react.
Your stylist or esthetician can help you create a personalized timeline based on your hair and skin needs, so you can arrive on your wedding day feeling prepared, refreshed, and confident.
Planning your wedding hair and makeup is about more than choosing a hairstyle. From booking your appointments and scheduling a trial to creating a timeline for your wedding morning, a little preparation can help you feel relaxed and confident when the big day arrives. Let us help you bring your vision to life. Contact Guest Services, 503-228-8280, or email gr@dosha.org, to start planning your wedding day look. Meanwhile, explore our services and stylists to begin creating a look.
Need a good starting place? Visit our Pinterest board and start investigating the looks that make your heart flutter! https://www.pinterest.com/doshasalonspa/
Images: The 3 bridal looks shown in this blog were created by The Dosha Bridal Elite Team. Hair by Mykla Anderson and Makeup by Beatrice Van.