Bridal
Your bridal hair timeline, from engagement to aisle
When to book, when to trial and when to stop experimenting. A month-by-month plan from our bridal director.
Elena Marsh6 min read
We have styled more than four hundred weddings, and the calmest brides all have one thing in common: they planned their hair as carefully as their flowers. Charleston's peak months of April, May and October book up a year ahead, so the timeline starts earlier than most people expect.
Nine to twelve months out
Book your hair team as soon as you have a date and venue. Ask whether they travel, how many stylists they bring and how long they need per person. For a party of eight, we usually send three stylists and start about four and a half hours before photos.
This is also the time to start caring for your hair. If you want to grow it for an updo, get regular small trims every eight to ten weeks to keep ends healthy rather than skipping cuts entirely.
If you are thinking about a big colour change, do it now rather than later. That leaves time to adjust tone, live with it through a few photo shoots and settle on exactly the shade you want on the day.
Three to four months out
Book your trial. Bring the following with you:
- Two or three inspiration photos, and one of a style you definitely do not want.
- A photo of your dress, especially the neckline and back.
- Your veil or hairpiece, or a photo if it has not arrived.
- A top in a similar colour and neckline to the dress.
- Your plans for colour, so we can time it correctly.
Schedule your trial on the same day as your makeup trial or an engagement shoot so you can see the full look in photos and daylight.
The trial is not about getting it perfect. It is about learning what you love, so the wedding morning has no surprises.
The final six weeks
Book your last colour three to four weeks before the wedding, and a gloss one week before for maximum shine. Avoid any new treatment, such as keratin or a dramatic cut, in the last month. Wash your hair the day before the wedding rather than the morning of; second-day hair holds pins and curls far better, especially in Lowcountry humidity.
On the morning itself, wear a button-up shirt, have breakfast before we arrive and let your stylist manage the clock. That part is our job.
