You could say that having worked at over 700 weddings throughout my career, that I know my way around a wedding day.
But unfortunately there are a lot of misconceptions out there, so I am here to set the record straight & help you plan a stress-free wedding!
Myth #1 – Bride goes last for hair & makeup
Truth: This myth comes from the idea that if you have your makeup done early on it will ‘all come off’. Heres why thats simply not true. Most bridal makeup artists are professionally trained to apply makeup to stay on. Makeup nowadays is built to last, and shouldn’t ‘slide off’ unless you are in a hot environment.
Secondly, I cant speak for all artists, but I personally remain onsite til the bride is in her dress, and offer touch ups for everyone before the ceremony. You would never ever be able to tell who went first and who went last before I leave.
Therefore there is no reason for the bride to go last during a wedding morning, and if anything it should be avoided. The main reason being the final couple of hours are usually chaotic, with constant questions for the bride, interruptions from other suppliers and in general, energy levels running high. Its far more relaxing to go early on!
Myth #2 – It’s best to have your wedding on a Saturday in Summer
Truth: This is an old fashioned practice that definitely isn’t the case in this day & age. The main reason for having summer weddings is the hope of good weather, but here in Scotland & talking from experience this is never, ever guaranteed!
I have turned up to weddings in July with grey skies, pouring rain & even hailstones, yet worked at January weddings where its been mild with clear blue sky. If your venue offers discounted pricing for off peak months, its definitely something worth considering!
The same goes for weekday weddings. I have seen the pricelists for some venues, and by having your wedding on a Wednesday (or even Fridays & Sundays) the prices can be slashed by thousands.
The only reason you’d be having your wedding on a Saturday is to cater for those who work 9-5 jobs (not everyone does). But surely they could spare 2 days of their 28 day annual leave to attend a friend or family members wedding? If not, should you be inviting them anyway? Some food for thought!
Myth #3 – Hair and Makeup can’t start until my photographer arrives
Truth: Most experienced photographers only want to capture the final touch up shots once hair and makeup is complete. Half-done makeup is not a vibe, and is generally not an aesthetic that a bride or party member is going to want taken of themselves.
Usually the majority of photos are taken at the end of the process, as there’s far more chance of the person in the photos actually liking the picture as opposed to having one eyebrow done, or no colour in their faces etc. In scenarios where I have completed the makeup on the bride before the photographer arrives, the bride simply jumps back in the chair for a few minutes to allow the photographer to get the shots they need. Its literally no problem at all.
Myth #4 – Only put your dress on at the last minute!
Truth: Only follow this advice if you are comfortable leaving your guests waiting for 45 mins+ and dont want any photos of yourself before you walk down the aisle.
You need to start getting dressed one hour prior to the ceremony. It is massively underestimated just how long it can take to actually get dressed on a wedding morning. You need to incorporate getting on underwear, fastening the dress (especially with buttons), helping others, putting on jewellery, shoes, having hair and makeup final touches, and of course getting photos before you leave.
Myth #5 – Its best not to wash your hair before styling
Truth: Now hair isn’t my forte, but I have done enough weddings & been in close enough proximity to have witnessed several hairdressers despair at having to apply half a can of dry shampoo as a bridesmaid has been misinformed that ‘dirty hair’ is easier to style. It’s not. Wash your hair before having it put up!
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