The 2025 Cape Town Bride’s Beauty Timeline: Exactly When to Book Hair, Makeup & Skincare Appointments

Planning your dream wedding in Cape Town? Between booking the venue, finding the dress, and finalising the guest list, it’s easy to leave your beauty prep until the last minute. But the truth is, your hair, makeup, and skincare need as much planning as any other part of your big day — especially during Cape Town’s busy summer wedding season.

As a professional bridal hair and makeup artist in Cape Town, I’ve worked with hundreds ofbrides who were relieved to have booked their beauty services early. Here’s your month-by-month bridal beauty timeline to make sure you look and feel incredible walking down the aisle.

12 Months Before – Lock in Your Key Wedding Vendors

• Book your bridal hair and makeup artist as soon as your wedding date and venue are confirmed. The best artists are often booked out 9–12 months in advance, especially from October to April.

• Start looking at hair and makeup inspiration — Pinterest, Instagram, and real Cape Town wedding galleries are great places to start.

• If you’re considering changing your hair colour or growing it longer, start now so you have time for adjustments.

SEO tip in action: Search “bridal hair and makeup Cape Town” to find portfolios that match your style — and book early to avoid disappointment.

9 Months Before – Begin Your Skincare Prep

• Schedule a consultation with a facialist or dermatologist to create a personalised bridal skincare plan.

• This is also the perfect time to start a consistent routine at home (cleanser, serum, SPF).

• If you have specific skin concerns — pigmentation, dryness, or breakouts — you’ll need these extra months for treatments to work their magic.

Pro tip: All my booked brides receive a custom 6-month skincare ebook and a free consultation, so we can get your skin wedding-ready.

6 Months Before – Trial Time

• Book your bridal hair and makeup trial.

  • This allows us to perfect your look and test its longevity for Cape Town’s weather — whether that’s summer heat or windy beach vibes.

  • Bring your veil or hair accessories so we can test how everything fits.

• If you’re getting hair extensions, start sourcing and colour-matching them now.

3 Months Before – Finishing Touches

• Confirm your wedding day beauty schedule (bridal party, timing, location).

• Have your last hair colour refresh or cut before the wedding.

• If you’re considering a new treatment like lash lifts or brow lamination, do a test run now so there’s time to tweak if needed.

1 Month Before – Trial Run for Your Skin

• Book your last facial no later than 1–2 weeks before the wedding to avoid any last-minute breakouts.

• Exfoliate gently 2–3 times a week and stay hydrated.

• Make sure you’ve confirmed your makeup artist’s arrival time and location.

1 Week Before – Stay Calm & Hydrated

• Wash your hair as recommended by your artist — usually the day before or morning of.

• Avoid trying any new beauty treatments or products.

• Get plenty of rest and drink water — yes, it really does make a difference.

Wedding Day – Your Time to Shine

Your beauty team will arrive on time, keep you calm, and ensure your look lasts through every hug, happy tear, and dance floor moments, while

planning ahead, you’ll enjoy a relaxed morning knowing you’re in professional hands.

Final Thoughts

Your bridal beauty timeline isn’t just about looking good — it’s about feeling confident and stress-free. Cape Town’s wedding season is competitive, and securing your wedding makeup artist early ensures you get the style and experience you deserve.

If you’re ready to start your bridal beauty journey, you can book your free consultation with me here and receive my complimentary Bridal Beauty Countdown Planner to keep you on track.

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