How to Rock Your Wedding Morning Prep: Schedules, Tips & More
As a New Jersey wedding planner and makeup artist, I get asked this all the time:
“Do I need a schedule for hair and makeup?” Or:
“Can you ask the beauty team for a breakdown of who goes when?”
Here’s the truth: while you can have a hair and makeup schedule, it’s often more stressful than helpful. Rigid time slots can backfire quickly—especially if someone’s late or needs extra time. The best wedding mornings flow when everyone is ready early, relaxed, and flexible.
Here are my top NJ wedding timeline tips to help your day start off smooth, calm, and actually fun.
1. Pad the Hair & Makeup Start Time
If your beauty team is arriving at 7:00 AM, tell everyone to be there by 6:45.
This small buffer means no one’s scrambling in late, and your artists can jump right in.
Bonus: have coffee and breakfast ready so the early arrival feels worth it!
2. Skip Assigned Time Slots
Let your artists choose who they start with once everyone’s there.
If someone runs behind, it won’t throw off the whole schedule.
This flow keeps things relaxed and gives your artists room to adjust as needed.
3. Pack Touch-Up Products
Make sure your bridal party brings a lip color and powder for touch-ups.
I usually provide a touch-up kit for my brides, but it’s always good to be prepared!
4. Steam Dresses Before Glam
Make sure all outfits are steamed or ironed before hair and makeup.
Heat + humidity from steam = melted makeup and frizzy hair. Not ideal!
5. Feed Your People
Don’t skip breakfast and lunch!
Have easy-to-eat food (nothing messy or greasy) and plenty of water available all morning.
6. Arrive Clean & Prepped
Tell your bridal party to show up with clean, makeup-free faces (yes, even mascara!).
Hair should be washed and blow-dried the night before unless your stylist says otherwise.
Also: bring inspiration photos for both hair and makeup styles.
7. Prep Your Go Bag the Night Before
Have everything you need packed ahead of time—especially if you’re not sleeping at home.
Include: your marriage license, outfit changes, comfy shoes or slippers, and anything for the reception.
Assign someone you trust to be in charge of it!
8. Group Your Detail Items for Photos
Set aside all of your “flat lay” items the night before for your photographer.
Think: invitation suite, shoes, jewelry, perfume, vow books, veil, and florals.
Pro tip: ask your florist in advance if they include detail flowers or if it’s an extra fee.
9. Designate a Morning Point Person
Before your planner arrives, assign a friend or family member to handle questions.
They should know where your detail items are, have a copy of your timeline, and be someone you trust.
10. Organize Final Payments & Gratuities in Advance
Don’t wait until the middle of your wedding day to dig out envelopes.
Prep your final vendor payments, gratuities, and extra cash beforehand, label everything, and assign someone to hand them out.
Final Thoughts from a NJ Wedding Planner
Your wedding morning sets the tone for the entire day.
A little thoughtful prep—paired with the right people and mindset—makes all the difference.
Whether you’re planning a luxury NJ wedding or an intimate celebration, I’m here to help guide you through every step. I hope these NJ wedding timeline tips were helpful! Want expert help on your timeline, vendor team, and wedding morning strategy? Contact us here — we’d love to hear your vision.
