Winter Prep for a Summer Wedding: Your Hair & Makeup Timeline Starts Now!

Winter Prep for a Summer Wedding: Why Your Bridal Beauty Routine Starts Now

Summer weddings are dreamy — glowing sunsets, outdoor receptions, and golden hour photos that last forever. But here’s the secret most brides don’t realise: if you want your hair and makeup to look flawless on your big day, the prep starts months in advance — especially in the winter.

As a professional bridal hair and makeup team, we always recommend starting your beauty journey well before wedding season hits. Here’s how to use the winter months to get your skin glowing, hair healthy, and bridal beauty plan locked in for your summer celebration.

1. Get Serious About Skincare Now

Why winter is crucial: Cold, dry air can dull your complexion, cause flakiness, and trigger sensitivity — not ideal conditions when you're aiming for radiant, picture-perfect skin in a few months.

Winter skincare tips:

• Hydrate daily with a richer moisturizer and hyaluronic acid serum.

• Exfoliate weekly to keep skin smooth and ready for makeup.

• Book a consultation with a skincare professional to address acne, pigmentation, or texture concerns.

• SPF, even in winter. Yes, really. UV rays are year-round.

  
  

The goal: Give your skin time to heal and strengthen, so by summer, your makeup artist has the best possible canvas to work with.

2. Start a Hair Health Routine

If you want gorgeous curls, a sleek updo, or soft waves on your wedding day, winter is the time to nourish your hair.

Hair prep checklist:

• Regular trims to prevent split ends.

• Deep conditioning treatments weekly.

• Avoid excess heat styling (bonus: more time for cozy hats!).

• Consider a supplement like biotin or collagen (check with your doctor first!).

Thinking of changing your hair color? Try it now — this gives you months to tweak it or grow it out before your wedding.

Matt Willis Photography

3. Book Your Beauty Team Early

Summer is peak wedding season, and the best bridal hair and makeup artists can get booked up months in advance. Don’t wait!

Winter is the perfect time to:

• Secure your date with your chosen hair & makeup team.

• Schedule your trial (ideally a few months before the big day).

• Discuss your vision: romantic boho? Timeless glam? Effortless natural?

Bonus: We love when brides send us mood boards or inspiration images during the colder months — it gives us time to collaborate and plan a look you’ll love.

4. Test Products Before It’s Crunch Time

If you’re considering trying new skincare or makeup products, winter is the time to experiment, not a week before your wedding!

• Test foundations to find the perfect formula and shade.

• Try waterproof mascaras and setting sprays — especially if you’re a happy crier (we see you!).

• If you're planning to tan, test your chosen method in advance to make sure it works well with your makeup and doesn’t affect your dress.

5. Plan for Summer-Specific Beauty Concerns

Even in the winter, it’s smart to prep for summer challenges:

• Humidity-proof hairstyles — Talk to your stylist about styles that hold up in heat.

• Melt-proof makeup — Your artist will use techniques and products to ensure long-lasting wear, but skin prep (see point #1!) is key.

Preparing during the winter means you can enter the spring feeling confident, excited, and ready for your dream summer wedding.

Our team specialises in custom bridal hair and makeup that enhances your natural beauty and lasts all day — and it all starts with a conversation with me to help pair you with the most ideal hair and make-up team for you and your bridal party.

Book a complimentary discovery call with me today!

Emily xxx