Short answer: six to nine months before the wedding, and sooner if you are marrying between October and March. Here is why, and what happens at each stage.
The honest timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 9–12 months out | Book your consultation. Peak-season Saturdays go first, and there are only so many of them. |
| 6–9 months out | Secure the date. This is the realistic window for a Canterbury wedding season date. |
| 3–4 months out | Trial. Late enough that your hair length and colour are close to final, early enough to change direction. |
| 6–8 weeks out | Any colour or smoothing work. Not the week before. |
| 2 weeks out | Final touch-ups, brows, lashes, nails. |
Why October to March is different
Most Canterbury weddings happen between October and March. Saturdays in that window are the constraint — not our availability generally, but that specific Saturday. Two brides on the same date is the normal reason we have to say no, and it is always the one who asked later.
Winter weddings are far easier. If you are marrying in June or July, three to four months is usually enough.
What it costs
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Bridal Glam Consultation | Free |
| Bridal makeup and hair style | $229 |
| Bridal makeup, draping and hair style | $250 |
| Bridesmaid — makeup and hair do | from $120 |
| Ring ceremony or engagement makeup | from $149 |
| Makeup, lashes, updo and gel manicure | $194 |
Bridesmaids, mothers and the bridal party all take time on the morning. Tell us the headcount at the consultation and we will work backwards from your ceremony time so nobody is rushed.
The consultation is free, and it is not a sales pitch
Fifteen minutes, no charge, no obligation. Bring a photo of the dress if you have one, and any hair inspiration you have saved. We will tell you honestly what will work with your hair and what will not — including if what you have in mind needs a different length or a colour change first.
Plenty of brides come away having changed their mind. That is the point of doing it early rather than on the morning.
Free Bridal Glam Consultation
Fifteen minutes, no charge. Bring the dress photo and your inspiration, and we will tell you what will actually work — before you commit to anything.
Common questions
How far in advance should I book bridal hair and makeup in Christchurch?
Six to nine months for an October to March wedding, and three to four months for a winter one. Consultations can happen any time, and earlier is better.
Do I need a trial?
We recommend one, three to four months before the wedding. It is the only way to know how a style sits on your hair rather than in a photo of someone else’s.
What does bridal hair and makeup cost?
$229 for bridal makeup and hair styling, or $250 with draping. Bridesmaids from $120. The consultation is free.
Can you do the bridal party as well?
Yes. Give us the headcount at the consultation and we will schedule the morning around your ceremony time.
When should I get my colour done before the wedding?
Six to eight weeks out, not the week before. That gives the colour time to settle and leaves room to correct anything you are not happy with.
Where do you do bridal hair and makeup?
At our St Albans salon, 2/95 Westminster Street, Christchurch, with free parking on Westminster Street.
Related: Makeup & Hair Do · Hair Services · Brows & Lashes · Our St Albans salon