Why my Sunshine Coast Brides Aren’t Last in the Makeup Chair
Sunshine Coast Bridal Hair & Makeup: Bride Isn’t Last
You’re the bride - the VIP and the reason we’re all here! VIPs don’t go last.
Across the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Maleny and Montville, I run wedding mornings a little differently: I place my bride mid-schedule, not at the end. It keeps the room calm, the photos fresher, and the whole morning running on time.
Why the bride isn’t last
The final slot of any schedule attracts interruptions. Guests often pop in, flowers arrive, questions start flying, and the clock suddenly feels very loud. Even when the work itself is unhurried, that stop-start energy reads as tension in the jaw and eyes (and yes, the camera sees it). When we bring you forward to a prime, protected window, you get focused attention, fresher hair or makeup for detail shots, and space to breathe before you get dressed.
Photographers love this flow too: they can capture flatlays and robe moments while you’re fresh, then move seamlessly into first looks or pre-ceremony portraits without a last-minute scramble.
How I build a calm timeline for six
Most of my bookings are Bride + three bridesmaids + two mums. I specialise in Hair or Makeup per booking, so that’s one discipline only. I do this so quality stays editorial-clean and the pace stays sane.
For timing, I work with minimums that still feel relaxed: about 45 minutes per bridesmaid or mum, 60 minutes for the bride, plus a 30-minute buffer for powder, lip, veil and final tweaks. And I always put tools down 1.5 hours before departure. That finish rule is the secret to no-rush photos, room to get dressed, and a happy photographer.
Order-wise, the flow that rarely fails is:
Mum 1 → Bridesmaid 1 → Bride → Mum 2 → Bridesmaid 2 → Bridesmaid 3 → buffer.
Your slot in the middle is your “VIP window”which remains quiet, focused, and unhurried.
A summer-friendly example
(3:00pm departure)
Let’s say you’re leaving at 3:00 pm. I put brushes down at 1:30 pm (that 1.5-hour rule). At minimum pace for six people with a 30-minute buffer, we’ll start around 8:15 am.
If you want more breathing room for the just in case scenarios or more detailled artistry (think 60 minutes for attendants and 90 for the bride)? We’ll start earlier and simply enjoy the breathing room. Either way, the point is calm and on time, not rushed and heroic.
Planning a 2:00 pm or 4:00 pm departure instead? Slide things an hour earlier or later and keep the same structure with yourself the bride in the middle and a generous buffer at the end in case it’s needed.
“Don’t worry - I’ll be your brain.”
You do not need to juggle clocks or spreadsheets. Every booked bride receives a personalised timeline from me that folds in your venue access, photo or TikTok plan, travel, naps for little ones, neurodivergent needs, flower-girl appearances - whatever matters to your day. Your only job is to breathe and enjoy the morning.
On-location makes everything smoother
Whenever possible, get ready at your venue or very nearby. There are so many beautiful venues with nearby accomodation or on-location dressing rooms on the Sunshine Coast. No traffic or parking dramas, fewer delays, easy hand-offs with your photographer and florist, and a bigger buffer that turns into more photos, smiles and hugs. If travel is unavoidable, I build it cleanly into your schedule so nothing feels squeezed.
What you get when you book
A custom timeline for your group
On-location service across the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Maleny & Montville (premium travel available for other regions)
Hair or Makeup focus per booking I stick to one dicipline for weddings so quality and pace stay high. An exception to this is for elopements.
If that sounds like the kind of morning you want, I’d love to look after you.
Check your date, view my packages, or enquire here and I’ll take it from there.