How Soon is too Soon to Lock Down Your Wedding Vendors?
Hey there, beautiful brides-to-be!
Planning a destination wedding in Italy? How utterly romantic! Picture yourself saying "I do" under the Tuscan sun, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Ah, what a dream come true! Now, let's talk about one crucial element of your big day: your hair and makeup!
As a destination wedding makeup artist, I've had the pleasure of dolling up countless brides for their special day. Believe me when I say that finding the right hair and makeup artist can make all the difference in achieving that ethereal bridal glow that lasts all day and all night long. So, let's dive right in and chat about when to book your fabulous glam squad and other fantastic vendors for your Italian wedding extravaganza.
First things first: the hair and makeup artist. It's crucial to secure your beauty team as early as possible. Remember, Italy is a highly sought-after destination for weddings, and talented artists tend to get booked up quickly. Ideally, aim to book your hair and makeup artist around 9 to 12 months before your wedding date. This will ensure you have a wide range of options and ample time for consultations and trials. Since I moved to Italy one thing has become very clear - there are NOT enough makeup artists and hairstylists in Italy to service the demand from destination weddings.
When choosing a hair and makeup artist for your Italian wedding, consider their expertise in creating stunning looks that match the vibe of your dreamy destination as well as their ability to communicate effectively with you and deliver on your vision. Italy is known for its timeless elegance, so you might want to go for a classic, effortlessly chic style that complements the country's natural beauty if you’re getting wed in Tuscany or perhaps someting more elevated and full glam for a wedding in Lake Como. Communication is key, so don't hesitate to share your vision, inspirations, and any special requests you may have.
Once you've secured your hair and makeup artist, it's time to move on to other fabulous vendors that will make your wedding day in Italy unforgettable. Here's a handy timeline to help you stay on track:
9-12 months before the wedding:
Photographer and videographer: Capturing those magical moments is a must. Find a talented photographer and videographer who specialize in destination weddings and have experience shooting in Italy and capturing all the magic of the day.
Venue and catering: Italy boasts a plethora of breathtaking venues, from rustic villas to luxurious castles. Secure your dream location and discuss catering options that will tantalize your taste buds.
6-9 months before the wedding:
Wedding planner: If you haven't already enlisted the help of a wedding planner, now is the time. A local planner with knowledge of the Italian wedding industry will be your guiding star throughout the planning process. You may choose to find a wedding planner earlier to assist you in finding a venue that has everything you’re looking for but don’t leave it any later than this!
4-6 months before the wedding:
Florist: Work with a florist who can bring your floral fantasies to life. Imagine bouquets of fragrant blooms, lush centerpieces, and captivating floral installations that will mesmerize your guests.
3-4 months before the wedding:
Music and entertainment: Italy is synonymous with romance and music. Whether you're opting for a live band, a DJ, or even a traditional Italian serenade, book your entertainment to set the mood and keep your guests dancing the night away.
2-3 months before the wedding:
Wedding attire: Your gown, shoes, and accessories are essential components of your bridal ensemble. Allow ample time for fittings, alterations, and any customizations you may desire. Don't forget about the groom's attire too! You don’t want to shop for these things too early as your style, preference and measurements may change.
1-2 months before the wedding:
Stationery and invitations: Set the tone for your Italian affair with beautiful stationery that reflects the elegance and charm of the country. With many couples opting for digital invitations for destination weddings, it can be easy to forget about the stationary you need on the day like menus and seating charts. Try to find an Italian or European based comapny as it will be much easier to coordinate any last minute requests with them and you won’t have to worry about your stationary getting crushed in your suitcase if you choose to bring it over with you!
Final weeks before the wedding:
Finalize details: Confirm all vendor bookings, create a detailed timeline for the big day, and schedule your hair and makeup trial. It's time to tie up any loose ends and ensure a smooth and stress-free wedding day. Scheduling a hair and makeup trial for a destination wedding can be tricky with most bride’s option to do it the day before their wedding and utilising their glam new look for their welcome party. Try to think of a trial not as a way to ‘audition’ your makeup artist but to collaborate and trial some looks and ideas to ensure that what you end up with on your wedding day is exactly what you had envisioned.
Remember, these timelines are just guidelines, and flexibility is key. Each wedding is unique, and you should adapt them to your specific needs. Don't be afraid to reach out to vendors for guidance or to ask questions along the way. They're here to help you create the wedding of your dreams in beautiful Italy.
So, dear brides, take a deep breath, enjoy the journey, and trust that your hair and makeup artist, along with the other fabulous vendors, will bring your Italian wedding vision to life. Embrace the romance, savor the beauty, and get ready to say "I do" in the most enchanting way possible!
Ciao for now and happy planning!