Your wedding day hair should be one thing you do not have to worry about. The key is planning ahead. As a stylist who has done hundreds of weddings across Kilkenny and beyond, I have seen what works and what does not. Here is a realistic timeline to make sure everything goes smoothly.
12 Months Before: Book Your Stylist
Good bridal hair stylists in Ireland get booked up quickly, especially for peak wedding season (May to September). As soon as you have your date and venue confirmed, start reaching out to stylists. Look at their portfolio on Instagram or their website, read reviews, and make sure their style matches your vision.
At Copper & Comb Hair Studio, we recommend booking at least 9-12 months ahead for Saturday weddings during summer. Midweek and off-season dates have more availability, but it is still best to book early for peace of mind.
6-9 Months Before: Start Your Hair Health Journey
If you want your hair to look its absolute best on the day, start investing in its health now. Regular trims every 6-8 weeks will keep the ends in good condition. If you are growing your hair out for the wedding, resist the temptation to skip trims — damaged ends will not hold a style as well as healthy ones.
Consider adding a professional treatment to your routine. Olaplex, bonding treatments, or deep conditioning masks will build strength and shine over time. If you are planning a colour change, start now — dramatic colour shifts should be done gradually to minimise damage.
3-4 Months Before: Your Hair Trial
This is one of the most important appointments in your wedding planning. A bridal hair trial typically takes 1-2 hours and gives you the chance to try your chosen style before the big day. Here is how to make the most of it:
- Bring photos of styles you love (and styles you do not want)
- Wear a top with a similar neckline to your dress
- Bring your veil, headpiece, or any hair accessories you plan to use
- Be honest about what you like and dislike during the trial
- Take photos from multiple angles so you can review later
If you are not 100% happy, do not be afraid to book a second trial. It is far better to make adjustments now than on the morning of your wedding.
1 Month Before: Confirm Everything
Touch base with your stylist to confirm the date, time, and location. If they are coming to your venue or getting-ready location, make sure they have the address and know where to park. Confirm how many people are being styled (bride, bridesmaids, mother of the bride, flower girls) and the order in which everyone will be done.
If you are having a colour appointment before the wedding, schedule it for 1-2 weeks before the date. This gives the colour time to settle and allows for any minor adjustments.
1 Week Before: Final Preparation
Do not try anything new with your hair in the final week. No new products, no drastic cuts, no experimental treatments. Your hair should be in a predictable, reliable state on the morning of the wedding.
Wash your hair the evening before (not the morning of) — slightly day-old hair holds updos and curls much better than freshly washed hair. Avoid heavy conditioners the night before as they can make hair slippery and difficult to pin.
Wedding Morning: Relax and Enjoy
This is where all the planning pays off. Your stylist knows exactly what they are doing because you have already done the trial. Allow 45-60 minutes for the bride's hair, and 30-45 minutes for each additional person.
Make sure the styling area has good natural light, a comfortable chair, and enough plug sockets. Have a light breakfast and plenty of water — you want to feel calm and relaxed, not hungry and stressed. Leave your phone to one side and enjoy the moment with the people you love.
One Final Tip
Build a buffer of 30 minutes into your morning timeline. Things always take slightly longer than expected, and having that cushion eliminates the rush that can spoil what should be a lovely, relaxed morning. Your photographer will thank you too.