Just Got Engaged? Here’s Exactly What I’d Do First (As a Wedding Makeup Artist)

Photo by Keila Marie Photography

If I were to get engaged tomorrow (cue happy tears and a FaceTime marathon), here’s exactly what I’d do, step by step, from the perspective of a wedding makeup artist who’s seen the behind-the-scenes of so many weddings.

1. Soak it all in

Before anything else, I’d take time to celebrate, like, really celebrate. Pop the champagne, hug my people, call my friends, and bask in that newly-engaged glow. This season only happens once, so let it feel special.

2. Start venue searching based on the vibe

I’ve had Pinterest boards since I was 13 (thanks, Tumblr-era wedding obsession), so I already have a clear aesthetic in mind. I'd start by researching venues that align with my dream vision, whether local or destination. The venue sets the tone for everything else, so it comes first.

3. Sit down with my partner and create a budget

Not just the numbers, but the why. What are our non-negotiables? Is it the food? A long guest list? A specific photographer or videographer we've admired for years? Identifying what matters most will help us allocate the budget intentionally, and start mapping out how much we need to save monthly to get there.

4. Inquire with venues and check availability

Once we have a few dream venues in mind and an ideal date range, I’d reach out to see what’s available. In my opinion, 16–18 months is the sweet spot for wedding planning. It gives you time to breathe, to savour the process, and not feel rushed when making big decisions.

5. Book the big-ticket vendors

After securing a venue (which unlocks everything else), here’s what I’d book right away:

• Photographer

• Videographer

• Hair + Makeup Artist (of course!)

As a wedding makeup artist, I can’t stress this enough: If you have a specific artist in mind, inquire early. I’ve seen nearly-weds wait too long (sometimes even 8+ months out) and be heartbroken when their dream artist is already booked, especially on long weekends. Not to say that there aren’t last-minute dates available, just don’t plan for that!

Not sure how to find the right artist? Check out my Wedding Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Makeup Artist for Your Big Day, it walks you through exactly what to look for, questions to ask, and red flags to avoid.

And if you're wondering when to reach out, how early is too early, or what the prep process looks like, I break that all down in Wedding Guide: When to Book, Prep & Perfect Your Wedding Makeup. Timing really is everything when it comes to securing your dream beauty team!

6. Don’t stress about your wedding party (yet)

There’s often pressure to have your wedding party chosen early, but trust me, you don’t need to have all the details finalized before reaching out to your hair and makeup team.

If you’re 12–18 months out and want to secure a specific artist, go ahead and inquire, even if you’re still figuring out:

• Who will be in your wedding party (or if you’ll have one at all)

• How many people will need services

• The exact getting-ready location or timeline

Most artists will understand that things evolve during the planning process. At the time of booking, you can give them an estimated number (e.g. “somewhere between 3–6 people”) and confirm the exact details later, usually around 6 months out, unless your artist requests them sooner.

Pro tip: If you’re booking well in advance, many artists will hold a general time block for you based on your rough numbers. Just make sure to communicate any changes as they come up. A simple, “Hey! I think we’re going to have four people for makeup instead of six, just wanted to keep you in the loop” goes a long way.

Trend Alert! More and more couples are opting for smaller or no formal wedding parties, but still want their nearest and dearest with them the morning of. Whether they’re in matching robes or just chilling in sweats, it’s really about the vibe. And trust me, those intimate, relaxed mornings? Unmatched.

Final Thoughts

Planning a wedding should feel exciting, not overwhelming. The key is to take it one step at a time, make decisions that reflect your values, and surround yourself with a team you trust.

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💌 Want a checklist of exactly when to book your beauty team? Click here for a downloadable checklist!