~ IT'S AN EARLY START. Be prepared for an early morning —especially if the wedding party has a lot of members. The larger the wedding party (and the fewer the stylists), the longer the process will take. Expect both hair and makeup respectively to take 30 to 45 minutes per bridesmaid and mother of the bride. Expect around 60 to 90 minutes for the bride. Factor in even more time if there's only one photographer expected to document both partners' getting-ready moments. We know, it sounds like a long day, but it flies. Use down time to take photos, be sure to eat and drink something, and enjoy those special, last few hours before the ceremony.

~ CONSIDER THE PECKING ORDER. The bride will likely want to get her hair and makeup done last to ensure she's fresh for the day —and the maid of honor will typically want to go as close to last as possible. Bridesmaids might need to be assigned a 7 a.m. start time, even if the ceremony starts at 3 p.m. Don't panic—there will probably be time for touch-ups in case something fades or falls out of place.

~ WHO PAYS FOR WHAT? Whether the bride or the wedding party foots the beauty bill depends on a case by case basis. Some brides require their crew get their wedding day hair and makeup done professionally, in which case covering the cost would be a courteous gesture. However, if the bride doesn't specify her preference because it's not in her budget or she's indifferent, but the wedding party insists on hiring pros, they should pay for it themselves. Long story short, have this conversation about who pays for what early on so the actual wedding day remains as stress free as possible.


~ GET DRESSED AT THE END. Getting-ready robes aren't just cute wedding party favors—there's a very practical reason to dress the squad in robes or button-down pajama sets. They'll catch stray makeup, hair spray or condensation from your getting-ready cocktail so your wedding or bridesmaid dress doesn't have to. Since they're easy to slip off, you don't have to worry about pulling them over your head and undoing your stylists' hard work.

~ AS A BRIDE YOU MAY WANT YOUR HAIR AND MAKEUP DONE FIRST. While it's typical for bride to get hair and makeup done last so that it's the freshest, there are some exceptions. If your hair or makeup look is intricate or delicate, it might be wise to go first so that you aren't rushed. Work with your beauty pro to come up with a timeline that makes sense for the day.

~ DON'T FORGET TO TIP. Professional hair and makeup isn't cheap—and that's a good thing. Your stylists are experts and charge what they do for a reason. Tips are appreciated for a job well done across all service industries, hair and makeup are no exception. Prepare to tip your beauty pros 15 to 25 percent at the end of their service, and consider giving a little extra if there's a crisis requiring a last-minute redo.

~ YOU'RE ALLOWED TO CHANGE YOUR LOOK. Your makeup artist and hairstylist take pride in seeing their clients happy, so they won't be offended if you ask to have a tweak made or, in the most extreme case, your look redone (time permitting, of course). The bride may have had a chance to go through a trial run or two before the big day, but that's usually not the case for the rest of the wedding party. If you don't feel comfortable or believe you haven't gotten your money's worth, feel free to speak up (politely and within reason).

~ PLAN FOR A SURPRISINGLY EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE. Speaking of touch-ups, you might need one after crying a few happy tears. Getting ready to walk down the aisle in a room full of your favorite people can make you (and them) pretty emotional. Keep tissues on hand and always opt for waterproof mascara.