- Ann Krause
- Jul 12
- 3 min read
(And How You Can Avoid Them)
You’ve spent months (or years!) planning your wedding down to the last detail—but no matter how much preparation goes into the big day, there are still things brides wish they’d done differently. As Chicago Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist Team that’s been part of hundreds of wedding mornings, we’ve heard it all: the last-minute panics, the quiet regrets, the “I wish I had known…”
Here are the most common wedding-day regrets brides share with us—along with tips on how to avoid making them yourself:
1. Not Hiring a Beauty Team That Specializes in Weddings
“I thought any makeup artist would do… but they weren’t prepared for the timeline or the vibe of a wedding morning.”
Why it happens: Brides sometimes book artists based on price or popularity, without realizing the unique demands of wedding-day beauty.
What to do instead: Look for a beauty team that knows how to run a tight schedule, work with a wide range of skin tones and hair types, and create a calm, supportive energy. That experience makes all the difference.
2. Insisting on a Late Start Just to Sleep In
“I thought I could start hair and makeup later and still be fine… but the last hour felt rushed and stressful.”
Why it happens: Brides sometimes push for a later start time to get more sleep—understandable! But the final hour before photos or the ceremony is when things always get hectic: dresses, accessories, florals, first looks, and last-minute changes all collide.
What to do instead: Trust the timeline your beauty team builds for you. We always pad in buffer time at the end so that you’re not the one feeling the pressure when the schedule inevitably shifts. Starting earlier = calmer vibes and more breathing room.
3. Playing It Too Safe at the Trial
“I wish I’d tried a bolder lip or something different… I didn’t know what I really wanted, so I just played it safe.”
Why it happens: Trials can feel intimidating, so brides often stick with what’s familiar instead of exploring their options.
What to do instead: Think of your trial run as a creative session. Try that soft glam moment, the sleek bun, the bold lip. You won’t hurt our feelings—and you might surprise yourself! Our job is to help you find the look that feels most like you… and sometimes it takes a little play to discover that.
4. Letting Other People Dictate Their Look
“My mom wanted a red lip. My friend said I needed more volume. I didn’t feel like me.”
Why it happens: Well-meaning opinions from loved ones can be hard to ignore.
What to do instead: Work with a beauty team that listens closely to you—then helps gently steer the conversation when too many voices chime in. This is your day. You deserve to look and feel like your most confident, radiant self.
5. Not Booking Touch-Ups
“By the time photos started, my curls had fallen and I was shiny in every pic.”
Why it happens: Brides often think once hair and makeup is done, they’re good to go all day—but weather, tears, and time can tell a different story.
What to do instead: Book a touch-up package or have your beauty pro stay until photos or ceremony time. It makes a huge difference for lasting glam and peace of mind.
6. Not Communicating the Beauty Timeline to the Bridal Party
“No one was ready for their turn and it stressed me out.”
Why it happens: Brides assume everyone will just show up and follow along, but people need structure.
What to do instead: Share a clear beauty timeline in advance. When we create one for you, we make sure it’s easy to send to your planner and bridal party—so everyone knows exactly when they’re up.
7. Trying to Do Too Much That Morning
“I wanted to enjoy it, but I was too busy worrying about details.”
Why it happens: Brides often take on last-minute tasks or run interference between vendors.
What to do instead: Delegate everything—really. Give someone else the job of fielding questions, holding your phone, and checking details. Then sit back, sip your mimosa, and let your glam squad do their thing.
Final Thoughts
Weddings can be full of magic—but they’re also fast-moving and full of little surprises. The biggest regret we hear?
“I just wish I’d slowed down and enjoyed the morning.”
Our job isn’t just to make you look amazing—it’s to help create a morning that feels calm, fun, and unforgettable in the best way.
💌 Planning your wedding day beauty? Reach out to us—we’d love to help you create a stress-free, on-time, and beautifully personalized morning.
PHOTO CREDIT; Nikole Marie Photo
