Where to start with booking things

I did a lot of looking at make up and hair people, and sending out a few enquiries. I too don't do hair / nails / make up, but thought I should at least give it a go for my wedding! I tend to wear my hair up, so rather than have it down and annoying me the whole day I tried to find something that would work with that.
As for the dress, again - lots of online searches. Try and think about your body shape and what might suit you - is that a long and flowing dress, a fluffier one, a knee-length? Not a dress at all? It isn't compulsory!

That's how I'm tackling it anyway!

I don’t do hair or much make up either and I was tempted not to bother but my florists daughter is a professional hair and makeup artist so I’ve gone with her and had a trial as my wedding is this July, was definitely worth it as I felt a million dollars.
Regarding dress I have known I wanted tea length even before I was engaged so I went to one shop specialising in short wedding dresses and got mine there. I did research online first. Make a list of what you like and do lots of research!

Get your dress sorted first as that is going to affect your overall look - e.g. if you fall for a dress that has a stunning back, you'll need to have your hair up, and the colour you pick is going to affect what makeup and nail colour you have.

Have a browse online and see if you are drawn to any particular things, e.g. length, type of neckline, silhouette, fabric etc. Then make an appointment to try on a few different styles and shapes - often, once you start trying them on it helps to narrow down what you are looking for, and the boutique staff are usually good at picking out styles that will flatter you.

With dresses it’s best to just try a bunch on in a shop. You’ll start getting a feel for what you do and don’t want and a good consultant will be able to help you by making suggestions and paying attention to how your feeling.


For hair and makeup definitely wait until you’ve got your dress but there’s no harm in having a bit of a practice and going out of your comfort zone. You could easily go and get your nails done for a nice dinner or just for a weekend to see what it’s like and what you like. For hair and makeup if you’ve got any girly friends or family members you could always ask them to give you a mini makeover so it’s not a shock when you go for your trial and have a full face of makeup on.