You ever have one of those moments where you realize that if you had only known then what you know now you’d have saved a lot of time, money, energy or even embarrassment? Yeah, I’m pretty sure we all have.

Unfortunately, weddings seem to be one of those things where you just learn as you go – sure, you’ve got checklists and planners and guides, but unless you’ve already been through one, you just don’t know what to expect for you.

I’d like to share a few tips that I’ve gathered along the way that will definitely help brides with the hair and makeup process. Some of these are things that typically aren’t talked about because maybe they’re considered taboo, rude, or you just don’t know how a bride will react. Some are things you just don’t know until you know, you know? I hope all of them will help you have the best wedding day possible.

Timing is everything! In order for your wedding day to move along like a well oiled machine, you need to have a schedule. I’m not saying every bride should be Type A and lord knows nobody loves a bridezilla, but those ladies that have an organized plan of action find that they can enjoy their day so much more than those who don’t.

It’s very common for brides to start their day with hair and makeup. Knowing how many of your bridesmaids, moms, grandmas, flower girls, etc. are getting their hair done beforehand will definitely help keep you on schedule. As your stylist, we’re prepared to deal with the unexpected, but it makes our jobs (and the rest of your day) so much easier if we know hair and makeup aren’t going to make you late for everything else.

Clean hair makes for a happy stylist. Somewhere, somebody decided that dirty hair creates a better up-do. I’m here to tell you that’s not the case. Not anymore, anyway. Advances in product technology let us create pretty much any texture or feel we want for your hair. We also have products that we know work well and that we prefer to use. If you show up to have your hair done on your wedding day with product already in your hair, we can’t guarantee that it will hold like it’s supposed to. Please, have everyone in your bridal party that is having hair and makeup done show up with clean, dry hair and a clean face.

Ambiance is underrated. It’s your wedding day! You’re getting your hair and makeup professionally done!! You’re surrounded by your BFFs and people who love you!! Exclamation point overkill? Maybe. But I wanted to prove a point. Your wedding day is a happy day, so make sure every part of it includes things that make you happy. Music, food, drinks, conversation…all of these elements can help set the tone for the entire event, so use them.

You are in charge. Not your mom, not your maid of honor, not your mother-in-law-to-be. You. It’s absolutely astounding how many times I’ve seen personalities flip on a wedding day, making everyone uncomfortable in the process. As with the scheduling advice above, make sure everyone in the room knows what the expectations are (in a polite and pleasant way, of course) for hair and makeup and stick to it. Please don’t make your stylist have to play police officer as well.

Trials are a must. Especially if this is the first time you and a stylist have worked together. You may have a style that you love in photographs, but change your mind once you see it on you. Trials also give us a chance to get to know one another, let me know what your plans are for the big day and let us work through any potential glitches that may come up.

Bonus tip: Schedule your hair and makeup trial for the same day as your bachelorette party or other important event. You’ll look fabulous out on the town and get to test the endurance of your look throughout the evening.

Do you have any additional tips to add? Anything you wish someone would have told you before the big day?