"When Should You Book a Makeup Artist for Your Wedding? (Complete Timeline)"

The short version

Want the best makeup artist in Oslo on your date in May, June, or August?

Book 12–18 months in advance.

That is not an exaggeration. It is the reality for popular dates in peak season.

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Why do makeup artists book up so early?

A skilled makeup artist does not work on a production line. They take one — maybe two — weddings per day, and often work alone. The number of weddings they can take per season is limited.

In Norway, wedding season is concentrated:

• May, June, July, August are peak season
• Saturdays are the favourite day for Norwegian brides
• Popular venues cluster around the same weekends

The result: the most talented makeup artists in Oslo often have their calendars filled 12–18 months in advance. If you wait until 6 months before, many dates are already taken.

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The complete timeline

12–18 months before: Book your makeup artist (and photographer)

These two are the first suppliers you should secure — before the venue, caterer, and even the dress. They have the fewest available dates.

What you do now:

• Find 3–5 makeup artists you like via Instagram, Google, and recommendations
• Check portfolios — look for weddings similar to yours, and in similar lighting conditions
• Send an enquiry with your date and indicate whether you want bridal makeup, bridal hair, or both
• Book and sign a contract with a deposit

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8–10 months before: Choose your style direction

You don't need every detail now, but start collecting inspiration.

• Create a Pinterest board with looks you love
• Note what you like about each image (the eyes? the lip? the glow effect?)
• Share it with your makeup artist — it is a great foundation for the trial session

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6–8 months before: Book your trial session

The trial session should happen 6–8 weeks before the wedding day — not now. But now is when you set a date and time for it.

Many makeup artists have limited trial slots — don't wait.

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3–4 months before: Establish your skincare routine

Your skin is the foundation for everything. Three to four months gives you enough time to build a routine and see results.

Simple tips:

• Daily SPF (year-round)
• Night moisturiser with hyaluronic acid or ceramides
• Avoid harsh exfoliation in the last 2 weeks before the trial session and wedding
• Drink enough water — it sounds cliché, but it shows

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6–8 weeks before: The trial session

This is where you create your look for the first time. See our complete guide to the trial session for what to bring and what happens.

After the trial: go home with the makeup on and test how well it holds up through a full day.

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2 weeks before: Final skincare stop

• Don't try new products on your skin
• No chemical peels, laser, or intense exfoliation
• If you want a facial — do it now, not the day before

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The evening before the wedding

• Cleanse your face thoroughly
• Moisturise well
• Get enough sleep (we know — easier said than done)
• Lay out everything you need for the morning

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Your wedding day

• Arrive with clean, moisturised skin — no everyday makeup
• Eat breakfast (low blood sugar affects concentration and can impact your skin)
• Have your inspiration images ready
• Trust the process — you have prepared this well

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What if you are already running late?

Don't panic. Popular artists may be fully booked, but there are always solutions:

1. Ask about cancellations — people do cancel sometimes. Ask to be put on a waiting list.

2. Be flexible with timing — not all artists are booked for early mornings. If you are flexible, you have a better chance of finding someone.

3. Consider nearby artists — a makeup artist in Asker, Bærum, or Lillestrøm is just as talented as one in central Oslo.

4. Ask for recommendations — a fully booked makeup artist will often help direct you to a colleague they trust.

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Take the first step now

Contact us to check whether your date is available. We respond within 24 hours, and a no-obligation chat costs nothing.

Also see our services to understand what is included in our different packages.