Maine & NH Wedding Photographer // Dear Bridesmaids: Butt in Seat, Hair Dry, Let’s Go

Alright bridesmaids, let’s have a little chat. I love you. You’re fun. You’re important. You’re there to hype the bride up and make her feel like the queen she is. But do you know what you’re not there to do? Be the reason hair and makeup starts late.

When we say “your hair and makeup start at 7:00 AM,” that doesn’t mean “start wandering toward the chair with dripping wet hair at 7:05.” It means butt in seat, hair dry, ready to roll at exactly 7:00. Not in the shower. Not searching for your shoes. Not hunting down the rings. We love a helpful bridesmaid, but right now your only job is to be on time.

Here’s why: if hair and makeup start late, the bride doesn’t get finished on time. If the bride doesn’t get finished on time, the entire timeline takes a swan dive off a cliff. And when that happens, I (your friendly neighborhood wedding photographer) am stuck either rushing through portraits or—worst case—cutting them altogether.

That dreamy first look? Gone. The fun, relaxed family formals before the ceremony? Also gone. Instead, your best friend, the bride, is literally sprinting to the ceremony with barely a breath in between. All because someone didn’t think 7:00 AM was a reasonable start time. Spoiler alert: it is.

We build these timelines for a reason—it’s so the couple can have the day they actually want, not the chaotic, “oh my god we’re late” version. Being late for your turn in the chair isn’t just inconvenient—it’s selfish. This day isn’t about you. It’s about showing up for your friend and making sure she gets the day she’s been dreaming about for months (or years).

So, bridesmaids, do your part. Show up on time. Show up ready. Show up with dry hair and no excuses. You’ll still look gorgeous. You’ll still have plenty of fun. And most importantly—you’ll have helped your friend have the wedding day she deserves.

End rant. Love you, mean it.