Bridal makeup and hair for a Tamil bride: how to prepare for the big day?

The bride's preparation is one of the most important moments of a Tamil wedding.

Between makeup, hair, flowers, the sari, jewelry and possible outfit changes, several hours may be necessary before the start of the ceremony.

Good organization helps avoid stress and above all ensures being ready in time for the important religious moments.

Here are the main elements to anticipate.

When should you book your makeup artist?

It is best to book early enough, especially when the wedding takes place during a busy period.

Some makeup artists who specialize in weddings can be booked several months in advance.

Before confirming your provider, indicate:

• the date;
• the location;
• the time by which you must be ready;
• the number of outfits;
• the number of hairstyles;
• the possible presence of other people to be made up.

This will allow the provider to propose a realistic schedule.

Traditional or modern makeup?

There is not a single makeup style for a Tamil bride.

Some brides want a very traditional look, while others prefer a more modern or natural makeup.

The choice mainly depends on:

• the outfit;
• the jewelry;
• the hairstyle;
• the bride's personality;
• the type of ceremony;
• the desired look in photos.

The most important thing is to keep a result in which the bride recognizes herself.

Do a makeup trial before the wedding

A trial can be particularly useful.

It allows you to check:

• ☐ The foundation
• ☐ The colors
• ☐ The eye makeup
• ☐ The lipstick
• ☐ The longevity of the makeup
• ☐ The render in photos
• ☐ The overall style

If possible, take some photos in natural light after the trial.

Makeup that looks perfect in the mirror can have a slightly different appearance in photo or video.

Choose makeup according to the sari

The color of the sari can help determine certain makeup shades.

But it is not necessary to match every color exactly.

An experienced makeup artist will be able to create a harmonious ensemble between:

• the sari;
• the jewelry;
• the skin tone;
• the flowers;
• the hairstyle.

To choose your outfits: Tenues de mariage tamoul : sari, Veshti, bijoux et accessoires

Which hairstyle for a Tamil bride?

Several styles are possible.

The hairstyle depends in particular on:

• the sari;
• the hair jewelry;
• the flowers;
• the hair length;
• the desired style.

Among the possible options:

The long braid

The traditional braid can be decorated with flowers and different accessories.

The bun

The bun allows, in particular, the integration of flowers around the hairstyle.

A more modern hairstyle

Some brides also choose:

• curls;
• half-up;
• lighter hairstyles;
• a different hairstyle for the reception.

The choice must above all be adapted to the bride and the length of the day.

Flowers in the hairstyle

Flowers are particularly present in many Tamil bridal looks.

They can be placed:

• around a bun;
• along a braid;
• on the side of the hairstyle;
• in a more substantial arrangement.

Jasmine is often appreciated for its traditional look and its fragrance.

But other flowers can naturally be used depending on the wedding style.

When to order the flowers?

Do not leave this step to the last minute.

The florist or provider must know:

• ☐ The type of hairstyle
• ☐ The desired quantity
• ☐ The colors
• ☐ The time of preparation
• ☐ The delivery location

It is also important to know who will install the flowers: the hairdresser, the makeup artist or another person.

Hair jewelry

Some looks can include several accessories.

It is important to show them to the hairdresser before the wedding.

She will then be able to check:

• how to fix them;
• their weight;
• their placement;
• their compatibility with the hairstyle.

Avoid discovering on the morning of the wedding that an accessory cannot be installed correctly.

Prepare the sari

The sari itself can require time.

Depending on the chosen service, the makeup artist or a draping specialist can also help the bride put it on.

Before booking, ask clearly:

"Is sari draping included in the service?"

If it is not, plan a person capable of taking care of it.

Prepare the sari in advance

To save time, some elements can be prepared the day before.

For example:

• ☐ Ironed sari
• ☐ Prepared blouse
• ☐ Petticoat ready
• ☐ Jewelry gathered
• ☐ Shoes ready
• ☐ Accessories prepared
• ☐ Flowers ordered

Each outfit can be stored separately.

Changing the sari

Some weddings include one or more outfit changes.

In that case, add them directly to the schedule.

For each change, plan:

• the sari;
• the blouse;
• the jewelry;
• the accessories;
• the shoes;
• the necessary time.

Do not plan a ten-minute outfit change if the set actually requires thirty or forty minutes.

The preparation must respect the religious schedule

In some Hindu Tamil weddings, certain moments must take place at a precise time.

This is notably the case when the ceremony is organized around a Muhurtham.

The bride must therefore be completely ready before that time.

To learn more: Muhurtham dans un mariage tamoul : date et heure de cérémonie

What time should makeup start?

It all depends on the program.

To determine the start time, start from the time at which the bride must be ready.

To place the preparation in the day: Planning d'un mariage tamoul : exemple de déroulement du jour J

Then subtract:

• time for makeup;
• time for hair;
• time for the sari;
• time for the jewelry;
• time for photos;
• a safety margin.

Example

The bride must be ready at 8 h 30.

• Makeup: 1 h 15
• Hair: 1 h
• Sari and jewelry: 45 min
• Photos: 30 min
• Margin: 30 min

You will therefore need to start several hours before.

The example is for guidance only: each provider must confirm their own durations.

Plan a buffer

This is one of the most important pieces of advice.

An accessory may be missing.

A hairstyle may take longer.

A sari may require an adjustment.

Someone may arrive late.

So always plan a buffer.

Photos of the preparations

The preparation also makes it possible to take very beautiful images.

The photographer can capture:

• the sari;
• the jewelry;
• the flowers;
• the shoes;
• the makeup;
• the hairstyle;
• the help of relatives;
• the moment when the bride discovers her final look.

So inform the photographer of the exact time of preparation.

To learn more: Photographer and videographer for a Tamil wedding: moments not to miss

Provide enough space

The room where the bride gets ready must be large enough.

It must be able to accommodate:

• the bride;
• the makeup artist;
• the hairdresser;
• possibly a dresser;
• the photographer;
• the videographer;
• a few relatives.

A small room filled with ten people can quickly complicate the preparation.

Check the lighting

For makeup, good lighting is important.

Preferably choose a bright room.

Also ask the provider if they bring their own lighting.

Provide electrical outlets

A simple but important detail.

The hairdresser may need:

• a hairdryer;
• a curling iron;
• a straightener;
• lighting;
• other equipment.

So check that there are enough accessible outlets.

Prepare a touch-up kit

The day can be long.

Prepare a small kit containing for example:

• ☐ Lipstick
• ☐ Powder
• ☐ Tissues
• ☐ Pins
• ☐ Elastics
• ☐ Small hair accessories
• ☐ Perfume
• ☐ Plasters
• ☐ Products necessary for touch-ups

Entrust this kit to a close person.

Who can accompany the bride?

Avoid having too many people in the room.

Choose a few relatives who can really help.

For example:

• mother;
• sister;
• maid of honor;
• close friend.

A calm room generally allows the bride to be prepared more efficiently.

Mistakes to avoid

Booking too late

The most in-demand providers may no longer be available.

Not doing a trial when unsure

A trial helps better define the desired result.

Adding too many people to be made up without warning

The makeup artist must know the exact number of services.

Planning a schedule that is too tight

Always keep a buffer.

Not preparing the accessories

Everything should ideally be gathered the day before.

Completely changing style on the morning of the wedding

The big day is generally not the best time to try a totally new idea.

Questions to ask the makeup artist

Before booking:

• ☐ Are you available on the wedding date?
• ☐ Can you start very early if necessary?
• ☐ Is travel included?
• ☐ Is hair included?
• ☐ Is the sari included?
• ☐ Are the flowers installed by you?
• ☐ How much time should be planned?
• ☐ Is a trial offered?
• ☐ Are touch-ups included?
• ☐ Can you stay for an outfit change?
• ☐ Is there a supplement for a second hairstyle?
• ☐ What deposit is required?

Bride beauty checklist

Several months before

• ☐ Makeup artist booked
• ☐ Hairdresser booked
• ☐ Style defined
• ☐ Outfits chosen

A few weeks before

• ☐ Trial performed if desired
• ☐ Hairstyle defined
• ☐ Jewelry prepared
• ☐ Flowers ordered
• ☐ Schedule confirmed

The day before

• ☐ Sari prepared
• ☐ Blouse prepared
• ☐ Jewelry gathered
• ☐ Shoes ready
• ☐ Accessories ready
• ☐ Touch-up kit prepared

The wedding day

• ☐ Provider arrived
• ☐ Makeup
• ☐ Hair
• ☐ Flowers
• ☐ Sari
• ☐ Jewelry
• ☐ Photos
• ☐ Buffer before the ceremony

Prepare the whole wedding

The beauty schedule must be coordinated with the rest of the wedding.

Also consult:

• Prepare a Tamil wedding: the complete checklist
• Tenues de mariage tamoul : sari, Veshti, bijoux et accessoires
• Muhurtham dans un mariage tamoul : date et heure de cérémonie

Find a makeup artist for your wedding

A makeup artist experienced in weddings can help you organize the makeup, hair and outfit changes according to the ceremony schedule.

On DreamWeds, discover beauty professionals and find the service suited to your wedding.