One of the most common mistakes Queenstown brides make is leaving their hair planning too late. Wedding hair is not just about what happens on the morning of your wedding, it is about everything that goes into your hair in the months leading up to it. At Iron + Ivy Hair Studio Queenstown, we have helped hundreds of brides plan and execute their wedding day look. This is the timeline we recommend.
Six Months Before the Wedding
Book Your Consultation
Do this first. Iron + Ivy Hair Studio Queenstown is a popular destination for Central Otago brides, and our bridal calendar books out months in advance, particularly for peak summer and autumn wedding season. A complimentary bridal consultation locks in your stylist and gives us the maximum amount of time to prepare.
Start Your Hair Health Programme
Six months is enough time to make a meaningful difference to hair condition, length, and overall health. If your hair is damaged, dry, or thin, we will put you on a targeted product and treatment routine. If you want to grow length for your wedding, this is the time to start supporting that growth with the right scalp and hair care.
Four Months Before the Wedding
Decide on Colour Direction
If you want to change or refine your colour for the wedding, give yourself at least four months, especially if you want balayage or highlights. This timeframe allows for adjustments and refinements across multiple appointments so the colour is exactly where you want it on the day.
Book Your Trial Appointment
Your hair trial at Iron + Ivy Queenstown should be booked at this point, scheduled for approximately 6–8 weeks before the wedding.
Six to Eight Weeks Before the Wedding
Your Hair Trial at Iron + Ivy Queenstown
This is a full-length appointment where we create your chosen wedding style on your hair. You will see exactly what the day will look like, and have the opportunity to request changes before it matters. Bring your veil, headpiece, or any hair accessories you plan to wear so we can incorporate them.
Final Colour Appointment
If you are having a balayage or highlights, your final colour appointment should be around six weeks before the wedding. This allows the tones to settle and gives you time for a gloss refresh in the week before the day.
One to Two Weeks Before the Wedding
- Final toning gloss at Iron + Ivy Queenstown for maximum freshness
- Do not try any new products or treatments this close to the wedding
- Final trim to remove any split ends
- Confirm your wedding day appointment time and logistics with your stylist
Wedding Day
Come to Iron + Ivy with clean, dry hair unless otherwise instructed by your stylist. No product in the hair unless we have specifically asked for it. Hair should be down, not in a ponytail or bun, even overnight, avoid styles that create creases.
Book Your Bridal Consultation at Iron + Ivy Queenstown
The earlier you start, the better your wedding hair will be. Book your free bridal consultation at Iron + Ivy Hair Studio Queenstown today.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I do my final colour before the wedding?
Two to three weeks before. That gives the tone time to settle and any fading to even out, and leaves room for a toner refresh the week of if you want it brighter.
Can I change my hair length or style in the months before?
Yes, up to about three months out. After that, keep to trims so the style you trialled is the style you get on the day. If you want extensions for length or volume, have them fitted two to three weeks before, or use clip-ins on the day.
What do I need to do the night before?
Wash and condition the evening before, skip heavy conditioner at the roots and arrive with dry, product-free hair unless we tell you otherwise. Clean, day-old hair holds an updo better than hair washed an hour earlier.
Where does the bridal styling happen?
In the salon at Queenstown Central, Frankton, with free parking and room for the whole bridal party. We run several artists at once so everyone finishes on schedule. Tell us your ceremony time and we will build the morning backwards from it.
About Iron + Ivy Hair Studio
Iron + Ivy Hair Studio is at Queenstown Central, 19 Grant Road, Frankton, five minutes from Queenstown Airport with free parking at the door. The team, led by Creative Director Lauren McMurray, specialises in blondes, balayage, hair extensions and precision cuts, and every colour price includes the bond treatment, toner and cut. New colour clients start with a free consultation.
Ready for your best hair yet? Book with Iron + Ivy Studio
See it done at Iron + Ivy. Explore balayage in Queenstown and our blonde specialist services, or book a consultation today.
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