Tips from the Bridal Beauty Experts at Updos For I Dos
You’ve just said “yes!”, congratulations! Now comes the exciting part: planning your dream wedding. If you're beginning to plan a wedding in Columbia, South Carolina, we’re here to help break it all down for you. From finding your venue to finalizing your wedding day beauty team, our team at Updos For I Dos is here to share our expert tips to help newly engaged brides make confident, stress-free decisions!
Whether you’re planning a romantic garden wedding or a sleek downtown celebration, Columbia, South Carolina has no shortage of charming options. And as a team of professional bridal hair and makeup artists who travel all across the East Coast (Columbia included!), we’ve seen firsthand what makes for a smooth, joyful wedding day.
Here’s where we recommend you start:
Set Your Wedding Date and Venue
Before diving into the details, it’s important to lock in two big decisions: your wedding date and venue. These go hand in hand. Popular Columbia venues tend to book far in advance, especially during peak spring and fall seasons.
Some beloved Columbia wedding venues include:
701 Whaley
An industrial-chic spot perfect for large guest lists and creative decor.
The Lace House
Ideal for couples who love gardens, architecture, and Southern elegance.
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
A truly unique venue that offers a lush setting (plus lots of animals!).
Once your venue is reserved, everything else starts to fall into place—especially vendor availability.
Prioritize Your Vendors
Once your date and location are confirmed, it’s time to hire your wedding vendor dream team. High-quality vendors often book quickly, so we recommend securing your top priorities early. That usually includes:
Wedding planner
Photographer/videographer
Caterer
Florist
Bridal beauty team (that’s us!)
The sooner you begin booking vendors, the more likely you are to work with your top choices! If you’re not sure where to begin, a local wedding planner can be an incredible resource for vendor referrals.
Book Your Bridal Hair and Makeup Artists Early
When it comes to wedding day beauty, don’t wait! Booking your bridal hair and makeup artists early ensures you get the team you want, and gives you plenty of time to schedule a trial before your big day.
At Updos For I Dos, we specialize in on-site bridal hair and makeup throughout Columbia and across the East Coast. Our team brings everything to you, creating a calm and luxurious environment where you and your wedding party can relax, sip champagne, and get pampered.
Not sure what look you’re going for? No problem! Our experienced artists work with you to create a bridal style that’s tailored to your features, your dress, and your wedding vibe. Whether you're dreaming of a romantic updo or soft glam makeup, we'll help you feel your most confident.
Stay Organized (But Flexible!)
Wedding planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming—especially if you keep things organized from the start. A few tips we recommend:
Use a checklist to track your timeline and major to-dos
Keep contracts and vendor info in one place (digital or printed!)
Be clear on your budget, and revisit it often
Schedule regular planning check-ins with your fiancé or planner
Most importantly, give yourself grace. Not every decision needs to be made at once, and not everything will go exactly to plan, and that’s totally okay. What matters most is celebrating your love with the people who matter most!
Don’t Forget the Details
Once your big pieces are in place, it’s time to focus on the details that make your day feel personal and unforgettable. Think:
Ceremony music
Signature cocktails
Guest welcome bags
Personalized signage
Dance floor moments you’ll always remember
These final touches help create a day that reflects you, and they’ll leave a lasting impression on your guests.
And of course, your beauty prep is part of the detail magic too! That’s why our team at Updos For I Dos creates a wedding day timeline for you to ensure you and your entire bridal party are finished and photo-ready with time to spare! No stress, just celebration.
Plan Your Columbia Wedding with Confidence
Columbia, SC is a gorgeous place to get married, whether you’re drawn to its Southern charm, its rich history, or its vibrant arts and food scene! And when you’re ready to book your bridal beauty team, we’d be honored to be part of your vendor lineup.
At Updos For I Dos, we’ve spent over 20 years helping brides look and feel their best on one of the most special days of their lives. If you’re ready to start planning your wedding day hair and makeup in Columbia, let’s chat!
Click the link right here to inquire about your date, we can’t wait to be part of your wedding day!
