Matric Farewell is one of the most exciting and unforgettable nights of your high school journey. It’s your red carpet moment—your chance to dress up, feel confident, and celebrate how far you’ve come.
But here’s the thing: pulling off that picture-perfect night takes more than just a show-stopping dress. From booking your dream car to getting your glam on time, there are a lot of moving parts to coordinate—and if you’re not careful, stress can sneak in where joy should be.
At Flash That Studio, we’ve worked with hundreds of Matric Farewell clients, and we’ve seen it all. So here’s our best advice for planning ahead—and making the most of your big night.
1. Start Early, Plan Smart
The best Matric Farewell experiences are planned. Don’t leave bookings until the last minute, especially in busy months when everyone’s trying to book the same vendors. Make a list of the essentials:
- Dress / Suit
- Hair & Makeup
- Photoshoot location & Photographer
- Car hire or transport
- Nails, accessories, shoes
- Red carpet arrival time
2. Book Your Photographer & Location First
Trust us: photos are one of the most important parts of the day. You’ve put so much effort into how you look—you deserve more than a rushed photo on your front lawn.
At Flash That Studio, we offer Matric Farewell shoots in-studio or on location—whether it’s a scenic outdoor spot, at your home, or a styled destination. Booking your photoshoot early helps you schedule the rest of your prep around it.
Pro tip: Ask your photographer how long the shoot will take and what time you need to be done to arrive at your venue on time. Then work backward to schedule everything else.
3. Hair & Makeup Timing is Key
Hair and makeup can take 2–3 hours, especially if you’re sharing a stylist with a friend or two. Be clear about:
- Who’s doing your hair & makeup
- Where they’ll be working (at your home or in a salon)
- What time they need to start
And please—schedule a makeup trial if you can! It helps avoid disappointment or delays on the day.
4. That Dream Car? Book It Early
Limousines, vintage cars, sports cars, horse-drawn carriages… whatever your style, make sure your transport is locked in and the driver knows your pick-up and drop-off times and locations.
Also check how long you have the car—especially if you’re using it for your photoshoot and red carpet drop-off.
5. Budgeting: Be Realistic, Not Reckless
Matric Farewell can get expensive quickly. Here’s a rough idea of how costs can add up:
- Dress/suit: R1 500–R8 000+
- Hair & Makeup: R1 200–R3 000
- Nails, Lashes, Brows: R900–R2 000
- Photographer: R950–R4 500+
- Car hire: R1 000–R3 000+
- Accessories & Extras: R1500+
Tip: Set a realistic budget early on and decide what matters most to you. Some save on the dress and splurge on photos; others skip the car but book a luxury makeup session. There’s no wrong way to do it—just make it yours.
6. Timing is Everything
Once all your services are booked, create a timeline for the day. We recommend printing it out or saving it on your phone. Include:
- Hair & makeup slot
- Photoshoot time
- Car pick-up
- Red carpet arrival
- Touch-up time (if needed)
Leave a bit of buffer time between things—this helps you stay calm, even if something runs late.
Final Thoughts from Flash That Studio
Your Matric Farewell is your moment to shine. When everything runs smoothly, you get to enjoy it instead of stressing through it.
We’d love to help you capture this unforgettable chapter with timeless, beautiful photos that show off not just your look—but your confidence.
If you’re ready to book your Matric Farewell shoot or want help planning the details around it, get in touch with us early. We’ll make sure your memories are worth framing.