How to Hire a Bridal Makeup Artist for Your Big Day
Holidays are a time for celebrations, families and making memories. It is also a time when most couples get engaged! The moment you say “I Do”, begins the whirlwind of planning for one of the biggest events in your life. From the venue to the gown, you plan every detail to be picture-perfect – so why skimp on your hair and makeup services.
The photos captured will last a lifetime and should capture the essence of your beauty for years to come. Here are some tips to help you hire a great make-up artist for your big day.
Start Your Search Early
On average, brides will find and hire their hair and makeup professional 12-18 months in advance. Your hair/makeup artist should be professional, knowledgeable and build a rapport with you before booking services. He or she should schedule a convenient time to speak with you and listen to your ideas to create a beautiful custom bridal look.
Do Your Homework
Most hair/makeup artists display their work and service offerings via websites or social media sites like Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn. Find a few artists in your area and study their work style to see if it matches your taste. They should be able to work on multiple skin-tones from the palest porcelain to the deepest ebony. Ask questions, about their work history, products they use and services they offer so you know up front if they are the right artist for you. Once you narrow your search to 1-2 artists, be sure to schedule a bridal preview or trial with each. Yes, you will have to pay for your trials.
Ask for Referrals
Having trouble finding a hair/makeup artist in your online search – ask for a referral from friends, recent brides or even co-workers. You can also ask for referrals from your wedding vendors (ie: 
photographer, florist, planner, etc). Do not search Craigslist – stick with a professional artist. Depending on your state laws and regulations, your hair/makeup artist should be licensed and insured, practice property sanitation and require an executed contract and deposit in order to book services. Having a contract for services not only protects you as a client, it also protects the artist providing the services.
Don’t be Cheap
Good work isn’t cheap and cheap work isn’t good. Having your hair and/or makeup done professionally requires skill, time and professional products. Just because someone can paint their own face and post selfies does not mean they can apply makeup that will last all day from ceremony to reception or through various weather conditions. Bridal hair and makeup services are a luxury. Why spend hundreds and thousands of dollars on venues, gowns, music, and photography only to skimp on hair and makeup services? Trust me, it will show in your photos. Your hair/makeup artist should be compensated for their time, knowledge and skills, and for any travel related expenses or additional assistants needed to style your bridal party.
Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Remember, there are no silly questions. Ask about his/her experience in the beauty industry, how long have they been in business, what products they use in their kit, do they have/use vegan products? Depending on your location, you will spend a minimum of $500 for bridal hair/makeup services. The higher the number of people in your bridal party, the more you will pay for luxury bridal services. Asking all your questions before booking services will save you time and give you peace of mind.
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