Here's everything you need to know about booking a makeup artist for your wedding and what you should expect from your artist
CHOOSING YOUR ARTIST
Congratulations on your engagement! Now the fun part of planning and choosing vendors begins. When choosing a makeup artist it is important to consider style, start looking at photos on Pinterest and Google using keywords that pertain to your personal style (natural, glam, sparkly, grunge, boho etc.) Once you have an idea what you're looking for, you can start asking for recommendations in your area and checking out some portfolios. My particular style is "soft glam." We will always customize a look just for you, but most artists will cultivate an overall look or style, and this will give you a starting point. You can even book trials with different artists to make sure you find the right fit. Our mission is to make sure you love your face on your big day!
BOOKING YOUR ARTIST
Read your artist's Instagram or website and find out how to inquire (its usually best to email or fill our their contact form). I mention this to help you avoid the disappointment of not booking your artist because your inquiry got lost in their DM's if that isn't their preferred form of communication. Once you've reached out and provided your information and the date is available, then we will send you our next steps for booking, which usually requires the payment of a deposit and signing of contracts. Then you're booked and all further details can be discussed through email (in my case, use your artist's preferred way).
BOOK A TRIAL
The next step is to book a trial with your artist once you've secured your date. I highly recommend booking it for a day that you'll be having your photo taken (engagement shoot, dress fitting, showers, birthday party etc) this is because makeup tends to wash out in photos, so you'll know if you want to amp the makeup up a notch or tone it down. Some brides aren't sure if they need a trial, because they trust their artist or they're low maintenance. In my experience this is how you end up disappointed with your look because you didn't have the language to explain the look you want or you and your artist have different versions of full glam for example. A trial gives us both a starting point and it makes the wedding day go so much smoother. I always tell my brides to go home from the trial and live with the makeup for a few hours, see how it wears throughout the day, take some photos in different lighting and then send me an email picking the makeup apart (I like the skin, I don't like the lip colour, I want to step it up a notch on the eyes etc.) You won't hurt my feelings if you tell me you don't like something, I want your look to be perfect! I will make a note of all these changes so we can make the necessary adjustments without the pressure of a time crunch.
THE BIG DAY
Leading up to the big day make sure you've discussed a timeline with your artist, they will be able to give you an approximation of how long each person will take them and are used to working tandem with hair stylists. Most artists will want to come 15-30 minutes early to set up their work station, so they will usually add that time on when discussing a start time. Natural light is what we're after as makeup artists, so if you can save us a spot in front of a window we will be forever grateful! We will also need some table or counter space to set up and a tall chair or barstool (I personally bring my own, but helpful to note). Personally, I always book an extra 15-20 minutes per person to ensure everyone gets a complimentary touch up before I leave, so if there's any changes you need to make you'll be able to make those during that time. Most artists will charge some sort of fee to stay past their allotted time frame, so make sure you discuss it with them if you have extra people or you want them to stick around for extra touch ups.
SHOW YOUR ARTIST LOVE
Lastly, if you loved your artist's work, make sure you let them know! You can show your love by writing a google review, recommending them to a friend and tagging them in your social media posts. It help's us more than you know!