So you’ve chosen the venue, the date, the dress, and possibly the photographer. Everything seems to be coming together nicely, but it’s time to complete your look by deciding who to hire for hair and makeup. Some brides start the process knowing exactly who they want, but for many others, this can be a really hard decision. Because of this, I thought it might be helpful to go through some reasons a bride might want to hire hair and makeup, as well as how to choose the right artist for her day. (We aren’t all the same.)
For the “natural” bride who wants to look a little more like an Anniston or a Saldana rather than a Kardashian: You prefer to keep things simple, so is it really worth hiring a makeup artist? YES. You don’t have to wear every item at Sephora just because it’s your wedding day, but you should pamper yourself and leave the stress of getting the makeup just right to a professional. A great hair and makeup artist will know how to transform your everyday look into the perfect bridal look. He or she will create a glowing, camera-ready face that lasts all day, and highlights your best features. Not to mention, your fiancé and loved-ones will still recognize you when you walk down the aisle.
To my brides who are completely inspired by the Kardashian family. Love glam hair and makeup every day, but not sure that youtube tutorials are going to cut it on one of the most photographed days of your life? The right artist will work with you to create the perfect glam look, making sure that the bold contour you love is so blended that your closest friends will think your cheekbones naturally look that sculpted, even in natural light. Plus, if you are going to look like a Kardashian, you should probably feel like one too. Pamper yourself.
Now that you know why you need a glam squad, you need to choose the right one. When I said earlier that we aren’t all the same, I truly meant it. We each have our own styles of hair and makeup, as well as personalities. My first advice for you when choosing hair and makeup for your big day is to get a list of recommendations from other people whose style you like, then go through that carefully curated list, and look each person up. (Instagram and Facebook are okay, but try their professional website as well.) Does the website actually look professional? Do you like their work? Most importantly: DOES THEIR WORK LOOK LIKE THE MAKEUP OR HAIR YOU WOULD LIKE TO WEAR? An artist may have a beautiful hair and makeup portfolio, but if it isn’t your style, why would you hire them? I’ve definitely had people come to me looking for a style of hair and makeup that I don’t gravitate towards myself… and you know what? I’ll be the first person to tell them that I’m not the person they are looking for. My favorite brides are the ones who send inspiration photos that I’ve actually pinned myself, or even photos of my own work, because I know we are on the same page, and I know that they want to hire me for my particular style of work.
After you find an artist whose work you want to wear every day, now you need to make sure that they are available and in your budget. When inquiring for prices, be yourself. Tell them a little about your wedding, including where it will be, and give them an idea of how many services you may need. Also, it should go without saying, but please remember that “you get what you pay for”. If they are available and in your budget, the next step would be to meet them. Whether it's a bridal preview, a phone call, or just a meeting over coffee, try to get to know them. Ask questions so that you understand how their business operates. Ask how they schedule a day, and how many people they will need to bring along to complete your services. Do you feel confident in their ability to create hair and makeup that matches the entire wedding style and esthetic not just for you, but also for your bridesmaids? Do you feel confident in their ability to manage situations under pressure? Do you like their personality and want to be around them on your wedding day? I personally tend to be really calm and focused. I love to be there for brides and just help them feel relaxed. I try to act as a buffer if there are any high-maintenance bridesmaids, mothers, or even wedding planners around. Some artists are more energetic. They make the day into a high-energy, fun sort of party. Some artists are literally there to do your hair or makeup and then be done, while others are willing to help you create an entire look and guide you on anything from hair pieces and skin care to spray tans and brow shaping. Think about what you truly want, then when you decide that you’ve found the right person, be ready to book right away. Let your bridesmaids know who you’ve chosen, how much they cost, and most importantly, let them know why you’ve chosen them. Encourage them to look up the artist’s work before-hand, and let them know that you’ve chosen that artist because of his or her individual aesthetic. Not just the title of “hair and/or makeup” they hold.
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The Photographers of the photos above in order of the photos are:
1. Matt Andrews www.nashvilleweddingphotography.com
2. Ashley Posthuma www.photographyanthology.com
3. & 4. Seth Farmer www.sethfarmer.com
