With a lot if choice out there now, one of the biggest problems seam to be the make up artists who recently completed a short course and are not only doing make up but hair as well!
Hair and makeup is the MOST important part of the day so it is wise to research this area thoroughly.
The best tips I can give you is don’t look for a budget hair and make up artist and don’t let your friend do it as a wedding present unless this is her profession.
Even if times are tough right now and you are having to cut corners. I think you should look long and hard about where you cut those corners. Most of your guests won’t even end up taking home the wedding bomboniere, but your wedding photos are here to stay forever.
Referrals
If you loved your cousins hair and make up on her wedding day, ask her who she used. Or ask your photographer who they recommend, they know who will turn up on time and make you look flawless in your wedding photos.
Getting a referral from several different sources is ideal! If you get a referral for the same company from several vendors and/or individuals, you have struck gold.
Do they specialise in weddings?
It takes a special someone to turn up on your wedding day and not be offended when your aunt Flo starts mentioning what a waste of money this is and that she never did it and that she really doesn’t like your hair with volume/curls. The artist also needs to be equipped with all the tools needed, I’ve once over heard a hairdresser mention she doesn’t carry hot rollers because she doesn’t use them on photoshoots… I think she seamed to forget where she was!
You need someone professional, on time, calm, caring and prepared….. and more than happy to turn up at 5am if needed!!!
Timing is everything. A makeup should take between 20-45 mins any more than this on the day and the artist is under qualified. Hair can take anywhere between 20-1.5hrs, this all depends on the style.
Have you seen their work?
Do you look at their pictures in awe? Do you want to look just as flawless and stunning as the brides in the pictures? Some other things to remember are:
Versatility- Have they got many different styles on their website? You don’t look exactly like the next bride and nor do you want to. You want your own personalised look. Trendy or classic, it should be up to you.
Before and afters- This gives you a great idea of how much of an impact the artist can create.
Amount of make up- You need to wear makeup on your day, but you don’t want to people commenting on how you need a trowel to get it off! Its not the amount of make up that makes it last the day, it is about the quality/technique.
How are their dealings with you before your big day?
Did they email/call you back within 48 hrs? As you can imagine sometimes the make up artist and hairstylist could be tied up. But if you have to wait more than a week for a response then you may not be very high on the priority list. A professional artist understands that your day is important to you and will take the time to be available for you.
Price
Before booking a trial check to see whether or not the trial price includes more than 1 look. And whether they charge a travel fee for the trial. Usually it is a done thing to come to the artist for the trial, this also saves you paying extra for travel.
Sometime artists charge an early morning fee or travel fees. You are also expected to cover parking on the day.
Beware of cheap artists, these ones are just starting out and are willing to undercut the professionals to get the job. They might be ok at the trial and take their time but without experience they get flustered and end up taking more time then required and can make you late on your big day.
Remember it is not JUST hair and make up. If you need to save money, save on the cars and the shoes. But don’t choose a hairstylist and make up artist based on price.
