The 10 Questions Brides Need to Ask Before Hiring a Makeup Artist

The last thing you need on your wedding day is an unexpected curveball. Vendors arriving unprepared or late, unanticipated bills, and paying top dollar for a look you don’t love are the stuff brides’ nightmares are made of. Minimize anxiety by asking these 10 questions before booking a makeup artist.  

1. Are you available for my wedding date and do you have any other weddings scheduled for the same day? 

Before you even consider cost or contracts, find out if the artist can accommodate your day. My policy is to only book one wedding a day. Imagine how you would feel if I showed up an hour late because the bride I booked earlier took too long getting into her dress/forgot her shoes/got cold feet? It’s too big of a risk, but that also means that I book up faster than an artist who takes multiple appointments, so if your artist’s undivided attention is a priority, ask about their policy.

2. What specific services are included in the cost?  

False lashes, hair extensions, and travel are often add-on services and not included in a basic package. 

3. How many artists can I expect for my number of services? 

If you and your six bridesmaids are all expecting professional makeup, you’ll need to know if your artist is bringing assistants and how long before the ceremony you’ll need to schedule. We want to make sure we can accommodate your needs in a timely manner. 

4. How long have you been in business? 

Ask to see reviews and a portfolio or online gallery of past clients. You want to make sure your artist has a track record of excellence and has the skills to nail your desired look. 

5. When are you available for a trial? 

Trials are an important way for you to communicate with your artist in person and bring photos for inspiration. Most artists will be booked for weddings all weekend so consider that trials will often need to be done on weekdays. Plan to book your trial anywhere from 2 to 6 months before the wedding date. This is also true for engagement photos which can be even more difficult to book on weekends because you’ll need to coordinate with a photographer too. 

6. Can your artist work with multiple skin types/tones and age ranges?

It’s great if your artist can do a winged liner look that you love, but can they also work with everyone else in the room? They may need to have a range of colors and products in their kit and experience specific to Women of Color, and different skin types: oily, dry, mature, or acne-prone skin.

7. What type of makeup do you use? 

Your artist should be prepared for your location and weather. For example, hot humid outdoor weddings may require water-based airbrush foundation and a heavy-duty finishing spray. The products your artist uses should also coincide with your desired look: dewy, matte or satin.

8. How do I secure my booking? 

It’s a huge red flag if an artist does not require a contract or a retainer. This not only protects the artist, it protects the client, outlining exactly what services are included, deposit requirements and cancellation details. 

9. What’s the difference between wedding and other special event makeup? 

Makeup application for a special event, like a birthday party, needs to be flawless, but when taking wedding photos into account there are some differences. Going slightly darker than you normally might, with special attention on false lashes and blush, can keep your look picture perfect. 

Makeup that has all-day staying power and looks stunning in HD photos is often highly pigmented and more expensive than typical drugstore products. It also needs to be applied carefully to avoid going on too heavy and looking cakey. 

Going slightly darker than you normally might, with special attention on false lashes and blush, can keep your look picture perfect. 

10. The question to ask yourself: How comfortable do you feel with a makeup artist?

They should respond to your calls or emails quickly, you shouldn’t have to reach out 5 times before you get a reply. Is it clear that they’re capable of executing your wedding day look or does it seem like they’re going to wing it? It’s also helpful if you actually like your artist. He/She is going to be very close to you on your wedding day so someone who is confident, warm and relaxed can make getting ready less hectic and put you at ease.

Asking the Right Questions Early Pays Off Later

Getting the answers to a few key questions can ensure that your wedding makeup looks good in person and in photos, that you don’t overpay for extras and that you have clear and speedy communication with a makeup artist who makes you feel comfortable and look gorgeous. 

Don’t see what you’re looking for? If you have questions about your wedding day makeup look I’m happy to answer them! Reach out to me at frances@beautybyblythe.com