So it’s time to choose a wedding makeup artist. Doesn’t it seem like there are a billion artists and a whole lot of pressure choosing the right one for your wedding? Well, this guide is the ultimate cheat sheet with five of the most critical questions to ask your potential wedding makeup artist before booking her.
1. Have you ever done makeup on someone with my skin condition?
At this point you probably already saw this makeup artists’ portfolio of past brides or past work (which is why you are contacting her in the first place). However, what did those clients look like without the makeup? Did they have acne, black marks, scars, bags under their eyes, wrinkles, freckles, or a birthmark? You want to know that this artist can conceal and contour real faces with real skin conditions. Some before-and-after pictures may give you a clear idea if this makeup artist can handle your unique skin conditions. Because let’s face it – a dab of lip gloss can make an already-beautiful model look even more fabulous, but a talented makeup artist can make her wrinkles disappear.
2. What are your wedding makeup artist fees? (All of them.)
How much is the total cost of wedding makeup servics? Does that include a makeup trial? And how about taxes or gratuity? When do you pay? To whom? And how? Which types of payment methods are accepted? (Be wary if this makeup artist only deals with cash transactions.) Are there any hidden fees? Extra charges for extra services? Do you need to buy any products in advance? The answers to these questions will help you get a better idea of what you need to spend to get what you want on your wedding day. After all, you don’t want to break your budget over unforeseen wedding beauty expenses.
3. Do you have a service contract?
Nowadays, you need to get specific details of your agreement in writing – even if your wedding makeup artist happens to be your brother’s girlfriend’s best friend. A clear outline of services could ease your fears and prevent any unpleasant surprises on your wedding day.
4. Could I get a makeup trial?
Of course you can, and you should! However, this question should really be, “how does the makeup trial work”. You need to know how far in advanced could it be booked and how can you schedule one. At which location would the trial be? And who can you schedule it for? If you need a makeup trial for your maid of honor too, then you should ask this artist if she is willing to give you one. If she’s not willing to be flexible, then this might be a deal breaker.
Wait – there’s more. Have you stopped to think about who else may be at your makeup trial? Could friends or family attend your makeup trial? And on the flip side, who would this makeup artist bring with her to your wedding makeup trial? Beauty is important – but safety is first.
5. Would you be the same one who is doing my makeup on my wedding day?
This is HUGE! The last thing you need is to have Naomi do your wedding makeup trial and Jessica showing up on your wedding day to do your bridal makeup. Oh, hell no. That’s a recipe for disaster.