Your wedding day is one of the biggest and most memorable days of your life. You’ve spent so long planning out every detail of the ceremony to ensure the perfect day. You’ve gone through location and catering details, guest lists, and of course, wedding dress shopping. All brides know the importance of choosing the right dress but have you thought about your makeup for that day? Picking the perfect makeup artist is just as vital as everything else. Professional makeup artists will ensure that your makeup compliments your dress, wedding theme, and facial features, for a flawless look that’s beautiful in photos and in person.
Here are 5 tips to choosing the right makeup artist for your wedding:
Decide on a look.
Different makeup artists specialize in different looks. Most of them will be able to cater to what you want, but when shopping around you’ll be better off letting your potential makeup artist know the specific look you want to achieve. Do this by looking for pegs on Instagram or Pinterest and compiling these images into one mood board you can use as a reference. Since these are reference pictures, be sure to choose pictures of brides with a similar skin tone and facial features as your own. These make a better reference to your makeup artist and allow you to better imagine the look on yourself. If you already have several artists in mind, you should go through their website, Facebook, or Instagram for references as well.
Stick to a budget
Makeup artists will have different rates, and you should know how much you’re willing to spend from the very beginning. Prices depend on the skill and overall profile of the make-up artist, so the more in demand an artist is, the higher their rates. Rates also differ depending on the number of hours and people who will need their service and the location of your wedding. Generally speaking, you get what you pay for with makeup artists, so don’t expect the most polished look if you’re not willing to pay for it. However, that doesn’t mean you should be breaking the bank just to look good for your wedding. Determine your budget by finding the middle ground between quality and price, and look for artists within your means.
Ask for Referrals
The fastest and easiest way to find someone who suits your style is to ask friends and family for referrals. Chances are you share some elements of your style with someone in your circle, so if your best friend’s makeup was great for her, they might be a great fit for you as well. An added bonus of getting referrals is that you also get an idea of what the artist is like, and if their work ethic aligns and attitude will fit with what you want for your wedding day. Apart from friends and family, local bridal magazines and bridal forums are also a good source for reviews and recommendations.
Look at Portfolios
Once you’ve found someone you’re thinking of working with, look through their portfolio to get a feel for what they do and what they specialize in. If you can’t find their portfolio online, try contacting them and asking for a few pictures of their work. When looking through the images, pay attention to the ones most relevant to your own situation. Ask to see their previous makeup looks on brides with the same skin tone and facial features that you have. If you’re planning on an outdoor celebration, ask for pictures of brides in outdoor situations. Also, be sure that their makeup style suits you. For example, don’t pick an artist who specializes only in heavy makeup looks for indoor situations if you want a more natural look and plan on having an outdoor wedding.
Schedule a trial run.
Once you’ve settled on the right artist, set up a trial run so you know how they work before the big day arrives. This is the most important step in knowing whether or not you made the right choice. At the trial run, you’ll find out if you both click in person, and if they’re able to deliver what you want. This is also the time you can request for changes to be made, or decide if you want to look for someone else altogether. Your wedding day is for you and your makeup artist should make you feel confident the entire time. Pre-wedding pictorials provide the perfect opportunity for a trial session.
Choosing a makeup artist is important in making you feel cool and confident on your big day. By taking your time and doing proper research, you’ll surely find a professional makeup artist that will bring out your most stunning self. If you’re still looking for the right makeup artist for your wedding day, please contact me! I have over 20 years of experience and would love to be part of your big day.