As a bride you may be wondering how complicated it is to book a hair and makeup artist. Surprise! It’s not. From researching local vendors to the day of your wedding, here is a step by step in booking your special day.

1. Inspiration. Utilize Google and Pinterest to get an idea of the look you may want for your wedding hair or makeup. Get a couple (3 max) to give an idea to your artist. Maybe you like the texture. Maybe you like the side swept bangs. This will help you communicate to your artist the direction you are going. As an artist, I communicate the type, color, thickness of your hair and explain which may or may not look best. I also give recommendations based on your hair.
2. Research. Research local vendors who show to you they are able to achieve your desired look. If someone specializes in what you are looking for they might be the artist for you! If they do not show a lot of what you are looking for in their portfolio then reach out and see if it is something they can achieve. Also look at reviews. Reviews are a great resource to see previous client feedback.
3. Budget. Make sure you have a general idea of the budget you wish to stick to. Hair and makeup artists are an essential part of the wedding. They make you look and feel your best. They make you look phenomenal in your wedding photos. You start your day with the hair and makeup artist. They are crucial to your day running smoothly. Keep this in mind when considering an artist’s rates and reviews. They go hand in hand.
4. Contacting Your Potential Artist. The best way to contact a bridal hair and makeup artist is through their website. This keeps them organized through email of all the tiny details of your big day! First inquire on their availability and then go from there.
5. Consultation and Trial. A consultation can go as you wish. Some brides are okay with an email consultation, some a phone consultation, and some even zoom. I offer a free 15 minute consultation for any potential bride to ask the questions they need. You will then set up a trial. The trial is for two things: Do you and the artist vibe? Can the artist achieve the look? Of course minor changes can be made but you are looking for an overall satisfaction of your experience with this artist.
6. Retainer. Many artists require a retainer to ensure their services for your wedding date. The retainer may be a set fee or a percentage. This should be listed in their contract.
7. Contract. This is the big one! Read the contract and read it carefully. It lists all the dos and don’ts of the agreement between you and the artist. This protects you and the artist from any situation that may arise. A contract is also a document to fall back on when you may have a policy about a question. Don’t hesitate to also ask your artist any question not outlined in the contract.

Congratulations! You are booked! That is pretty much all you need until you get closer to your wedding date. Your artist should be in contact with you regularly if not 30 days and 7-14 days before your event. As a vendor myself, I always double check details and make changes as needed to ensure everything goes smoothly for my brides.