10 Questions to Ask | Hair & Make-up Artist

Every bride I have ever met, no matter if they are having a tiny and simple backyard wedding or a large elegant affair wants to look her best on her wedding day. The best way to do that, is to hire an amazing hair and make-up artist! Getting your hair and make-up done is so important because not only will it insure you look amazing in as you walk down the aisle, but also as you party into the night and in your photos you’ll have for the rest of your life. A good hair stylist and make-up artist is knowledgeable about how to show off your favorite features, and help you feel confident and radiant all day! I love hair and make-up so much that I suggest it for engagement sessions, and include it my boudoir packages (but that’s a whole different blog post).

I’m so excited to call upon one of my favorite KC wedding vendors, Ashley of Hello Lovely!! She is seriously such a sweetheart, and I am so honored to have her and her team as the hair & make-up artists for all of my boudoir sessions. I trust her with all of my clients, and I was so excited when she said yes to be a part of this blog series. Ashley and I met a few years ago when she was starting out, and I had just moved to KC…I could not be happier that I made this connection! They have been a joy to work with, and (even more importantly) treat my clients so amazingly well <3

10 Questions to Ask When Booking Your Hair & Make-up Artist(s)

1 | What style are you going for?

Bridal looks vary so much from woman to woman. Whether you’re picturing bright red lips or subtle makeup and boho waves, ask your potential artist how they’d execute your vision. Do they have similar looks in their portfolio? An artist can be talented but just not be a good fit. Don’t be afraid to ask super-specific questions!

2 | What can I expect from a trial?

Make sure you know how much a trial costs and how far in advance of your wedding day it should be scheduled. It’s also so important to remember that your wedding date is not necessarily reserved just because you schedule a trial. Don’t make that mistake and end up in a bind! **TIP: If you’re planning on wearing a veil, brightly colored earrings, or any other unique accessory that will be close to your face, make sure you bring it to your trial. Your artist will show you different ways to incorporate the piece and make sure that your hair, makeup, and accessories look just perfect all together.

3 | What’s the right foundation for my skin?

If you have anything but clear, normal skin, you may need a special foundation to smooth your canvas. The perfect makeup artist for you will have worked with your skin type before, whether that’s sensitive, dry, oily, or a combination. Some artists even do airbrush foundation, which is a very matte look for a long wear. Sharing details about your skin, including the aspects that you’ll want to downplay, is crucial to selecting the exact right foundation.

4 | What are your sanitation practices?

This one is pretty straight-forward. If this makeup artist knows their stuff, their brushes will be touching a lot of faces. Ask them about how they ensure that another bride’s cooties don’t end up on you.

5 | Where will I be getting ready?

If you’re picturing getting ready head-to-toe at your venue or in a hotel room or at your grandma’s house, this one is important. Some makeup artists only work out of salons, some charge a travel fee to do on-site work, and some will travel to you as part of their package. Knowing if this might include an additional cost ahead of time will help you plan ahead.

6 | How big of a bridal party can you service?

Okay, so say you have ten bridesmaids. Awesome! That will be one fun pre-party! Make sure you ask your makeup artist how many people (and this can include moms, grandmas, and flower girls, too) they can accommodate during your appointment. And, along this same line, see how they accept payment. This can be an issue if you’re expecting bridesmaids to pay for their own services.

7 | How long will all services take to be completed?

It’s a big day, and you have celebrating to do! Ask specific questions about how long each service, from fake eyelashes to fancy updos, should take. The wedding day schedule is sacred, so make sure you and the artist are on the same page!

8 | Have you worked with my unique feature before?

Whether you have dark skin, curly hair, or freckles, make sure your artist has the skills to make you shine! Browse their portfolio. Have they made up other African-American brides? Can they show off your freckles with sheer foundation? Every bride has unique needs, and it’s the artist’s job to have the right products and skills to meet them.

9 | What will you do to make sure my look lasts all night?

From tears to kisses to cake, how well will your makeup hold up? If you’re having a wild dance party, will the hairstyle you selected stay in place? Ask your artist about long-hold hair spray, sweat-proof primer, and more. (Another free tip: Lipsense, a super-long wearing and kiss-proof stain, is all the rage for brides right now. If you reapply the clear gloss throughout the day, the brightest and boldest shade will still look perfect during those end-of-night photos.)

10 | What’s your backup plan if you’re sick or otherwise unable to make it on my wedding day?

This is an unfortunate question, but one that has to be addressed. Anything can happen, so it’s important that you have Plan B sorted before any contracts are signed.

Some words from Ashley…”Hi friends! It’s Ashley Backs of Hello Lovely, your full-service, on-location bridal hair and makeup squad. Choosing the hair and makeup artist you’ll use for your special day is a big choice. Seriously, don’t make this commitment lightly. The style and application of your hair and makeup will be on display on your walk down the aisle and also in the pictures that you’ll have for life! When you’re researching hair and makeup artists, don’t feel overwhelmed. Get the answers to these ten questions, and you’ll know that your lips, lashes, and curls are in the best hands. If you have other hair and makeup questions, visit Hello Lovely on social media. We share tips, tricks, and tons of bridal inspo!“

For those out there who are engaged or married…what questions did you ask your hair & make-up artists? I’d love to hear other questions that you found to be helpful in your search for your wedding day beauty team!

10 Questions to Ask Series:

Each month there will be a new post from a new vendor, so keep checking back!! Next month we’ll be chatting about picking the perfect DJ!

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