AM I HIRING THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB?
Think about hiring ALL of your vendors like a job interview . . . . after all, you are hiring them for the most important job ever! This is no different when it comes to makeup artists! When you are hiring a makeup artist for your wedding day, what things are you looking for? It’s SO important to be able to hire a makeup artist that you can click with and can understand your vision for your wedding day.
To help you with this, I’ve curated a list of 10 questions that you may or may not have considered asking your potential artist.
- HOW DO I BOOK YOU FOR MY WEDDING DATE? WHAT REQUIREMENTS DO YOU HAVE?
Most of the time, makeup artists will require a signed contract and deposit. This is completely normal for any vendor that you hire! This will ensure your date and book you officially!
Having a signed contract will both benefit both parties since everything will be in writing! A well written contract will have a detailed description of the artist’s policies as well as details for the day (location, start time, number of clients, etc.) If the artist requires a deposit, it will normally be a percentage of the application fee and the rest will be due by your wedding day.
BE CAUTIOUS of any artist that does not require a contract or deposit. This may be an indication that they are not experienced or do not take their business seriously. You want a makeup artist that is as committed to your wedding as you are!
Photo by Latham Photography
- WHAT ARE YOUR PRICES AND WHAT DO THEY INCLUDE?
Obviously this is probably the number one question you want to ask! Cost definitely will depend on where you are located. Keep in mind that you definitely get what you pay for in the wedding industry!
Besides the price itself, it’s also good to ask what their prices include because some artists offer extras with their services. This will set them apart from others and also be an explanation as to why they may have a higher rate as well.
Also, be sure to ask if an artist charges extra fees for things such as false lashes, bridal trials, travel (if needed), etc.
Photo by Ana Rosario Photography
- HOW MANY WEDDINGS HAVE YOU DONE? DO YOU SPECIALIZE IN BRIDAL?
Most of the time, you can figure this out just based on their portfolio! Do they label themselves as a bridal makeup artist? Do they have a variety of wedding photos on their website or social media?
Those who have experience working with brides will understand their needs a little better. You want someone who can work with various lighting situations, can remain calm in high stress situations, can create a positive and fun atmosphere for a bride, and can adhere to a tight schedule if need be!
Photo by Kelly Row Photography
- WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND? WHERE DID YOU LEARN TO APPLY MAKEUP?
I do personally believe that this isn’t the most important thing to ask, but you may still want to ask anyway. After all, there are some very talented artists that have never had formal schooling.
**NOTE: Being self-taught does not necessarily mean they are inexperienced, but you do want to make sure they have had some sort of training in their field (mainly for hygiene reasons)
Photo taken by me when I trained with MAC Cosmetics
- ARE YOU ABLE TO TRAVEL TO MY LOCATION?
Depending on your location or time restrictions, you may have to rely on the artist to come to you!
If you are requiring them to travel outside of their service area, they will most likely charge a travel fee. The travel fees are usually based on mileage so make sure to ask about this!
Photo by me taken at Union 12 (wedding venue in Columbia City, IN)
- DO YOU OFFER BRIDAL TRIALS?
Most makeup artists will offer these because they are SUPER important! It’s a great way to get to know your makeup artist and you can talk to them about your vision for your bridal look. Think of trials like a dress rehearsal! You will get your makeup done the exact same way that it will look like on your wedding day.
You will also be able to discuss details for the day of so that both of you are on the same page!
Photo by Grant Beachy Photography
- HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE YOU PER PERSON?
If you have major time restrictions, this will be a great thing to ask! An experienced makeup artist should be able to complete a full face with false lashes in 35 minutes to 1 hour depending on the complexity of the look.
But what if you have 8 people and your ceremony starts at noon? If you are really set on this particular artist, then you will have two options:
- Hire a second makeup artist if one is not provided for some of your bridesmaids.
- Start earlier (this is normally what ends up happening). Yes it’s a bummer to not get your beauty rest, but if you do have a larger party, expect the getting ready process to take a little longer.
Photo taken by Masters Photography
- WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOU USE?
Some people may not care as much about makeup products as long as the artist does a great job, but for some this might be important!
A makeup artist’s rate will usually be an indicator of what type of makeup products that they have in their kit (although there are the odd ducks out there). Rule of thumb: The higher the rate, the higher quality the products.
- DO YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH MY SKIN TONE AND SKIN TYPE?
The answer to this question will definitely be based on your makeup artist’s experience! If you have diverse ethnicities in your bridal party as well as parents who will be a little older, you want to make sure that the artist can do makeup on everyone!
Photo by Anna Barker Photography
- WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU CANNOT MAKE IT ON THE DAY?
Yes . . . . this is probably every bride’s worst fear so it’s good to ask this in advance from EVERY vendor. Each makeup artist will have different policies on this from refunds to providing a replacement artist (it’s normally stated in their contract).
However, you may want to take matters into your own hands in the rare event that something like this happens. ALWAYS HAVE A BACKUP PLAN!
Photo by Grant Beachy Photography
I apologize for the lengthy article, but hopefully you can use these questions as a guideline to find your perfect makeup artist!
REMEMBER TO STAY BEAUTIFUL!!
