How to Choose the Best Makeup Artist for Your Wedding Day

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. You want to look great in person for your groom and guests but also look amazing in your wedding photos. Several factors can come into play when choosing the right makeup artist for your special day. The following tips can assist you in finding the best person to suit your needs:

• Give yourself adequate time to look for the right person. You should start planning this approximately 6-8 months in advance.
• Ask around. Ask your friends, family, coworkers, and bridal shops for referrals to help aid you in your search.
• Consider your budget, whether or not you want to go to a salon or have your makeup artist on site at your wedding,  and what type of makeup you want to use ( traditional or airbrush). You need to decide whether you will be using a separate makeup artist and bridal hairdresser or if you will use someone that is a bridal hairdresser as well as makeup artist. Most artists can provide both services.
• Once you have chosen the options that best suit you, you can start a list from your referrals and by researching the area you live in or are having your wedding in, and narrow your list to those that best suit your needs.
• You can further narrow this list by viewing the artist’s portfolios online and choosing the ones you like that most and best suit your style.             
• Now it is time to get on the phone. Start calling and asking if the artists you have chosen will be available on the date of your wedding. This will also give you the opportunity to feel out the artist's personality during your telephone conversation with them. Choose the artist that is the most positive and best suits your own personality. This is important as your wedding day can be a stressful time, and you need your artist to help keep you calm that day. You must also feel comfortable telling this person your likes and dislikes to ensure the results that will make you happy.
• Once you have chosen the artist, book a trial consultation. You will need to gather photos of styles and colors that you like to bring with you to the trial appointment. Also, find a friend or family member, such as you mom, whose opinion you can trust to come along with you on the day of your trial to provide a second opinion.
• On your trial day discuss with your artist the colors of your wedding and show them the photos you have gathered prior to the appointment. Ask them for their own recommendations on what they think would be best for your face/ hair. Combine ideas to find a look you can be happy with and that will suit your own personal style. While the artist is working make sure you tell them your likes and dislikes so that your look suits you and makes you happy. If you do not like something, have them redo it. Do not be shy. Remember, this is your big day! Make sure the end result is what you want. Take notes of colors and products used as well as pictures to help you and the artist remember what worked. In addition, the pictures can be used to ensure you look as good in the photos as you do in person. Evaluate your comfort level during the trial. If you are unhappy for any reason, go back to your list.
• If you are satisfied with the artist and results, be prepared to book your wedding day. Most artists want a non-refundable deposit at the time of booking.
• Once you leave the trial, check your makeup throughout the rest of the day for longevity. You want to make sure it lasts all day.
• Keep in touch. You should feel free to contact your artist any time to address any questions or concerns. Expect a quick response, and do not accept less.

These tips should make finding the best makeup artist/ bridal hairdresser for your wedding day easier for you. Just be sure to choose the right person for you and your own needs.

Dunbar is a senior makeup artist at Melbourne and she is an expert in Bridal hairdresser, bridal mobile makeup, airbursh makeup.