So I have this recurring nightmare.

It’s my wedding day, all the guests are arriving, the reception is being set, I am in my wedding dress and I am beside myself, freaking out in the bridal suite because I forgot to hire a beauty stylist to help me with my hair and makeup.

I mean, really, what is wrong with me? Am I really that shallow of a person?

I guess I really am that superficial about my looks – and I am that insecure about styling my own and hair makeup. This is definitely not my forte.

I share this with you to impress upon you that I think hair and makeup is one of the most important vendor categories of your wedding. 

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and feeling confident and beautiful is essential. 

You MUST feel absolutely stunning.

Choosing the right hair and makeup team can make all the difference, ensuring you and your wedding party look fabulous throughout the celebration. 

Here’s a guide to help you hire the perfect beauty team for your big day:

Define Your Beauty Vision

Before searching for beauty professionals, determine the styles you envision for your wedding look. Are you more of a natural (but enhanced) kind of person or do you want to glam it up. It is important to be clear about what you want so your stylists can fulfil your desires.

Consider the following to confirm your vision. These are usual industry terms your stylists will understand:

• Hair Style: Updo, half up, loose waves, or a sleek style.
• Makeup Look: Natural, glamorous, classic, or bold.

Gather inspiration from magazines, Pinterest, or beauty blogs to help articulate your vision.

Research & Shortlist Professionals

This is definitely a “word of mouth” category. Seek recommendations from friends, family, or your wedding planner, and explore social media platforms like Instagram for local artists’ portfolios. Instagram is the most helpful in this category. Stalk their most recent work to check for style and consistency. 

Shortlist candidates whose work resonates with your style and aligns with your budget.

Schedule Consultations & Trials

Contact your shortlisted professionals to discuss availability and arrange consultations and/or trials. 

What do I do if my stylist requires me to book him/her before I have my trial with them?

Unfortunately, some stylists require you to book them for your wedding before they offer you a trial. If your favorite stylist has this policy, ask about the cancellation process if after the trial you do not want to move forward. I know it’s a tough conversation, but it is better than having the wrong hair/makeup stylist at your wedding.  

Is Your Stylist Solo Artist or Part of Team?

Ask about their experience with weddings similar to yours in style and size. Do they have a team or are they a one person show. If you are only coordinating hair and makeup for yourself, then this is less of an issue. However, you plan to offer hair and makeup services to your wedding party, you will definitely want to make sure your favorite artist has access to (or is part of) a larger team of hair stylists. If you have more than 4 people receiving hair and makeup services, I suggest you hire at least (one or two) more stylists for your wedding day. 

Want more guidance on how to create your beauty schedule timeline? Check out this 10 step guide here.

Confirm Details, Logistics, & Payment Options

Clarify the following details with your stylist before booking:

Service Location

Confirm if they’ll travel to your venue or if you’ll need to visit their salon. My preference is for the stylist to be able to come to you the morning of your wedding. It usually creates a much more peaceful experience for you on your wedding day.

Timing

Plan a schedule to ensure everyone is ready on time, leaving room for any last-minute adjustments and touch ups. Ask about when your start time would be if you needed to be ready by 1p/2p in the afternoon. (This is a typical ready time for ceremonies starting at 4p or 5p in the afternoon)

Products & Tools

Inquire about the products they use, particularly if you have sensitive skin or specific preferences. Also, this the time to confirm if they offer the types of hair and makeup style services you prefer. (e.g. airbrush foundation, lash extensions, Hollywood glam curls, etc.)

Payment Terms

What are their deposits, when is final payment due? Is it possible for your wedding party to all pay on their own or will you need to front the costs?

Gratuity

Is it included in the proposed rates or will this still need to be added?

Cancellation

Review the terms regarding changes or cancellations to avoid misunderstandings. Also, what happens if your anticipated number of people needing services changes? Can adjustments be made at a later date?

Confirm the Booking

Once you’re satisfied with the proposal and contract details, confirm your booking. Stay in touch with your artists, providing them with any updates or changes to your schedule requests as your wedding day approaches.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Hiring the right hair and makeup team contributes significantly to your confidence and enjoyment on your wedding day. By following these steps, you’ll find professionals who can bring your beauty vision to life, ensuring you feel radiant and relaxed as you celebrate this joyful occasion. Here’s to a day of feeling fabulous and picture-perfect!

I hope this guide helps you secure a talented hair and makeup team for your wedding day!

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Casey Green Weddings, LLC | 2501 S Village Drive, Cottonwood, AZ 86326