Make-up Artists & Hair Stylists — How They Can Make or Break Your Wedding

Your wedding day will probably be the one day when you have the most pictures taken and all eyes will be on you — and rightly so. To feel most confident on your big day, you will want to walk down the aisle feeling absolutely beautiful no matter which style or look you’ve chosen. The right make-up artist and hairstylist can help you achieve not only a beautiful look, but also help to put you in a relaxed state of mind so you can enjoy all the wonders of the day feeling your absolute best.

If this is how you want to feel on your wedding day, selecting the right make-up artist and hairstylist to join your inner sanctum early in the day prior to taking the most important walk you’ll ever take is critical. Here are some things to keep in mind.

As with most relationships, this one is all about chemistry. You’ll want to choose professionals you connect with and be sure these individuals will not overpower you and distract you from the focus of the day. My recommendation is to look for experienced individuals who not only meet your artistic style needs but also are extremely professional and make you feel comfortable. An experienced professional who can provide you a spa-like environment should be high on the criteria list.

To find your beauty team, talk to your event planner or experts at the venue to create a list of possibilities. And although you may be busy don’t try to do these interviews over e-mail. In this instance, it is really important to have a conversation and get a sense of personality to determine if you can work with this person. If someone bothers you on the telephone by talking incessantly or over you, most likely they will be that way on your wedding day.

During the interview process, be sure to request a portfolio and don’t be afraid to ask any questions. In addition to understanding their capabilities and design sensibility, you’ll also want to learn what costs will be associated with using a make-up artist and hairstylist. Here’s a short list of questions to keep as a handy resource:

• What is your favorite design style – modern, natural, dramatic, vintage, theatrical?
• What style do you think you are best at or best speaks to you?
• How long have you been in the industry? How many weddings have you supported?
• What do you like most about working with brides and their families?
• What kind of make-up products do you use?
• How long does it take per person for each service? Per head of hair, per face?
• How many people can you work on in a given day? How long per person?
• How many people will you need to bring the day of the event to ensure everyone is taken care of?
• What are your fees per person? Per head of hair, per face?
• Does longer hair increase costs? If so, how?
• Do you charge for travel expenses? If so, what are they?
• Is there a separate gratuity charge or is that included?
• How much time should be allotted for my bridal party, me and any other key players who will receive these services?
• Can you help me make a schedule for everyone that will receive the services?

While you’re interviewing them be sure to notice if they are asking you questions, too. Is the hairstylist asking you about the cut of your veil or the neckline of your dress or about any particular styles you had in mind. Is the make-up artist asking you about what the wedding daylighting will be, what type of palette you had in mind, do you prefer a more natural or dramatic look? If they are then they are more likely to be serious about trying to pinpoint what’s important to you.

Once you’ve made your choice let them know as soon as possible because oftentimes these services get booked quickly as many wedding dates overlap especially during peak season. I don’t recommend waiting until your wedding day to meet your make-up artist or hairstylist and suggest planning a test date — bring photos or design examples you’ve seen and love from magazines. Even if you’re having a destination wedding, you should plan to arrive a few days early as many French’s Point brides do and arrange a meeting before your actual wedding day. The test date will ensure the vision you have for yourself on your big day is achieved.

At French’s Point, we have a list of preferred vendors. We also want to highlight a few of our wonderful make-up artists and hairstylists. If you’re looking for a spa-like experience, make-up artist Joanne McDonough of Joya Beauty comes to mind. She is extremely talented with a style range from naturally appearing makeup to the dramatic. I used her for my own wedding and as soon as I sat down in her chair it became one of the most soothing and relaxing moments of the day. She is hands down the best thing I did for myself.  Cynthia Clayton of From This Day Forward is fabulous at naturally appearing make-up styles. Hairstylist Lena Hartford of Hair of That Moves has a way with almost everyone – from the sweet grandmother who is picky about her hair to the young flower girl. She can really do it all from the more traditional to the most elaborate and current modern style. We also love working with Lisa Nichols Salon, a full-service salon that provides hair, make-up and nail services. They truly provide a pampered experience for the bridal party.