5 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR WEDDING MAKEUP ARTIST BEFORE BOOKING

As the busy wedding season nears its end, and the new group of engaged brides begins to organize their big day, we begin the exciting planning loop once more. The very exciting but also overwhelming loop of endless choices and possibilities- one of which being "who should I hire as my hair and makeup artist?" Your wedding day will likely be the most photographed day of your life. You will have these photos to look back on forever, and if you do not look and feel your best, you might never want to see them again- which would be not only a waste of your hair and makeup but also your photographer. With endless options for artists, packages, and styles, asking the right questions will help save you time, stress, and even prevent any beauty disasters. Here are the top 5 questions you should be asking your beauty team before booking to make sure you have made the right choice!

1. Are you available on my wedding date?

This one seems like a no brainier, but you would be surprised how many brides do not lead with this question. Save yourself the headache of getting into the fine details by just starting here. Artists can book out 12 months in advance so, just because you think you're being proactive by asking 8 months ahead, it might already be too late. Also make sure that you have your ceremony time set because some artists book multiple jobs in one day. So even if they are booked, they might be able to get you in for your desired time!

2. Do you offer trials?

Most artists offer trials either as a stand alone service or as a package with your day of services, and some artists require you to have a trial before your wedding, so knowing where you stand- if you want one or not- will also help you narrow down the right artist. Remember that while trials are not always necessary, knowing exactly what you are doing will help your wedding day run as smooth as possible. I have done trials on brides that can take 3 hours or more, and then will take 1.5-2 hours on the actual day because I have made extensive notes and we eliminate all of the if's and's or but's. If you want your wedding day to be as stress-free as possible, opt for a trial.

3. Can you accommodate my entire bridal party?

Some artists work as lone wolves. They will only do the bride and maybe 1-2 other people, and some have a team of go to people that they bring on to accommodate larger groups. Know how many people/services you will need when you reach out to an artist. This will help avoid any scheduling issues, because, once again, artists book out far in advance, if you secure services for 3 people and then need to add more, that is the difference between one person being able to do everyone, and needing to bring on another artist.

4. What is included in your bridal package?

Not all packages are created equal. The last thing you want is to book something at the top end of your budget only to find out that you have to pay extra for strip lashes, or travel, or and up-style vs. a down style. Always get the details in writing so there are no surprise costs. Some things that you should confirm are:

• False lashes

• Travel Fees

• Updo's

• Hair extension rental/installation

• Touch-up kits/staying for touch-ups

• Trials

5. What are your cancellation/booking policies?

Arguably the most important part of securing your wedding day glam squad, make sure you sign a contract with them. This will protect both parties from any kind of mishaps and make sure everyone is on the same page. Make sure that you confirm the following:

• Deposit amount and due date (just because you discuss your date, and even did a trial, does not mean you have secured your artist. Most won't hold a date until they have a deposit, or contract is signed, or both.)

• Total cost and payment schedule

• Cancellation and refund policy

• Any additional fees/booking minimums

• Total services provided and how many artists will be needed (if necessary)

• Pricing (artists will also adjust pricing year after year, so if you are booking well in advance, make sure you get confirmation that you are securing prices as of the day you booked.)

Quich Recap: Bridal Beauty Checklist

Before you sign the dotted line, make sure you have:

• Seen a bridal portfolio

• Scheduled a trial

• Reviewed the contract

• Clarified package details

• Discussed timing and fees

Bridal packages don't come cheap, you should be getting everything you want for your big day. but beyond someone with the right credentials on paper, your connection with your hair and makeup artist is just as important. These people will be spending your wedding morning with you- choose someone that makes you feel comfortable, relaxed, and beautiful!

If you are in need of finding hair and makeup services for your wedding, Nuovo Beauty works with only the best! Put your stress at ease and inquire now. As mentioned above, prices can fluctuate and Nuovo Beauty will be raising prices in January, so lock in your 2025 pricing now- we can't wait to meet you!