Brides come to me quite often and ask about whether or not they should hire a professional hair and makeup artist for their wedding. I personally believe that having your hair and makeup done professionally is one of the best investments you can make for beautiful wedding photos. A professional stylist can make you look your best by hiding flaws and brining out your best features. With that said, you want to make sure the stylist keeps you looking like you. You want to recognize yourself in your wedding photos and you certainly want your husband-to-be to recognize you as you walk down the aisle.
Eleven-week-wedding bride, Jill, was very concerned about finding a hair and makeup artist that would make her look stunning. She has a very interesting story with words of wisdom for every bride whether your are planning your wedding in eleven weeks or eleven months.
Once I had the dress in place the focus was on my hair and make-up. I thought picking the ‘perfect’ bride look would be easy, but actually ended up being very challenging.
Several weeks before the wedding I started my trials. I had MANY, MANY, MANY hair and make-up trials. I have to admit the only time I ever had a ‘bridal meltdown’ was when it came to my hair and make-up. Many friends gave me names of the ‘best (and most expensive)’ artists in the city. None of them ended up being a good fit for me. I wanted to look like myself, but enhanced. I did not want to be unrecognizable. After some of my trials I looked in the mirror and did not even look familiar!
I should have just looked closer to home…For hair I ended up choosing the stylist I have been going to for cuts for the last 7 years (I did not know she did styling for weddings because I just used her for hair cuts). She ended up charging me half of what many of the high end stylists would have cost. For make-up I picked the woman I have been seeing for 8 years for my eyebrow shaping (tweezing). These women knew me best and ended up making me look like me!
Susan’s Tips: I have a few tips of my own for finding the perfect hair and makeup artist.
- You want to build a relationship with the stylist doing your hair and makeup for your wedding, so start looking for someone as early as you can.
- Flip open your copy of Perfect Wedding Guide or go to PerfectWeddingGuide.com. There are many professional hair and makeup artists listed for you to interview and to do trial runs.
- Look through magazines and on the Internet for photos of how you think you would like to look, but listen to the stylist for suggestions too. Not every look is good for every woman.
- Talk to the stylist. If you think your makeup is too heavy or your hair is too stiff, say something.
Tomorrow, Jill and I have some final thoughts on planning a wedding in eleven weeks. I want to hear your thoughts too. Post a comment or send me an email at susan.southerland@pwg.com.
If you are a professional hair and makeup artist, send me your photos and comments. Tell me what you think makes a great client. What should a bride bring to her initial consultation? What other advice do you have for brides-to-be?
