I've said it before, and I will say it again - one thing a bride should never skimp on is her wedding day beauty. Ever. You've found THE perfect dress to go with THE perfect guy, so why would you ever contemplate looking anything less than gorgeous on your wedding day? But what's a bride on a budget to do? Her homework.
Finding the right wedding makeup artist should never be based on price alone, but rather start your research on what you are willing or not willing to go without. For example: do you want traditional or airbrush makeup? Just bridal makeup or bridal party too? A consultation trial prior or just wedding day only? Professional makeup artists are in the business to make you look sensational.
A makeup artist who specializes in weddings especially understands that you also need to look fabulous on film and unforgettable in photos too. There are products, colors and techniques used to ensure you get the best look. Finding an artist who has quality and quantity of photos for you to see their work is important to help you decide, because obviously if you like what you see, you can ask yourself if their style is what you are looking for (just like you'd pick a photographer).
Finding the right wedding makeup artist should never be based on price alone, but rather start your research on what you are willing or not willing to go without. For example: do you want traditional or airbrush makeup? Just bridal makeup or bridal party too? A consultation trial prior or just wedding day only? Professional makeup artists are in the business to make you look sensational.
A makeup artist who specializes in weddings especially understands that you also need to look fabulous on film and unforgettable in photos too. There are products, colors and techniques used to ensure you get the best look. Finding an artist who has quality and quantity of photos for you to see their work is important to help you decide, because obviously if you like what you see, you can ask yourself if their style is what you are looking for (just like you'd pick a photographer).
Typically if you love what you see in pictures you will love how it looks in person too. The only time this is not true would be a high-fashion photo shoot where sometimes the makeup applied to models is strictly for photos and not ideal for everyday wear (or weddings), so look at bridal photo samples of real brides to make your decision. You need to relate to the picture and envision yourself as the bride. I'm a huge fan of before & after photos (my website has lots) because I like for potential clients to see what I am capable of, and the transformation that occured. Seeing a bunch of pretty "after" photos of models is hard to relate to in my opinion.
Lastly, when communicating with your potential makeup artist, do not hesitate to ask questions about products, experience with weddings, references of past clients or even a discount (especially if you are getting married on a Friday or Sunday) or paying for your bridal party as well and just need to cut costs, but don't want to cut out makeup. Most makeup artists will try to work with your budget, so have fair expectations, because we do want your business and your referrals.
Whether you hire a makeup artist from a cosmetics counter (whose makeup you like) or one whose business caters to brides (like me), rest assured if you do your research you will find one whose work you will love within the price you can afford. It's tough to have champagne taste on a beer budget, I know, so if you need to cut out the baby's breath from your center pieces to afford a professional makeup artist, do it! No one remembers what the center pieces looked like anyway..it's how the bride looked that they will notice and remember. How you look is the most important detail of that day so find a way to include it in your budget.
