
Your wedding day is a celebration of love, joy, and your unique style. From the dress to the décor, every detail reflects your vision — and your makeup should be no exception. Finding the right makeup artist can feel overwhelming, but with a little guidance, you can ensure your bridal beauty is in expert hands. Here’s how to choose the perfect makeup artist for your big day.
1. Start Early
Start your search as soon as you have your wedding date & venue. This gives you ample time to research, schedule trials, and secure your artist of choice.
2. Research Their Portfolio
Every makeup artist has a unique style. Browse portfolios on their website, Instagram, or Pinterest to see if their work aligns with your vision. Look for diversity in their portfolio to ensure they can work with various skin tones and preferences. Your chosen artist should be able to nail everyone's look: not just yours.
3. Read Reviews and Testimonials
Reviews can provide insight into an artist’s professionalism, reliability, and quality of work. Check Google, Yelp, or wedding websites like The Knot and Zola for feedback from previous clients. (I keep a highlight of reviews on my Instagram!)
4. Schedule Appointments
Try your artist out! This is also a great time to gauge their personality and ensure you feel comfortable with them. This doesn't even have to be a dedicated bridal trial: hiring a MUA to do your makeup for another event can help narrow down your search!
5. Ask About Products and Techniques
During your consultation, ask questions! Find out what brands and products the artist uses and if they cater to your skin type, sensitivities, or preferences (e.g., vegan or cruelty-free products). Your Bridal makeup needs to look great in person, as well as in photographs.
6. Do a Makeup Trial
A Bridal trial, or preview, is essential to ensure you’re happy with the look you want on your big day. This is ideally after booking an artist you have already researched and selected. Use this opportunity to fine-tune details and see how the makeup wears throughout the day. Bring inspiration photos and wear a white or light-colored top to mimic your wedding dress. Any information you provide about your desired look is helpful: even how you're going to wear your hair for the big day! For my brides, I've curated a Pinterest with different looks so they can pick and choose what they like without necessarily having to know the vocabulary to describe it!
7. Consider Their Experience and Expertise
A seasoned makeup artist will have experience with weddings, understand the importance of timing, and know how to handle pre-wedding nerves. Ask about their experience with bridal parties, what they need as far as a workspace, and creating camera-ready looks. After 10 years I always say I think I've seen it all!
8. Discuss Pricing and Packages
This step needs to be higher up on the list, in my opinion. Make sure their rates align with your budget. Ask about packages, including makeup for the bridal party, travel fees, and touch-up services. Be clear on what’s included and get everything in writing.
9. Trust Your Gut
Your makeup artist will be with you during an intimate and emotional part of your day. Choose someone who makes you feel comfortable, listens to your needs, and shares your excitement! I am SO lucky to have stayed close to many of my brides, and been there for them through their other big milestones! My brides often come back to me for family session photos, baby shower and maternity sessions, in addition to parties and their wedding!
Make Your Choice with Confidence
Selecting the perfect makeup artist ensures you’ll feel beautiful, confident, and stress-free on your wedding day. With these tips, you can find a professional who not only meets but exceeds your expectations.
Ready to book your bridal makeup? Let’s create a look that’s as unforgettable as your wedding day. Contact me today to schedule your consultation!
Comments