Hair & Makeup: What to ask, what to look for, and more!

 

Okay ladies! This week on the Banter, we’re chatting all about wedding day hair and makeup! YAY!

Full disclosure, I know pretty much nothing about makeup or how to style my hair, so this blog post is really for those similar to me when it comes to what to ask for and what to look for in choosing your wedding day hair and makeup stylist.

Alright, let’s dive on in! So when we were planning our wedding last year, I was looking at a few salons and their packages. You want to start by finding some local hair and or makeup people who have a style you enjoy. You can search on Instagram, search in Google, or even ask your friends if they know anyone in town. If you can find someone(s) who can do both hair and makeup, that’s even better! Less people, only one place your money is going to, etc.

So after you have found a few in your area, send them a message and see their prices. Be sure you like the styles they do first, you don’t want to find a great deal on hair and makeup but they are totally not your style. See what they offer and what they charge.

Warning: hair and makeup will cost a little bit. But! There are ways to save!

So when we found our awesome hair and makeup gal, Jackie, I met with her at the salon she works at and we went over her process. What she brings, what service she provides, and if she can actually come to the venue to get ready. Most salons offer to close the place just for you and your party, but I highly recommend to see if they can come to your venue to get you ready. It’s just easier and less time consuming. If they can go to the venue for you, there is usually an extra charge, roughly $50. If you want that, also make sure the venue actually has a getting ready area with plenty of outlets, a mirror, and great lighting.

When you are meeting with your stylist, I learned that you want to ask them if they provide the makeup they’ll use on you or if you have to provide that yourself. Sometimes there are certain brands that work better for your skin so if you are more comfortable using your own makeup, let them know and see what they can do with that. The makeup and hair trail you schedule with them a few weeks before your wedding day not only helps you get a picture for what you’ll look like, but the stylist gets use to your hair and the makeup on your skin.

In our case, Jackie provided all the makeup and during our trial, she checked to see what foundation and colors I wanted specifically and what worked for my skin tone. Everyone is different so it takes a while for someone to get to know your face (in regards to using makeup) so just be a little patient.

One thing I have noticed with brides that I have photographed, is that they tend to use a certain color on their lips for lipstick. However, when they are done getting ready, love the way they look, the color starts to fade and they don’t own that lipstick- its the makeup stylists lipstick. I would recommend asking them where they got it during your trial and see if you can purchase the same one to have on hand at your wedding. After all the kissy photos and eating your dinner, it’s nice to have a backup.

Be sure to ask what hair styling equipment they can bring/ or what they use on your hair. Maybe they even have some product recommendations on how to protect your hair from the amount of heat used to curl it or whatever you’re looking for. My idea of hiring someone to do my hair and makeup was so i wouldn’t have to worry about anything; that they will bring all the equipment necessary, all the makeup, and I wouldn’t have to stress about getting my own products or anything. If you’re like me, then finding someone(s) who can help with that is key.

Last thing, you might want to ask what other services the salon offers. The one I used was able to help with spray on tanning and waxing. I tried out both services and enjoyed it! I used it all before the wedding and again, didn’t have to worry about anything. So when you’re going to choose/ hire your hair and makeup stylists, I highly recommend asking these specific questions:

1. Can you come to the venue to help us all get ready and what do you charge?
2. Do I have to provide my own makeup?
3. Do I have to bring my own hair styling equipment?
4. What kind of makeup do you use? Does it last all day and not feel oily or heavy?
5. Where can I get this lipstick in case I need a backup?
6. What other services does your salon provide?

Those are the main questions I can think of right now, but if I think of any more, I’ll add to this blog post.

I hope that helps with hiring your best hair and makeup stylist! Like I said in the beginning, I am not the best one to ask about highlighter or bronzer (seriously, what’s that for again?) or anything like that, so for me, finding the best gal to help with everything was perfect for my wedding day.

Happy SJ’s Bridal Banter, friends! Tune in next week for another installment of wedding bantering!