You're Engaged and Looking for a Hair and Makeup Artist... Now What?

My most recent bride, Justine, was truly a joy to work with. On our discovery call, she shared, "getting ready is one of my favorite things to do, so I really just want to cherish this time with my family." It was very important for her to have an artist who would help her have the most enjoyable morning surrounded by her favorite people. In addition to this, Justine valued someone who would collaborate with her and play around with different looks to make sure her final look was exactly as she envisioned.

It was clear that Justine put a lot of time and effort into thinking about what she wanted her morning to look like, feel like, and even sound like on her wedding!

I get that sometimes, it can be overwhelming when it comes to wedding planning. There is so much inspiration out there and possibilities are endless. Hair and makeup is super fun but just like Justine did, there are a few things that you should consider before reaching out about hair and makeup!

-Hi there! I'm Olivia and I help brides feel like their best self in the most comfortable way. My hair and makeup style is natural, authentic, and inspired by soft glam. I'm located in Baltimore, and serve the East Coast from Virginia to Massachusetts.

Let's walk through some of practical, experiential, and emotional elements when it comes to wedding hair and makeup!

1. Lock in your date and venue first

Before reaching out to beauty vendors, you should know when and where your wedding is happening because we can't check availability or quote travel, fees, etc. without that information.

2. Sit down with your fiancé and talk about your values

If you are like me, you also believe that a fulfilling life is based on living true to our values. Your wedding should reflect what matters most to you. Do you value guest experience? Are you prioritizing intimate settings and simplicity? Is comfort and confidence in how you look high on your list? Is it important for your mom and wedding party to feel beautiful?

For example, it was really important to Justine and her now-husband, Matt, that Justine look like the best version of herself. She didn't want to look different walking down the aisle, and neither did Matt. Additionally, Justine knew that Matt loves when she has her hair pulled back and so she wanted to surprise him with this. Thus, it was really important to Justine to find an artist who could help her create a flattering low bun style.

These values help ground you when you're feeling lost and it's good to revisit this when you are shaping your budget, choosing vendors, and making other big decisions.

3. Understand your personal style and preferences

Are you a full glam, soft glam, or true-to-you type of bride? There is no wrong answer- just your answer!

One way I would approach this is to evaluate what you do normally for hair and makeup daily, and then also what you do for special events. I am a big believer that your wedding day look should reflect who you are outside of the wedding element.

For example, if you are someone who always wears your hair down, then hair down is probably what you would make you feel like your best version on your wedding day. Same with makeup! If you normally wear tinted sunscreen and mascara only, then you might feel uncomfortable in a full glam or even soft glam look.

4. Think about the experience that you want

Some brides want a smooth, all-inclusive process where everything is taken care of (like my process! hehe). Others don't mind coordinating the preview, driving to and from different artists' studios, or emailing back and forth about timelines with multiple vendors.

Do you want someone who will collaborate with you and bring a calm, grounding presence on the wedding morning? How you feel matters just as much as how you look!

For Justine's preview, she took off work and we literally spent the whole day collaborating, brainstorming, and refining her look! The photo on the right is her preview hair and makeup!

Knowing how you want to feel when communicating with your artist, at the preview and on the wedding day is important so that you can pick a someone who aligns with the experience you're envisioning.

For example, do you constantly face decision fatigue and just want an artist to create a look that they think is best for you? On the other hand, like Justine, would you rather share exactly what you want and have that person create a longer-lasting, photogenic look for your wedding day?

5. Evaluate the artistry

Check out different artists and their portfolios. Do their brides look like you? Does their style align with yours? You should feel excited when you see their work!

Does the artist enhance each individual's features? Or do all the looks look the same?

For Complexion:

Does the skin look hydrated and natural? Does the foundation match the neck/chest area? Is the look well-balanced? No blush-blindness?

For Lashes:

How do the lashes look in the portfolio? Heavy? Are they noticeable? Do you want your lashes to be effortless and look like they are there but not there?

Hair:

Do the hairstyles complement the face and head shape? For example, everything is well-balanced. Maybe there is face-framing to balance the wider forehead have you ever had a low updo done and there is just something that looks... off? It is important to make sure there is just enough volume at the crown to make the bun look proportionate to the head shape.

These are just a few of the things that you should look closely at to evaluate "good" hair and makeup artistry.

6. Review pricing and be ready to book

Many artists (like myself included!) list pricing on their websites. Take the time to review this and check if they're in your budget before inquiring. This saves everyone time and makes the process less overwhelming for you! When you have your venue, date, and vision figured out, and you are ready to secure yoru artist, that is when it's time to reach out!!

My Overall Thoughts

Choosing a hair and makeup artist is about so much more than the final look-- it is also about how you feel in the process. Confident, understood, supported, and at ease. That is always my goal, and I love working with brides who value not just the "look" but the experience too.

If--like Justine-- you have thought about your current preferences, have an idea for your look, and researched artists-- and you are ready to book, please request your availability here and let's connect! :)