What to look for when hiring a beauty pro:
Start your search at least 6 months in advance as many experts get booked far in advance. Ask a wedding planner, photographer, or friend for a referral. Ask your artist for references or photos if you are unsure of their credentials.
Communication Style
When you meet the stylist and makeup artist, do you feel comfortable enough to express your likes and dislikes? Is the stylist/artist a good listener? Pay attention to what the expert asks you as well. A professional will want to know about your dress, the kind of affair, and the colors the bridesmaids will be wearing. A true professional will try and understand your vision and offer you plenty of advice and options, but will never force their opinions on you.
Experience
Do the stylist and artist have solid experience working with brides? Is he/she properly trained and licensed? Have they had experience working with photographers? What is his/her experience level? Your beauty team should be able to handle a variety of styles so they can work with your bridal party as well?
Trial Runs
As soon as you find an artist you’re interested in, it's important to schedule a trial run. Make sure to bring a camera, photos of your gown and any hair or makeup pictures that caught your eye. Take a photo of each look you try so you have time to consider it and see it from all angles. When getting your makeup and hair done, wear it all day so you can find out how the products feel and how your hair holds up.
Dependability
In addition to talent, the beauty expert must also be dependable. Do they return your calls in a timely manner? When you have an appointment, do they arrive on time?
What's In The Kit?
What types of products and tools do the artist and stylist work with? Look for quality products that have all-day wear and good pigments including waterproof mascara and eyeliners. Check for clean brushes, tools and products. Does the makeup artist use disposable mascara wands and disinfect tools in front of you? If not, ask for an explanation of their hygiene methods.
Cost: Do your research
Top artists and stylists are generally more costly because their talent and time are in high demand, however, an expensive artist doesn't necessarily equal a qualified artist.
Get It In Writing
Most artists will ask for a signed contract and a deposit. If they don't ask, you should! Make sure the date, price, arrival time, location, and any extra out-of-pocket expenses (parking, products, etc.) are all included. This also protects you, should the artist try to cancel at the last minute or if there is a payment dispute.
Flexibility
Is the beauty professional willing to work around your schedule? Will the hairstylist work from an image you found in a magazine? Find out if the makeup artist will book out an extra 30 minutes for you on the day of the wedding, just in case something comes up. We also recommend asking the makeup artist to supply a list of products used on you during your trial run. If you are an out of town bride, without time for an early trial, ask the makeup artist and stylist meet you the evening of your rehearsal dinner to go over style and color. Find out in advance if the stylist is willing to book a second trial run with you if you're unsure of the hairstyle you want.
Lessons
So you're getting married on a sandy beach in the Caribbean and don't foresee flying your hair stylist and makeup artist out. Simply ask for lessons. Your stylist can demonstrate how to create easy, beautiful styles that will withstand the weather. Your makeup artist can teach you how to perfectly line your eyes, cover any blemishes, and make it stay put.
The Whole Package
Don't stop after hair and makeup. Have nail technicians pamper the bridal party with manicures and pedicures before the wedding. Need to de-stress? Hire an on-location massage therapist. This also makes a great gift for your bridal party, not to mention a wonderful surprise for your fiancé.
Follow Up
After you've taken care of all the specifics, follow up a month before the wedding and the week before the big day to reconfirm each appointment and the location where the services will take place.
Last Minute Cancellation
Make sure you know what will happen if the makeup artist or hair stylist can't be there on the day of the wedding. Will they arrange for someone else to be available?
