The perfect match: How to find the right hair and makeup artist for your wedding day

You’d think that booking a hair and makeup artist for your wedding day would be easy. With such a saturated market, finding the right one shouldn’t be a problem. Yet time and again, my brides have told me how difficult it was to find a hair and makeup artist who actually produced the look they wanted. With so many choices available, it has become increasingly difficult to know who to book and why.

With that in mind, I want to break down ways you can find the perfect artist for you. This isn’t meant to overwhelm you, just to open your mind to things you may not have thought were important.

With that in mind, I want to break down ways you can find the perfect artist for you. This isn’t meant to overwhelm you, just open your mind to things you may not have thought were important.

Do you wear makeup on a daily basis? Or are you more of a “only on special occasions” type of person.

Consider your comfort levels with hair and makeup

Think about your daily habits and preferences. Do you wear makeup daily or only on special occasions? This may vary due to time constraints, lack of knowledge, or personal preference. Some might find this question challenging if they've never had their makeup professionally done. The same goes for your hair—do you prefer wearing it up or down? Do you have a fringe or like to cover your ears? Noting these details can help you imagine your dream look.

Define your bridal style

What’s your vision for your bridal style? Do you see yourself as a glamorous celebrity, ready to walk the red carpet, or as the natural girl next door? Are you a chic city bride or an ethereal boho bride for your dream rustic wedding? Deciding whether you want a completely different look or a more polished version of yourself will guide your artist selection.

It’s so important to choose an artist who showcases the type of bride as well as hair and makeup style, that you can relate to

Do your research

Once you know your answers to the above questions, you'll be able to determine what to look for in your ideal artist. Look at images on the artist's website and social media platforms. It’s important to choose an artist who showcases the type of bride and hair and makeup style you can relate to. This way, you know your desired look aligns with their style and expertise. While many artists may showcase various looks, focusing on an artist with a consistent style indicates they are experts in that particular look. If one minute they're showing special effects, and the next soft glam, it's difficult to know what their style is.

“There is no point booking a glam look, with an artist who specialises in natural”

Evaluate their personality

Another essential factor to consider is the type of person you like to have around. On your wedding morning, you're surrounded by your loved ones. It’s a significant part of your day, so you’ll want a hair and makeup artist who fits in with that. Social media and ‘about me’ pages are useful in understanding the artist's personality. Whether they're well-established or budget-friendly, if they’re not a 'nice person,' you may not want them there on your special day anyway.

It can be very difficult to see if these are genuine recommendations or someone just talking about their Mums, friends, aunties, daughters friend, who they've never actually met.

Seek recommendations

Having a friend or family member recommend an artist is great, as they’ve seen the work and know you well enough to suggest someone you’d like. However, be cautious of recommendations from social media groups. Sometimes, a hundred names can flash up in response to a request, and it can be difficult to determine if these are genuine recommendations or someone promoting their friend or relative. Use these recommendations as a guide, but always conduct your own research.

Are they calm and collected, or fun and bouncy?

Read testimonials

Testimonials provide insight into how the artist works. Are they calm and collected, or loud and lively? This information helps determine the type of person you want on your wedding morning. Look for themes in their testimonials to understand if they specialise in natural confidence boosts or heavy glam styles.

Consider the logistics

Before making your final decision, discuss logistics with your chosen artist. Confirm their availability on your wedding date, the number of assistants they’ll bring, and the time needed to complete your hair and makeup. Ensure they can accommodate your bridal party and discuss any additional costs or requirements for travel, touch-ups, or early morning services.

Remember, it's not just about their technical skills and cost

Ultimately, finding the perfect hair and makeup artist for your wedding day involves careful research and consideration. Remember, it's not just about their technical skills and cost, but also their ability to understand and bring your bridal vision to life. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to selecting an artist who will make you feel confident, beautifully you, and happy as you walk down the aisle.

Want to see how I work? Take a look at my blog post “What Happens When You Book Me.”.