Photo: Lemon Lily Photography
At a wedding open house, you have the illusion that you are in the fun planning phase. You drink champagne, eat bits of food, explore the space and visualize your big entrance.
However, as you are ooh-ing and ahh-ing over floral arches and linen textures, there’s something that many brides don’t consider: the energy and structure of their wedding day morning.
And that’s when your bridal makeup artist starts to exceed expectations from just being “pretty.”
Your makeup artist is not just for the ‘gram. She will also play an important role in planning your getting ready timeline.
Why Your Makeup Artist Impacts Your Entire Wedding Day
The bridal suite is the start of it all on your wedding day. The photographer arrives. The florist delivers bouquets. Bridesmaids are getting dressed. Someone is steaming a gown. Music is playing. Nerves are building. Mornings can get crazy. Talking from experience, a professional bridal makeup artist doesn’t just put foundation and eyeliner on faces. She also:
- Sets the tone for the day
- Stays on schedule
- Handles the several personalities with ease
This helps to create a down-to-earth, concentrated space and gives you the courage to walk down the aisle. Frankly, you will spend more time with your makeup artist than any other vendor, save your photographer.
What to Look for in a Bridal Makeup Artist (Beyond the Portfolio)
If you are introduced to a makeup artist at a wedding open house or at a venue tour, be the “manager” for a second. Look beyond the before-and-after pictures.
1. Organization & Cleanliness
Do they have clean tools? Do they have clean brushes? Is their station organized and deliberate?
If they can hold things together in a crazy open house situation, they will do the same in your bridal suite.
2. Process & Timeline Awareness
Ask:
- How long does it take per person?
- Do you allow for buffers in your planning?
- What is the process of communicating with the photographer and the hairdresser?
A seasoned bridal makeup artist will be able to clearly outline their process and schedule. If they cannot clearly tell you their timing, then that is a huge indicator of how your wedding day will go.
3. Communication Style & Energy
Are they calm, confident, clear in their responses? Or do they seem overwhelmed? Your wedding hair and makeup artist shouldn’t be a source of anxiety-they should be a constant.
What Brides Often Miss: The “Energy” Factor
This is the part that no one mentions enough. The morning of a wedding goes by so quickly, and everyone is so emotional. You need someone who:
- Helps you stay grounded
- The number one way to handle a nervous mother-of-the-bride
- Keeps you on track and doesn’t make you feel rushed
- Preserves the peace in the room
If you have a bad feeling after the initial contact, go with your gut.
The eyeliner can be perfect, but if the energy is off, the whole morning feels off.
Pro Tips to Add to Your Bridal Checklist
✔ Professional Lighting
Do they bring their own lighting? Some getting ready rooms don’t have the best natural light, especially hotel rooms and indoor locations. Having the right lighting for your makeup application guarantees that you will look good in your pictures as well as in real life.
✔ Touch-Up Plan
Will they supply a bridal touch-up package? Do they offer stay-on-site packages after the wedding? One thing that is important for long wedding days is planning for endurance.
✔ Personality Compatibility
Do you actually like talking to them? You will be sitting in their chair for some of the most emotional moments of your life. Ensure it’s a comfortable conversation.
You aren’t just hiring a wedding makeup artist. The morning of your wedding lays the foundation for the rest of the day. Surround yourself with someone who guards that.
Planning a Wedding in Arizona?
If you are going to wedding open houses in Phoenix, Scottsdale or anywhere else in Arizona, pin this to your board for your next open house.