Wedding Day Make Up...Where To Start?

Your wedding is such a special day in your life. With everything going on around you the hardest thing to do is relax, enjoy, and stop worrying about what might wrong. It’s your day to look your best in the perfect dress with the perfect flowers and the perfect Groom waiting at the end of the aisle. The only thing you need now is the right make up, which will make you look like never before. Since you are probably not the type who goes full out photo-ready glam every day, a make up artist is a wise investment! 

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How To Hire a Make Up Artist
Unless you are a pro yourself, don't try to do your own make up on this day. It's not the time to experiment and re-touching photographs is more expensive than a good make up artist. Here are a few dos and don'ts to help you along: 

• DO ask around. A good make up artist will have a reputation and your friends will gladly pass on someone who made them look & feel gorgeous on their wedding day. 
• DO schedule a pre-wedding consultation so your make up artist knows what you want. Ask them to do the make up so that you know what looks good on you. Take pictures out of magazines that inspire you to help them understand your vision. These trial sessions are typically not as much as your 'day of' make up but they are NOT free, so don't be surprised if you're asked to pay a trial fee. 

• DO ask if there are packages available. These can include your trial, bridal portrait session, day-of and sometimes even bridal party make up applications. It makes things very easy and straightforward! 

• DO ask for referrals and photos of the artist's work. Any artist worth their salt will have a portfolio and people who will sing their praises. If they can't cough that up in a hurry, worry. 

• DO remember that you get what you pay for. The girl off Craigslist who is charging $100 for your entire wedding party will most likely show up with her personal make up kit and dirty brushes. The reslut: your pictures will show where you skimped....FOREVER. 

• DO remember that a make up artist is a professional. You wouldn't work for free, don't expect them to. Included in the amount they are charging you are material costs, time, and other expenses. Make sure you are prepared to compensate them for driving, parking and even an overnight stay if you are asking them to travel a great distance. 

• DO get a contract. A professional make up artist will be able to offer you a contract just like any other vendor. This ensures that YOU are their priority on that day and that you have recourse if they don't show up. 

• DON'T go to the counter at the local department store with you entire bridal party and ask for the free makeover. A little know fact about the people behind those counters is that they are NOT make up artists. They're salespeople and the "free makeover" is a way to get you to buy everything they just put on your face. Very seldom have they received any training at all about make up application for photos or special occassions. 

• DON'T spring any new clients on your make up artist at the last minute. Be very specific about how many members of your bridal party will be having their make up done up front. This allows the artist to guage her time and give you a proper quote. Be courteous and follow your contract! 

• DON'T be afraid to tell the make up artist if they start going in the wrong direction. They can stop-and-fix more efficiently if they catch something early. 

• DON'T freak out if the make up is heavier than you would normally wear. Photo lights are very harsh and more make up in person will look just like you in the pictures. Trust your make up artist. 

• DON'T forget to tip your make up artist. Just like your hairdresser or your caterer, let them know how much you appreciate them with a little something extra. They have worked very hard for you!