Why You Should Hire a Makeup Artist

I often hear brides tell me that hiring a makeup artist just isn’t in their budget and that a sweet friend has offered to do their makeup for them.  While this gesture is a kind one, it might actually be a huge point of stress on your wedding day.  I have also had brides give the same answer for having their hair done and for this blog post I would insert some of the same arguments for having a makeup artist as I would for having your hair done.

• Hiring a makeup artist reduces stress on everyone because they get to be pampered
• Having a makeup artist insures that you won’t be running late because they are efficient at what they do
• A makeup artist will use the right makeup so that there are no photo flashback that leaves you looking like a ghost.

What to Look For When Hiring a Makeup Artist

Just like in wedding photography, not all makeup artists are the same.  There is a vast sea of them and some are really good at what they do and some are not.  So how do you weed out the really awesome from the just ok?  Here is a list that I use:

• Will my personality mesh well with theirs
• Do they have a portfolio of work
• Do I like their portfolio of work
• Do they listen to and understand the look I am going for?
• Do they offer a trial before the day of
• Do they know which products to avoid when dealing with makeup for photography
• Are they licensed
• Do they offer a contract

Why Have a Makeup Trial

Having your makeup done ahead of your wedding day does several things.  It allows you and your makeup artist to communicate about the look you want and to fix anything that you don’t like.  This also insures that any unknown allergies you might have to makeup don’t crop up on your wedding day itself.  I encourage all my brides to time it so that your makeup is done the same day as your engagement photos or your bridal portraits so that it takes one more thing off your plate.

If you are a bride still planning her wedding day and want a list of great local makeup artists, email me at info@meredithryncarz.com.

Planning a Wedding | Williamsburg Wedding Photographer