Wedding Planning

Questions to Ask Your Wedding Hair and Makeup Team

September 15, 2022

Congratulations, you’re engaged! This is a magical time for couples as they begin to dream about and envision their perfect wedding day. As the champagne bubbles begin to fade, you’ll quickly realize that you have an endless wedding planning to-do list. 

Once you have secured your biggest wedding vendors, such as a venue, photo and video team, and wedding planning, we recommend you begin to research professional bridal hair and makeup teams. Whether or not you have said, “YES” to your dream wedding dress, know how you want your hair and makeup styled, or even who will be receiving styling services, it is so important to secure the most professional and reliable wedding hair and makeup team for your big day. Speaking as a professional on-site hair and makeup company, we see brides secure their wedding dates with our team up to two years in advance! It is so crucial that you lock in your dream glam team as soon as possible. 

When researching wedding hair and makeup teams, there is a long list of questions that are key to ask in order to ensure that you and your bridal party are receiving the best and most professional care and styling services. Don’t worry, we’re here to help! We’ve compiled a list of some key questions to ask bridal hair and makeup professionals, along with answers from our highly talented team of professional artists.

Kristen Freeman Photography

Q: Do your artists practice proper sanitation and safety precautions? 

A: In short, YES! Our infection control protocols are our top priority. We always use fresh, clean brushes and disposable materials on each member of the bridal party. We wash our hands regularly, use sanitizer between clients, and keep our metal tools clean with alcohol spray. We never double-dip powder products, and we wipe down all surfaces after each use. Your safety is our main concern, and we have even stricter protocols in place since the outbreak of Covid-19.

Q: Are your artists experienced working with all skin tones and textures? 

A: Yes, our makeup artists are trained to work with all skin tones and textures! All of our makeup artists' kits include a wide variety of foundation shades so they can always find the perfect match for you. Our hairstylists are also trained to work with a variety of hair textures. Rest assured, you and your party will be in the most experienced hands!

Q: Do your artists and stylists have professional training? 

A: Yes, we require our hair and makeup artists to be professionally trained, licensed, and highly experienced. All Updos For I Dos artists have been handpicked and vetted through our rigorous hiring process. Check out our 4.9 star rating with over 850+ reviews on Wedding Wire.

Q: How far in advance do I need to book my hair and makeup services? 

A: We typically start seeing dates begin booking 12 to 18 months out. Popular dates can book up many months in advance. We recommend booking your hair and makeup services at least 9 months in advance, especially if you have a specific date or artist in mind. This will give us enough time to discuss your vision and make sure we are available on your chosen date. If you're booking last minute, don't worry - we will always try our best to accommodate your needs!

Q: Can I book multiple artists for services? (2+ hairstylists, 2+ makeup artists.)

A: Most weddings are facilitated by 1 makeup artist and 1 hairstylist who have been trained and have experience handling large groups. Assistants are not included in our initial service rates and are an additional fee.  If you have a tight getting-ready time frame, an early completion time, or more than 10 people, we typically suggest adding an assistant(s) to your contract.

Q: How do I know that my artist(s) will show up on my wedding day?

A: We take scheduling very seriously. All of our artists constantly check their calendars and emails. They receive your wedding day schedule a week prior to your big day so they are fully prepared. We also always have a manager on-call and require our artists to check-in with said manager, this way, we know everyone is where they need to be!

Q: Will I need to touch up my hair and makeup once my artist(s) leave for the day?

A: In short, no! Once your hair and makeup artist(s) have completed your services, your look will remain the same throughout your wedding day. We do recommend that you bring a lipgloss, lipstick, or even chapstick to apply throughout your wedding day. Kissing, drinking, and eating will most likely shift your lip color after a long day.

Q: Do you have a minimum number of people required for on-site wedding styling services?

A: Yes, we have a minimum number of required services for all on-location services for our high season (March-November). However, we may be able to accommodate a select number of non-minimum weddings during our winter season (December, January, and February).

Q: Other than myself (bride), who is able to receive hair and makeup services?

A: We will provide services for anyone that is interested in receiving hair and makeup services! We typically service bridesmaids, mothers of brides, aunts, grandmothers, mothers of grooms, flower girls, and even guests.

Q: Do you provide hair and makeup trials prior to my wedding day? How do I prepare for my trial? 

A: Yes, we do! We highly recommend all brides meet with our Updos For I Dos artists for a trial prior to your wedding day. We suggest that you bring photos of your wedding dress, hair and makeup styles that inspire you, and any hair and makeup looks that you don't like. We also recommend bringing your veil and any hair accessories that you have already purchased!

Q: When is the best time to schedule my wedding hair and makeup trial?

A: Some brides like to schedule their trial before booking with us so they can get a feel for their artists first. Others book their hair and makeup with us first and then schedule their trial; the choice is yours! We suggest booking your trial as soon as possible.

Q: Are trials included in the wedding day hair and makeup pricing or is this an additional cost?

A: No, trials are not included and are an additional cost.

Q: Will the artists I meet with for my trial be the same artist(s) providing services for my wedding day? 

A: Yes! The artist(s) you meet with for your trial will be the artists servicing your bridal party for your wedding day. In the case of an emergency where your selected artist(s) are not able to attend your wedding day, our on-call artist(s) will take their place. We fully document each experience with our brides so if we do need to replace your original artist(s), your replacement artist(s) will be fully informed and ready to rock your wedding day glam.

Q: Can I book my trial and pay the deposit at a later date?

A: Yes, you are not required to submit your deposit before meeting with our artists for your trial. You can book your trial and pay the deposit after you've fallen in love with your artists, but please keep in mind your wedding date is not reserved until your deposit is paid and your contract is signed.

Q: Is a hair and makeup trial required? 

A: No, trials are not required; however, we highly recommend them! A trial is an opportunity for you to meet your selected hair and makeup artist, and to try out different looks to find one that you love for your wedding day. If you're not sure what kind of look you want yet, it's a good time to discuss styles that you like and don't like. This way, your artist can get an idea of your taste and what you might be looking for on your big day.

Here at Updos For I Dos, we have all of these answers, and more, ready for you! Head over to our FAQ page - if you don't see your questions listed, send us an email at team@updosforidos.com! If you’re ready to secure your date with our team of professional wedding hair and makeup artists, click the link here. We’re so excited for your best day ever!