.jpg)
And Why You Might Want to Join Updos For I Dos
Becoming a bridal makeup artist is about more than lipsticks and lashes, it’s about artistry, connection, and playing a special role in one of the most memorable days of someone’s life! Pursuing a career (or side hustle!) as a bridal makeup artist is a beautiful (and challenging!) journey. And we’re here to walk you through where to begin, how to grow your skillset, and why joining a bridal hair and makeup team like Updos For I Dos might just be your smartest move yet.
What’s Your Why?
Before you dive headfirst into brushes and kits, it helps to be crystal clear on why you want this path.
Do you love the romance and high-stakes energy of wedding days?
Are you excited to build relationships with brides, stylists, and planners?
Do you want to travel, flex your schedule, and build a portfolio steeped in dreamy bridal work?
If your answer to any of those is yes, you’re exactly the kind of artist we love at Updos For I Dos! We believe bridal beauty isn’t just about the photos, it’s about how a bride feels in those moments before she says “I do.”
Build a Solid Foundation: Training & Experience
Even if you already know your way around a makeup kit, bridal artistry has its own specific demands. Here’s how to sharpen your base!
Invest in Technical & Bridal-Specific Training
Attend bridal-focused workshops, masterclasses, or online courses
Practice skin prep, long-wear techniques, and adapting for photography
Learn and master working with different skin tones, textures, and complexions
Practice, Practice, Practice
Offer free or discounted services to friends, family, or local models
Use styled shoots or mock weddings to build your portfolio
Photograph your work (high-quality before/after shots are gold!)
Seek Feedback & Mentorship
Find a seasoned bridal MUA or stylist who can mentor you
Watch how they problem-solve on the fly
Ask for honest critiques of your technique, timing, and client communication
With consistent practice and feedback, your confidence will grow, and your portfolio will reflect it.
Create a Bridal-Focused Portfolio That Speaks Volumes
When brides are choosing someone to do their makeup, they want proof. Your portfolio is your door opener!
Showcase a variety of looks
Include close-ups and full-face shots, in natural light
Use polished before-and-after shots
A strong, curated portfolio helps you attract brides who resonate with your aesthetic!
Master the Wedding-Day Mindset
Doing makeup for a wedding isn’t like doing it in a studio, it’s high stakes, high emotion, and zero room for error!
Be punctual, pack extras, and arrive with a calm, confident attitude
Bring backups (brushes, foundations, adhesives, setting sprays, everything!)
Communicate clearly with your bride: timing, touch-ups, final check, etc.
Be flexible, weddings rarely run exactly on schedule
Stay professional, graceful, and supportive even when stress rises
A big part of being “the one they call” is being calm under pressure.
Why Joining a Team Like Updos For I Dos Works
Yes, going freelance has its freedom, but joining a bridal hair & makeup team offers advantages many artists don’t realize until later!
Structured Support & Back-End Systems
At Updos For I Dos, we have an operations team that handles booking, scheduling, client communication, travel logistics, and so much more! As an artist on our team, you can truly focus on creating beauty, not chasing timelines or admin.
Mentorship, Community & Growth
On a team, you’re never alone. You get to learn from seasoned pros, get feedback, and grow your artistry, plus feel fully supported on days you feel stuck or overwhelmed!
Credibility & Exposure
Brides often feel more comfortable booking artists in established teams with a portfolio of weddings behind them. Being affiliated with a company like Updos For I Dos gives you instant trust and authority.
If you’re serious about launching a bridal makeup career, working with a company like ours can accelerate your path, and give you peace of mind on the business side!
Your First Action Steps
Rather than try to do everything at once, here’s a mini roadmap you can follow:
Choose one bridal makeup course or masterclass you’ll complete within the next month
Commit to photographing and posting at least one styled bridal look each week
Reach out to one local photographer or hair stylist to propose a collaboration
Apply to be part of the Updos For I Dos team, tell us your story, your passion, and show us your portfolio
Baby steps build bridges to big leaps!
Final Encouragement
Becoming a bridal makeup artist is equal parts art, grit, heart, and vision! You’ll have days where your best foundation melts prematurely, and days where a bride cries because she’s never felt that beautiful. Both are part of the journey!
If you love beauty, connection, and meaningful work, this path is definitely worth exploring. And if ever you want to apply, ask questions, or see if you’d be a good fit for Updos For I Dos, we’d be thrilled to chat with you!
Cover Photo Credit: Mason Photography
