Wedding Makeup

What It’s Really Like to Work as a Bridal Hair and Makeup Artist with Updos For I Dos

September 15, 2022

Working as a bridal hair and makeup artist isn’t just a job, when you join Updos For I Dos, it becomes a deeply rewarding craft, full of emotion, artistry, and connection! If you’ve ever wondered what life is like behind the scenes of our on-location bridal beauty team, here’s a look at the real deal: the highs, the challenges, and what makes it all totally worthwhile.

A Supportive Team That Handles the Admin So You Don’t Have To

One of the biggest advantages of joining Updos For I Dos is our operational backbone. Rather than juggling client communications, scheduling, invoicing, and logistics, our in-house Operations Team takes care of all of that. You get to focus purely on your art, doing hair, doing makeup, building trust with brides, instead of drowning in paperwork! This not only frees you up creatively but also allows you to show up on a wedding day with full energy and complete presence.

Real Voices: What Our Artists Say

We asked three team members, Steffani, Dana, and Suzy, about their experience working with Updos For I Dos. Their stories speak volumes! 

Steffani, a longtime member of our team, has been with Updos for years. What she loves most is the variety: “meeting a new bride or bridal party every weekend,” she says, keeps things fresh and meaningful. Her advice? “Always listen to the bride and make trial consultations count!” 

Dana came to the team after her own wedding experience. She adored how professional and organized Updos was, so much so that she joined! Her favorite part of a wedding day is simply being the artist, creating emotional moments, and helping brides feel seen. 

Suzy, who joined more recently, highlights how structured and well-run our  team is. For her, the final touch-up on wedding morning is the most joyous moment: seeing the full look come together and watching her brides beam!

Together, their stories reflect a common theme: working with Updos For I Dos isn’t just about doing hair and makeup, it’s about being part of a family that values craft, connection, and reliability!

The Habits That Make Us Great and Help You Grow

To thrive in bridal beauty, especially on a team like ours, there are certain habits that truly elevate your work. Based on guidance from our own team (and reinforced through experience!), here are some key traits of our highly successful bridal beauty artists! 

Continuous Learning

Staying on top of trends, techniques, and products is non-negotiable. Whether it’s through workshops, YouTube tutorials, or peer learning, growth is constant

Clear Communication

Listening deeply to your bride’s vision is a must! Asking thoughtful questions, clarifying expectations, and collaborating builds trust and helps you deliver a look she’ll absolutely love. 

Time Management & Organization

Wedding mornings are fast-paced. Being punctual, managing your kit efficiently, and executing quickly under pressure are essential! 

Hygiene & Professionalism

Maintaining clean tools, proper sanitation, and a well-organized workspace is an essential part of safety procedures and maintaining our high standards. 

Positive Energy

A calm, reassuring presence goes a long way. Brides are often feeling all of the emotions, and having an artist who brings calm and joy makes their getting-ready experience just that much more special! 

Adaptability

Not every wedding day goes perfectly. Lighting may change, timelines may shift, being flexible, resourceful, and ready to problem-solve is a huge part of the job!
These habits aren’t just theoretical, they’re woven into the culture of our team, and they help our artists shine.

Building Your Skills (No Matter Where You Start)

Whether you’re fresh out of cosmetology school or already a seasoned beauty pro, working bridal with Updos For I Dos gives you a place to truly refine your craft!

If you’re just starting out in hair:

Get licensed, invest in bridal-specific training (braids, extensions, long-wear styles, etc.), and build a kit that’s both versatile and reliable! 

For makeup artists:

Continuously practice, take on mock bridal sessions, capture your work in photos, and always test new products, especially for long-lasting makeup that survives tears, sweat, and photography.
You’ll learn fast, work on real weddings, and see your artistry blossom! 

The Perks and (Challenges!) of On-Location Wedding Work

Perks include: 

Freedom to Create

You bring your full talent to each bride, no cookie-cutter looks here! 

Meaningful Impact

You’re part of some of the most memorable moments in a couple’s life.

Flexible Lifestyle

Many artists love the work/life balance, weekends filled with weddings, weekdays free to rest, spend with littles, or pursue other passions! 

Community & Growth

You’re surrounded by other passionate artists, mentors, and a leadership team that genuinely supports your development.

Challenges can include: 

Early Mornings

Wedding days often start very early. We set a lot of alarms! 

Logistics

On-location work means traveling, juggling a large kit, and adapting to different spaces.

High Stakes

There is definitely pressure to deliver flawless work everytime, especially because the bride and her party are counting on you

Irregular Schedule

Bridal work is typically seasonal and sometimes unpredictable, but being part of a team helps make things more stable! 

Why Joining Updos For I Dos Might Just Be the Right Move

If you value artistry over admin, connection over transaction, and want to be part of a mission-driven, professional bridal beauty team, Updos For I Dos offers something truly unique! Our team-centric approach removes the burden of running your own business while giving you the stability of steady bookings, especially during peak wedding seasons. 

And based on our artists’ feedback? Many say it’s the best of both worlds: the freedom of a contractor, but with the structure, support, and creative outlet you’d crave in a high-functioning team! 

The Life of an Updos For I Dos Artist

Working as a bridal hair and makeup artist with Updos For I Dos is so much more than just a paycheck. It’s a chance to build lasting connections, bring beauty to life on one of the most important days for a couple, and do what you love, all while leaning on a team that’s fully got your back! 

If you’re passionate about bridal artistry and are ready to elevate your craft, joining a team like Updos For I Dos may be just what you need! The heart, the hustle, and the artistry come together in a way that’s rare, and incredibly fulfilling. Follow this link to connect with our team today, we can’t wait to work with you! 

Cover Photo Credit: La Vie En Rose Photography