I love doing hair and makeup at weddings! It is my grown up version of getting to play dress up. The energy is amazing and it is always flattering to be a part of such a special day. Lately, I have been swamped with weddings and am booking them nearly a year in advance. Over the years I have learned some tips so I decided to compile some words of advice to brides on their beauty plan for their big day! Please share with all of the brides in your life…
Book Early!
First things first, start getting referrals and looking at portfolios. Keep in mind that many hair stylist don’t do weddings so you may not be able to use your regular stylist on your big day. If a stylist has a portfolio full of work that isn’t what you are looking for keep on looking! The most popular stylist will book months even a year in advance so at least get on their radar and see if your date is available.
Get to Know Your Stylist!
A test run is the minimum time prior to your wedding that you should spend together. In a perfect world you would go visit them even just for a blowout early on so you can get to know each other’s styles. This is a collaboration between you and your stylist so the more time you spend together the better chances of feeling fabulous on your big day!
The Test Run is Crucial!
This is the most important step in the process and it can be the most fun if you plan for it. This is where you and your stylist will most likely play with your hair and try out some concepts. Don’t schedule the test run on the day of the portrait. The idea is to get some ideas and then leave and think about it. If you have never met your stylist come to your test run with your hair and makeup the way you normally wear it. This way your stylist/makeup artist can see what your everyday look is and can help you figure out how to best enhance it on your wedding day.
Be Honest!
I highly recommend going to the test run alone. Many times brides bring an entourage with them and it makes it hard to figure out what THEY want…not what the bridesmaid or mom thinks they want. Speak up and bring pictures of what you like and don’t like. You and your stylist will have to figure out what you mean by “romantic” or “glamorous” or “volume” and pictures help tremendously! This is the time to speak up…I try to ask a lot of questions but if your stylist isn’t and they are headed in a direction that you aren’t loving, just tell them. You are paying them and this is YOUR wedding day. If they don’t listen find someone else.
Be Realistic!
If you have 4 hairs on your head and it’s shoulder length and brown don’t plan for it to look like Carrie Underwood without a little work. Hairpieces are fabulous for creating volume, length and the perfect updo that looks super natural! Make sure you have made a color plan with your stylist and keep it trimmed on a regular basis leading up to the wedding. Healthy hair styles much better and you wont miss the quarter of an inch they cut off just to make the ends healthy.
Have them come to you!
It will cost you more to have a stylist or makeup artist come to you on your wedding day but it is worth it. You want to relax and spend time with those most important to you, not be in a busy salon. Next time you are in a salon look around an ask yourself “Is this the atmosphere I want on my wedding day?”….doubt it!
Remember this is your big moment to shine and your hair and makeup should enhance you not over power you. Do your homework and plan ahead and then most importantly relax...you will be fabulous!
For more information on booking your wedding with me or to see more pictures visit my website at www.MarthaLynnBarnes.com
Photography from top to bottom by Stacy Sodolak, Cory Ryan Photography, Impressions Photography, and Nessa K Photography
