For And Against Booking Makeup For Your Wedding
Wedding Photography by Guy Collier Photography
To Book Wedding Makeup, Or Not To Book Wedding Makeup
That is the question only you can decide on…
Are you on the fence about what to do with your wedding makeup?
Quite a few brides who have contacted me have been unsure what to do with their makeup. Instead, they have been putting the feelers out before committing to a decision. I get it; it's nerve-wracking to invest in your makeup!
I also think some of it stems from articles miss-advising brides, and putting the wrong ideas in your head. I want to help give you peace of mind about why you should book a makeup artist, versus not booking one.
Scenario 1;
For: It’s a financial commitment like any other wedding supplier, but you are paying for an experience you will never forget! Memories of an enjoyable, stress-free morning that sets your day off on the right foot.
Against: You feel more than capable of doing your own makeup; you do it on a daily basis, and you know what you like.
The questions to ask yourself is:
Do you have the right products and skills to create long-lasting makeup?
Are there a any gaps missing in your routine that can take your everyday makeup to bridal makeup?
Do you think you will have nerves of steel on one of the most important days of your life?
If you are answering yes, yes, and yes, then no problem, go for it. If you do have any grey areas with your makeup for your wedding, a bridal makeup lesson could be highly beneficial for you.
Scenario 2;
For: You’ll look amazing in your photos, looking back at precious moments when you felt like your best. You booked an incredible photographer to capture your day, so why not look incredible to match?
Against: You are happy with how you look in photos, you are comfortable applying makeup that looks good in natural daylight, indoor, and for flash photography.
If you are happy that you will look back at your professional photos with no regrets, then you are on the right track to doing your own makeup. Just be mindful of how your makeup will look in different light conditions.
You also want to think about how you will view your makeup in years to come. Looking at your photos, will your makeup look timeless, classic, and fresh, or will it look dated because you went for the current trend?
Scenario 3;
For: A makeup artist has years of experience, and knowledge. They know how to create makeup that looks amazing on camera, lasts all day, and has many tried-and-tested products and techniques that create the best version of you.
It’s not just about the makeup itself, it is the experience created, the relaxed morning, and the opportunities to create memories with loved ones because you do not need to worry about how your makeup will look.
Against: You may have a bridesmaid or friend who can do your makeup for free or cheaper.
If you are thinking of the saving aspect and want someone close to you to do your makeup, will you have peace of mind that your makeup will be exactly what you want? Will it put extra pressure on your morning? Will you be able to relax? Don't forget that the person doing your makeup will feel the pressure too.
Scenario 4;
For: Your makeup artist knows what to expect on a wedding morning. Keeping to timelines, minimising interruptions, and helping you to feel calm, and relaxed so you can enjoy every moment.
They will plan your makeup timings to a tee, so you do not have to figure it out! What would you do if something had not gone according to plan? Will you just settle for how it turned out and be vaguely happy with how you looked?
Against: You know how long it normally takes you to do your makeup, and you are sure no one will disturb you by asking questions.
You want to allow plenty of time on your wedding morning; trust me, it flies by in a flash. In a way, you want to be military about your timing: when to start, when you plan to finish, adding in buffer time, and thinking about when you want to get dressed.
Do you want getting ready photos taken?
What time will the photographer want you all?
You want to have your bridal party on hand to take on any tasks that need completing so you can zone out. Just watch out for the suppliers that want to pop their heads in to say hi and check in with you. If you can handle random questions and disruptions, then you definitely have nerves of steel.
I do honestly believe that you should always budget for your makeup; this is not the day to cut back on it to try and save some money. Whether that is booking a professional to actually do your makeup or having a makeup lesson with a professional, a makeup artist can help you create your perfect bridal look, and also help plan your morning so it runs smoothly.
Would you like to check your wedding date with me? Or discuss booking in for a bridal makeup lesson to help fill any gaps in your knowledge, techniques, and best products to use? Please get in touch to have a chat.
Client Testimonials
“As someone who rarely wears makeup, I went on a bit of rollercoaster about what to do for my wedding makeup (in particular, I was nervous that if I got it professionally done I wouldn’t look like myself).
I can’t tell you what a difference it made finding Nicola! She provided such helpful advice over email and I hugely appreciated how patient she was with me whilst I was being indecisive about what to do. During the trial, she was so reassuring and understood exactly what I was after (i.e. to look like myself but the best version), which meant that on the day itself I felt in very safe hands.
She was such a calming presence and did my makeup so beautifully, whilst still keeping it subtle and natural. Nicola also did my Mum’s makeup for the wedding day (who had similar worries to me about not wanting to look overly made up). Again, Nicola got what she was after perfectly and my Mum looked so beautiful :) So, thank you so much Nicola - I’m very glad we found you!”
“Nicola did my bridal makeup last July and was fantastic. She listened to my needs/requests and got it spot on. She was so lovely and calming and helped to keep me relaxed on the morning!
She was also great with my bridesmaid and my mum who don’t usually wear makeup so was a little apprehensive - they felt relaxed and reassured and the natural makeup style was perfect! Thank you Nicola :)”
“Nicola saved the day! Having been recommended by a friend when my bridal party and I were unhappy with a previous make up artist trial, Nicola really put us at ease and listened to our preferences.
On the wedding day my bridesmaids and I were delighted with our natural looking make up - like the best versions of ourselves! We received many compliments too. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Nicola for wedding make up, thank you Nicola!”
Let me introduce myself!
I am Nicola! I started my business with one goal: to help other women feel good about themselves and confident in their skin.
I have always believed that you should not hide your natural beauty. Makeup should be used to enhance what you have and the features you love. You will find me creating beautiful looks for brides-to-be and providing one-on-one makeup lessons.
My signature style is naturally healthy-looking skin.
Hampshire | Surrey | Berkshire | Wiltshire | South Oxfordshire | South Buckinghamshire | West Sussex
