The bridal season looks a bit different this year, but many of the makeup artists in our community are starting to get back to work.
We know the Big Day is an emotion-filled day for the bride, but it can also be a little intimidating for you if it's been a while since your last bridal session. In this blog, we worked with Utah-based makeup artist Andy Truong and our founder Mary Erickson to share their top tips to ensure you're ready for your next bridal job!
Before They Book You for the Wedding
Keep your website up to date.
Many bridal guides recommend booking a bridal makeup artist anywhere from six months to one year before the big day, but that timeline has changed. Consider adding a section to your website that outlines how far in advance they have to book your services and whether or not you're available for last-minute requests. Even better, consider adding a calendar that shows your availability.
Don't be afraid to ask for a deposit.
Many artists that are starting their bridal makeup careers worry that taking a deposit may prevent a bride from booking, but it is a common practice that's in place to help ensure you're compensated for saving the date. Put a clear policy in place on your website that outlines how much your non-refundable deposit is and how many days from the wedding they can cancel before losing their deposit.
“I recommend never booking a wedding without a deposit of at least $300,” says Mary, “and it should be non-refundable if they cancel less than three weeks prior to the wedding date. This is important because a lot of clients will cancel services if they feel that they don’t have something to lose.”
Before The Big Day
Communication is key to create the perfect look!
Since social media sites like Pinterest and Instagram are brimming with bridal makeup looks, it's common for brides-to-be to bring a few inspiration pics to their trial session. If you can, ask that they send the photos to you ahead of time so you can alter the look to suit their facial structure.
"I often follow up with questions including how much makeup they wear on a regular basis, if they prefer matte or shimmery looks, how dark they like their eyeshadow to be, and what type of foundation coverage they prefer," adds Andy. "That way, I can create the look they're aiming for in a way that suits their style." This extra communication will help the bride feel confident that you will make them look their best. During the trial, you may also want to ask if they're planning on coloring their hair or tanning for the wedding so you can be prepared to adjust your kit for the wedding day. If the bride is getting spray tanned before the big day, ask if she will consider not spray tanning her face, as it can make color correcting more difficult.
Touch base before the wedding
One month before the wedding is often when things kick into high gear. From last-minute wedding attire alterations to following up with guests that have forgotten to RSVP, your bride will be busy. Check in at least a week in advance with your bride.
Mary recommends sending the bride a schedule of where and when she’ll need to be to have her makeup done as well. Most brides don’t anticipate the number of tasks and distractions she’ll have to deal with on the day, so one hour is not enough time for the bride’s full makeup session, despite what most clients think. Allow yourself enough time so that the bride’s makeup will be fully completed one hour before the photographer arrives to do portraits.
On the Big Day
Follow proper safety & sanitation procedures
Most clients’ biggest concern nowadays when getting makeup done is COVID-19 and the risks associated. Since clients can’t have their masks on when getting their makeup applied, it’s important that you implement strict safety protocols so that you and the bride can have complete peace of mind on the day. Request to set up your station near an open window for maximum ventilation. Set a six-foot perimeter around your workspace, and require anyone who enters that perimeter to be wearing a mask at all times.
It’s also important that you keep your kit and station extremely clean and sanitary. Although this has always been a major component of professional makeup artistry, never has it been more necessary than today. A messy or unhygienic workspace is unacceptable, so keep your brushes perfectly clean and follow all of the strictest sanitation procedures to keep you and your clients safe, healthy, and happy.
Prep the bride for touch-ups
Your services are likely only booked for a few hours before the ceremony, but the bride’s makeup needs to stay in place all day and night. With even more weddings than ever taking place outside, touch-ups are a must for every bride. Go the extra mile and provide your bride with her own mini makeup kit which she can use for subtle touch-ups throughout the day.
“One should never let the bride go without touchup lipstick or powder,” says Mary. Put together some small samples of products you’ve used on your client that day, or even provide a full-size product if it’s within your budget. Just make sure you work it into your pricing beforehand, Mary reminds us.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s your first-ever job or you’re getting back to work after months away, we have confidence that you’ll do a great job! Just keep these tips in mind, and remember that we’re always here for you for all of your bridal makeup needs. If you want more tips and tricks, reach out to us by clicking here! Need advice on how to restock your kit or even to learn how long you should keep a product before it expires? Click here to learn more.
About ANDY TRUONG
Andy is a full-time student and makeup artist based in Utah. His makeup style is "glam-natural", and he loves making women look polished without looking like they’re wearing a lot of makeup. He strives to create looks that luminous and timeless while making skin look natural to reflect the inner beauty of each client.
For him, being a makeup artist is a privilege. Growing up, he was never happy and confident about who he was, so when the opportunity came that he could physically create confidence and a sense of beauty for someone who may need it through makeup and the relationship an artist forms with their clients, he found his true passion. While he loves seeing the transformation, the joy in a client's eyes when they see their makeup fuels his desire to keep creating.
To learn more about Andy, visit him on Instagram.
About Camera Ready Cosmetics
Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude. Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market.
We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts. To learn more about how you can be a contributing writer to our PRO Tips Blog Series or to request a topic for us to cover, click HERE!
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