Make-Up Artists At Weddings: Who To Invite?

When it comes to weddings, there are many traditions and customs to consider. One question that often arises is whether it is customary to invite your make-up artist to the wedding. While there is no definitive answer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to distinguish between a paid vendor and a friend or relative who is doing your makeup. Paid vendors are usually not invited to the wedding and will leave after completing their services. However, it is common courtesy to include them in the meal and beverage count while they are getting you ready. On the other hand, if the make-up artist is a friend or relative, they would typically receive an invitation as a guest. Ultimately, the decision to invite your make-up artist is a personal one and there is no right or wrong answer.

Should I invite my makeup artist if they're a friend?

When it comes to your wedding, there are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not to invite your makeup artist. Here are some things to keep in mind:

The Nature of Your Relationship

If your makeup artist is a close friend, it is common to invite them to your wedding. On the other hand, if they are simply a paid vendor, it is not necessary or expected to invite them. Some couples choose to include their makeup artist in the meal and beverage count for the getting-ready portion of the day as a gesture of appreciation.

Their Availability and Interest

Even if your makeup artist is a friend, they may not be interested in attending your wedding as a guest. They might prefer to rest and relax after providing their services. Additionally, if your wedding is a destination wedding or requires a significant amount of travel, your makeup artist may not be able to attend the entire event.

The Size of Your Wedding

If you are planning an intimate wedding with a small guest list, you may need to be more selective with your invitations. In this case, it might be more appropriate to invite only those who are closest to you. However, if you have a larger guest list, you may have more flexibility to invite your makeup artist, especially if they have played a significant role in your life or wedding preparations.

Your Budget

Inviting additional guests to your wedding can increase costs, especially if you are covering their meals or other expenses. Consider your budget and whether you can comfortably accommodate the addition of your makeup artist and their plus-one, if applicable.

Their Professional Services

Discuss with your makeup artist whether they plan to provide any touch-ups or additional services throughout the day. If they are offering these services, they may need to stay for the duration of the event or a significant portion of it. In this case, it might be appropriate to invite them, especially if they are providing services for other guests as well.

Your Personal Preference

Ultimately, the decision to invite your makeup artist comes down to your personal preference and the nature of your relationship with them. If you feel that they have become a friend and you would like to share your special day with them, go ahead and extend an invitation. However, if you are unsure or feel that it might create an obligation or expectation, it is perfectly fine to politely decline.

Do I need to provide food and drink for my makeup artist?

When it comes to your wedding day, there are a lot of things to consider and plan. One important decision is whether or not to provide food and drinks for your makeup artist. Here are some things to consider:

The makeup artist's schedule

Firstly, it is important to note that the makeup artist's schedule may not align with the wedding schedule. They may arrive early in the morning to begin preparations and could be finished well before the wedding ceremony and celebrations begin. In this case, they may not require a full meal, but it is still a kind gesture to offer them refreshments and perhaps a light breakfast or lunch.

Your relationship with the makeup artist

If the makeup artist is a friend or relative, it is more likely that you will want to invite them to the wedding as a guest and provide them with food and drinks. However, if they are simply a paid vendor, you may choose not to invite them to stay for the celebrations.

Additional costs

If you do choose to invite your makeup artist to stay for the wedding, be aware that they may charge you extra for their time. It is also customary to provide them with a vendor meal, which will incur an additional cost.

The makeup artist's preferences

Some makeup artists may be happy to stay and enjoy the celebrations, especially if they have developed a friendly relationship with you. However, others may prefer to leave after completing their work, as it can be tiring, and they may want to relax.

Your budget

Providing food and drinks for additional people can add up quickly, so it is essential to consider your budget when making this decision. If you are paying for the entire bridal party's hair and makeup, it may be a nice gesture to include the artists in the meal count as a thank you for their services.

The location of your wedding

If your wedding is taking place at a venue that provides catering, you will need to coordinate with the venue regarding additional meals for vendors. There may be an option to provide a vendor meal at a reduced cost.

The number of people in your bridal party

If you have a large bridal party, your makeup artist may require an assistant to ensure everyone is ready on time. In this case, it is a good idea to provide food and drinks for the assistant as well.

Ultimately, the decision to provide food and drinks for your makeup artist is a personal one and will depend on your specific circumstances and preferences. Be sure to communicate your expectations clearly with your makeup artist to avoid any misunderstandings.

How do I find the right makeup artist for my wedding?

Finding the right makeup artist for your wedding is an important part of the planning process. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect makeup artist for your big day:

• Start your search early: It is recommended to book your makeup artist at least six months in advance to ensure you get your preferred artist and avoid last-minute stress.
• Get referrals and read reviews: Word-of-mouth referrals from friends and family are a great way to find a skilled and talented makeup artist. Check out their Instagram pages and online reviews, and look at the artist's portfolio to see if their style aligns with your vision.
• Gather inspiration: Collect photos from magazines, social media, and people you know that represent the look you want. This will help guide your conversations with potential artists and ensure your makeup trial is successful.
• Discuss your vision: Be sure to discuss your makeup vision and wedding details with potential artists upfront. A good artist will ask questions to understand your desired look and ensure they create the look you dream of.
• Check availability and accommodation: Before booking a trial, confirm the artist's availability for your wedding date and their ability to accommodate your bridal party and family members who need professional makeup. This will impact pricing, timing, and the number of artists required.
• Enhance your natural beauty: Your wedding makeup should enhance your natural beauty. Go with a look similar to what you usually wear, but remember that you may want to amp it up a bit for your wedding day. Don't be afraid to fill in your brows or wear false eyelashes—the camera doesn't pick up pigment like the naked eye!
• Shop around: Don't be afraid to book consultations with several artists until you find the perfect fit. Looking thoroughly at portfolios and doing makeup trials will help you make an informed decision.
• Consider pricing and tipping: Discuss pricing and payment details in advance to avoid surprises. Remember that additional services, such as airbrushing and hair extensions, will cost more. While tipping is not mandatory, it is customary and greatly appreciated by the artist.

Should I ask my makeup artist to stay for the whole day?

Asking your makeup artist to stay for the whole day is entirely optional and depends on your personal preference and budget.

The benefits of having your makeup artist stay for the whole day

If you want to ensure your makeup stays looking perfect throughout your wedding day, having your makeup artist stay for touch-ups can be a good idea. This is especially true if your wedding is taking place in hot weather or if you're likely to be emotional. Some makeup artists will offer an all-day service, but it's important to note that this will usually come at an additional cost.

The drawbacks of having your makeup artist stay for the whole day

Hiring a makeup artist to stay for the whole day can be expensive, and it's not always necessary. Professional makeup should last for at least eight hours, so unless you're getting married in very hot weather, you may not need any touch-ups. Additionally, your makeup artist may not be able to stay for the whole day due to other commitments.

Alternatives to having your makeup artist stay for the whole day

If you don't want to pay for your makeup artist to stay for the whole day, you can ask them to recommend products for touch-ups, or provide samples of the products they use so that you can do your own touch-ups. You could also ask your bridesmaids to help with any minor touch-ups.

Inviting your makeup artist as a guest

If your makeup artist is a friend or relative, you may want to invite them to your wedding as a guest. In this case, it's a nice gesture to include them in the meal and beverage count for the getting-ready portion of the day.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to ask your makeup artist to stay for the whole day is yours to make. Consider your budget, the weather conditions, and how likely you are to need touch-ups when making your decision.

What should I do if I don't like my makeup trial?

So, you've had your makeup trial, and you don't like the results. Don't panic! Here's what you can do to get back on track and ensure you feel confident and beautiful on your wedding day.

Communicate Your Concerns

If you didn't like the makeup trial, be honest and communicate your concerns to the makeup artist. It's important to provide specific feedback so they understand what you want to change. Tell them what you didn't like and why. For example, if the eye makeup made your eyes look smaller, or you felt the foundation made your skin look greasy. A good makeup artist will listen to your feedback and work with you to create a look you feel comfortable with. Remember, it's your wedding day, and you should feel like yourself while also looking and feeling elegant.

Schedule Another Trial

If possible, schedule another trial to test out different looks and ensure you and your makeup artist are on the same page. This will give you both an opportunity to make adjustments and perfect your wedding day look. It's better to be safe than sorry, and having another trial will give you peace of mind.

Provide Inspirational Photos

Create an inspiration board with photos of makeup looks you like. Explain to your makeup artist what you like about each look, and why you want to incorporate certain elements. For example, you might like a specific eye shadow colour or a natural lip shade. This will help your makeup artist understand your style and preferences.

Bring Your Own Makeup

If there are specific products you love and feel comfortable with, bring them to your trial and wedding day. For example, if you have a foundation that sits perfectly on your skin, bring it along. It's important that you feel confident and comfortable with the products being used.

Be Realistic

Remember that heavily filtered social media and Pinterest images might not always be attainable. Be open to your makeup artist's feedback and advice, as they are the experts. However, if you know certain styles or products won't work for you, be firm and polite in communicating your preferences.

Don't Make Drastic Changes

While it's tempting to experiment with new looks, avoid making drastic changes close to your wedding day. This includes trying new skincare products or makeup that might cause breakouts or adverse reactions. Stick to what you know and trust, and leave any changes to the professionals.

Consider Doing Your Own Makeup

If, after communicating your concerns and making adjustments, you still don't feel comfortable with your makeup artist, consider doing your own makeup. However, keep in mind that this will be an added task on your wedding day, and you might not achieve the same results as a professional.

Remember, it's normal to have some concerns after a makeup trial. The key is to communicate openly and work collaboratively with your makeup artist to create a look that makes you feel confident and beautiful on your special day.

Frequently asked questions