Wedding Planning: Looking Your Best for the Wedding Day Part 1

It is almost springtime, which means wedding season is fast approaching. This post will help all the blushing brides plan the beauty regimens for their wedding day. I'm posting this information now so you have time for the prep work. You have a lot to think about, wedding planning is not easy. Consider me your wedding beauty planner. I am going to give you all the information I can to perfect your look from head to toe. Let's get started!

The first step is to sit down and brainstorm exactly what you want. The sooner you get this done the more time you will have to find it. Here are some things to think about:

• What time is the wedding? This is important for scheduling (dressing, pictures, travel time etc).
• Where are you getting ready? Do you want your hair and make up done on location or in a salon?
• What is your budget for hair and make up? Are you paying for the bridal party?
• Do you want the make up artist to stay for touch ups during the wedding? If so be sure to inquire about their day rates.
• Is your bridal party getting their hair and make up done by the people you hire, or are they taking care of their own grooming needs?

Now for the details:

• What effect are you hoping your make up will create? How do you want to look?
• Do you have a theme?
• What are your colours?
• Do you want the bridal party to coordinate with each other?
• Who is included in your bridal party (mother of the bride, bride’s maids, additional family members, etc)

Having a specific idea of what you want makes it easier to find the right person for the job.

Have consultations with make up artists. Consultations are conversations to express what you want and to provide the details of the wedding. The make up artist will explain how they can accommodate your requests. The consultation is similar to an interview. I encourage you to talk to a number of different make up artists to determine which artists you will book trails with. You have tried on more than one dress, why wouldn't you try more that one make up artist?

Be prepared for your make up trial. The more you can communicate what you want, the easier the make up artist can provide your desired result:

·        Tear pages from magazines of make up looks you like.

·        Bring lipstick, eye shadow or blush you wear.

·        Come to the trial with a clean moisturized face.

·        It is a good idea to book a trial on a day you have plans to go out. This way you can see how your friends react to the application.

·        The trial is your time to become comfortable with the person you rely on to make you look your best on your wedding day. You want know that person will make you feel calm and confident.

·        Also discuss what services you will require for your bridal party.

When booking final details ask for a contract, this is a written agreement that protects both you and the professional. Confirm every detail; date, time for make up (both start and finish times), location, rates, number of people and any other specifications. If you decide not to have a contract I suggest saving all email correspondence as confirmation of an agreement. (Have something in writing). Determine if there is a deposit required and what the cancellation policy is. Finalize the payment details- who is paying? What payment methods are available? When is balance of payment due? Pass on the payment information to anyone who requires it.

Here are some suggestions for the wedding day:

• Try to eat something prior to getting your make up done.
• Brush your teeth beforehand.
• Be ready for the make up artist with your face clean and moisturized.
• Wear a button up shirt to make it easier to change and avoid smudging.

Did you find this post helpful? Questions, comments, feedback? I would love to hear them! Please comment or email me for more specific questions at karleigh@karleighjohnstone.com, or find me on facebook (Karleigh Johnstone, I am the only one).