Hair & Makeup Tips for Brides
One of the first questions I often receive is how soon should I book hair and makeup for my wedding?
At Glam on Demand, to ensure their wedding day is secure, our brides book 6 months to 1 year in advance. So, if you are planning a wedding during the week or on a Sunday, you may get lucky but you’ll want to plan ahead anyway. However, if you are planning an April or October wedding, know that these are the TWO BUSIEST wedding months of the year. And if you are looking at any other months, I’d say a good 4-5 months is a good time frame to book a hair and makeup team.
Is a bridal trial necessary?
I always recommend a bridal trial anywhere from 2-3 months before your wedding. This ensures that both the bride and hair stylist/makeup artist are on the same page.
We ask our brides to send a current photo and several inspirational photos for us to review. Pinterest has great inspirational pictures. Your makeup artist and hair stylist’s portfolios are another good
During the appointment, it gives the bride and stylist a time to get to know one another and share more details:
- Is the ceremony and reception outside?
- What month is the bride getting married?
- Does the bride have super thick, curly hair and need extra time for the stylist?
- What will the weather be like?
- Should the bride’s hair be up or down?
- Does the bride have thin hair and want to do extensions?
- Is the bride allergic or sensitive to any product?
- Does the bride want more of a glammed up look or a natural makeup look?
- Do the stylists need to bring any extra products when it comes to hair and makeup?
- Does the bride want traditional or airbrush makeup?
- Will the bride be wearing a veil?
Having these questions answered during a bridal trial helps everything run smoothly on the day of the wedding. It also ensures we have scheduled the appropriate time needed with the bride.
I always recommend booking the bridal trial the same day as bridal portraits or on the day of a wedding shower. Because if you are going to get glammed up already, you might as well knock out two birds with one stone!
Traditional vs. Airbrush Makeup?
When it comes to makeup, it’s about the application process and your preference.
No matter what route you choose with makeup, your makeup artist will do their best to give you a flawless finish. Of course, some factors to consider are your skin type and what the weather will be like the day of your wedding.
Traditional makeup can deliver a flawless finish. When
applied with brushes and beauty blenders (sponges) and is known for being the most versatile. This type of makeup can be used as both a simple, basic sheer tint of coverage or used to target specific needs.
Airbrush foundation is thinner than a regular liquid foundation. Either water or silicone based. This fine misted spray provides flawless coverage. Evening out the skin’s imperfections while still allowing your skin to breath. Plus feels more lightweight than traditional makeup. Applying airbrush foundation makeup requires more tools and equipment which means it may cost more.
Depending on the weather and if you tend to perspire, you may need to apply powder throughout the night. Remember, if you are perspiring or shedding tears, always blot, never rub your makeup. Both traditional and airbrush makeup will last hours with a great primer.
It’s always good to arrive with a clean, fresh face on the day of your wedding. The makeup artist will prep your skin whether you have oily, dry or combination skin. On your wedding day, your makeup artist will suggest you wear a little more makeup for photo purposes. You want to feel comfortable but don’t want to look washed out in your wedding photos.
Should I wear hair extensions on my wedding day?
The look you are trying to achieve will determine whether you will need extensions. For example, if you have thin hair and are want long, Victoria Secret wavy hair, then yes you will need them!
Extensions can help in creating length and volume. There are several types of hair extensions. There are bonded, tape in and clip in extensions to name a few.
Bonded extensions are more costly but can last up to 6 months. You will have to go in every few months to
have them re-bonded closer to your scalp as they grow out. Tape in extensions will last about 6-8 weeks. As they grow out, they will need to be re-applied closer to the scalp. Bonded and tape in extensions can be very harsh and damaging to the hair. Most brides opt for clip in extensions the day-of because they are cheaper and can be re-used in the future. You will also want to make sure the clip-ins are made of real human hair so that they can withstand heat from the hot tools.
Should my hair be clean or “dirty” on the day of my wedding?
Some stylists like brides to have a day or two of “dirty” hair. The natural oils can be helpful depending on the desired look. However, some people tend to get a little oilier than others.
I, now, suggest clean dry hair for the day of. Hair stylists have plenty of products (texture spray, hair powder, and hair spray) to “dirty” up hair if need be.
Thoughts about eyelashes on my wedding day?
I always recommend eyelashes on your wedding day. Eyelashes make everything “pop” and look amazing in photos. Some options are a lash serum, lash extensions, lash strips or individual lashes.
An eyelash serum can be used daily and I ‘ve seen pretty impressive results.
Eyelash extensions are great if you already have them. If not, they are quite a bit of upkeep, can be costly and also damaging to your existing eyelashes.
A majority of brides opt for strip lashes or individual lashes. They look great and can be removed the same night as the wedding. And if applied properly, means that your existing lashes should not be damaged at all.
Depending on the goal, your makeup artist can create a natural or dramatic look using extensions, strip or individual lashes. Strip or individual lashes may be a price add-on to your makeup service. Although some makeup artist will include them in the makeup pricing.
To find out more or book an appointment contact Kristy at Glam on Demand
