Things we (Stylists) want you to know

Sometimes I forget that our brides are on the other side of things and although most of y’all have had beauty services before, this is probably your first time planning hair and makeup for your wedding. Being in a few bridal groups, I find myself often wanting to comment some advice from our side of things but thought creating a list might be more helpful. So here is a list of things we stylists want you to know before your big day.

• Plan ahead

  • If you’re wedding is in March, April, October or November, you should start looking to book hair and makeup as soon as you can. These are our busiest months of the year and there are only so many artists in the area. I can’t tell you how many brides we have to turn away in these months who waited until a few weeks before because we are already booked.

• Everything is fixable

  • Like I always say to my clients, “It’s not a tattoo”. If we finish your look and your lipstick looks too pink, or your hair is a little bigger than you expected, no problem. Let us know. I promise we will not get our feelings hurt and it’s most likely an easy adjustment for us. We would so much rather you let us make the changes you might need than have you wipe everything off when we leave and feel unhappy.

• What is a Trial run?

  • Try thinking of your trial run less as a test and more of a first date. Of course you want to check to make sure the artist you hired is professional and talented but that doesn’t mean it will be everything you hoped of and more. Sometimes, what you think you might like from looking at Pinterest doesn’t translate to real life and that is okay. A lot of my brides change their minds after a trial and want to make adjustments for the wedding day. At your trial consider, the vibe, temperament, consultation and kit that the artists brings to the table. Take a lot of selfies that day and try on your dress after so you get the full affect.

• Get some rest

  • Try to plan your fun night out with your girls on any night other than the night before your wedding. I can’t tell you how many times that 8am start time after a night of fun just sucks. Your bridesmaids will be late, y’all won’t be feeling great, your skin will be dehydrated and you will be stressed out. Showing up late can mean unexpected late fees and feeling rushed to finish on time. It’s just never fun for anyone.

• Dirty hair isn’t always best

  • This one is a little controversial because us stylists don’t always fully agree but I would say, dirty hair isn’t always better. I know we were told this for prom and at your cousins wedding years ago but with the evolution of dry shampoo and how hard the water is here in Central Texas, showing up with super dirty hair can prevent you from getting the style you want. Some people can go days without washing and it’s fine while others who may have super fine hair can’t. Having hair that is super dirty and greasy can prevent you from getting the volume you might want and can leave your curls looking clumpy. So check with your artist beforehand to see what they prefer.

• Everything is photoshopped

  • Unfortunately 99.9% makeup inspiration pictures are filtered and photoshopped and 90% of hair inspiration pictures have added extensions. Even Tik Tokers are using special ring lights and filters to make their skin look poreless. Makeup can’t take away texture. So try to have realistic expectations. We can do a lot but our experience is in making you look your best in person, walking down the aisle, in pictures and video from all angles and through the entire day until you wash it all off. Sometimes too much contour can make you look dirty in pictures and not look great if you’re turned to the side. Same with highlight, it’s not the same in pictures. Most inspiration photos are taken straight on with special lighting. But you won’t be walking around with a ring light on your wedding day and taking photos only face on. So take some pictures after your trial run in different lighting from different angles and even a little video.

• Consider hiring a professional

  • We know weddings can be expensive and we fully support a budget bride but think carefully before hiring a friend or family member who is “good at makeup” or hair. A lot of people are amazing at doing their own makeup and hair but they might not have experience with all eye shapes, ages, skin tones and hair textures. They also might not be quick enough to get everyone done in time. Hiring a professional means having someone who knows that a base with sunscreen can create a white cast in flash photography or which concealer formula is best for women over 40. We know the best way to sanitize our materials to prevent cross contamination and we have spent years cultivating our kits so we are prepared for anyone and everyone.

I hope these help you as you begin the process of hiring a hair and makeup artist. I’m always available to answer any questions you may have so reach out. And last but not least, don’t forget to enjoy the process.

Happy Wedding planning

,Amber