Hair and Makeup: How to Prepare for Your Big Day

HAIR AND MAKEUP:
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR BIG DAY

By Priscilla Charite

Your big day is approaching, and you’re starting to get into the details. What exactly should you expect from your hair and makeup stylists? And just how much time do you need to put aside for getting ready? Before we get into what you need to do, let’s discuss what you should expect.By now you’ve booked your hair and makeup artist and have had your trial run. If you choose not to do a trial run, then it is crucial you have efficient communication with your stylist to convey your desired look. Pictures are worth a thousand words, so in your communications, send inspiring images to your stylist to be sure you are on the same page.

Within a month of your wedding, you should expect a timeline and final invoice from your stylist/artist. If your stylist/artist does not send a timeline but just a time frame, request that they send you a breakdown. It is very easy to say “We will do 12 peoples hair and makeup in four hours, just trust me!” It is another thing for them to put the plan in writing. Why is that important? Well, if you are delayed because of hair and makeup, the overtime fees with the photographer, DJ, caterer, and venue will amount to thousands of dollars. If they are unable to provide a schedule, ask how many stylists will be coming and how long it take for each style and each session of makeup application. From this, you will be able to create your own timeline to suggest to the artist.

Below is a sample timeline and tips to help you prepare or your big day.

	HAIR STYLIST		MAKEUP ARTIST
1 HOUR	MICHELLE HAIR	3O MINUTES	AMANDA MAKEUP
1 HOUR	RENA HAIR	3O MINUTES	MICHELLE MAKEUP
1 HOUR	AMANDA HAIR	3O MINUTES	RENA MAKEUP

Prepping for Hair and Makeup: Tips for the Bride and Bridal Party

Do not come with wet hair. It’s best to wash and blow dry the day before or the night before so hair is not too soft on wedding day.
If someone has curly hair and would like some softer curls for the wedding day, hair should be straightened the night before so the hair is less frizzy, and the curls fall nicely.
Girls need clean faces (all makeup should be removed).
Come with your saree blouse on to ensure your hair and makeup stay intact!
Be on time! Missed appointments delay the schedule and are usually covered by the bride.
Bring a picture of a specific style to guide your stylist.
Bring extra cash in case additional services are added.
Plan for breakfast, lunch, or at least, snacks. Leaving to eat will delay the schedule and room service can be pricey!
Stylists need a large table to accommodate the number of products needed. Be sure to have a table cleared off and a couple of chairs ready so stylists can get started asap!

Be prepared but most importantly, be beautiful and enjoy YOUR day! Photographs provided by Destiny and Light – Hair and Makeup Group and Castalado Studios.

About the Author Priscilla Charite, owner of Destiny and Light – Hair and Makeup Group, has over 16 years of experience. With an average of 500 weddings a year, she has become an expert in cosmetology and a master of weddings.