17 Essential Bridal Makeup Consultation Questions to Ask Your Beauty Team
We may be a little biased, but we believe your beauty consultation is one of the most important pre-wedding tasks. It’s important you look and feel your best on such a special day!
In this blog, we’re giving you our list of must-ask consultation questions for your beauty team.
Before your consultation: know your wedding date and venue!
The first thing many hair and makeup artists will ask for is your wedding date, so they can let you know if they’re available. Similarly, where you’re tying the knot may factor into your beauty team’s availability. Make sure you have these locked down before you start researching!
Bridal makeup consultation questions
What products do you use?
Our answer: A ton of different brands! No, but really, we don’t just use one type of product or brand, as we specifically curate our kits based on what we've tried and loved. We have a mix of luxury and clean beauty brands that we’ve tested specifically for photography and longevity.
Your makeup team will use products based on their type of clientele booked, so if there’s a company that specializes in soft natural glam, they may use different products than a company that specializes in more dramatic, bold looks. If you have specific brands or products you would or would not like, bring this up during your consultation.
Some of our fave brands are Armani Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, NARS, Tatcha, Chanel, Bobbi Brown, YSL, Makeup Forever, Hourglass, RMS, Ilia, and Tom Ford Beauty.
How can you make my wedding makeup last and look good in photos?
Our answer: making makeup last starts with (of course) great skin. So we want to make sure you are thinking of that at least 6 months in advance if you have any skin concerns. Your makeup will look fresh and last longer when you take care of your skin, and be mindful of dairy and alcohol consumption.
On wedding day, we do a proper skin prep curated to your needs, along with an application that helps makeup last longer. We use our expertise to ensure you still feel like yourself in person but show up flawless in photos.
How many looks can we try during my makeup trial?
Our answer: After you have done some research and pulled inspiration photos of your looks, narrow them down to 2-3 of your favorites. Try to keep your looks within a similar aesthetic - a lot of times brides are all over the place with their inspiration, and it can cause a lot of confusion about what you actually like!
Your team will be able to show you a full makeup look, and then adjust the tones or level of makeup from there. We always suggest seeing your look with less first, then gradually building it. Always take photos of each look so you can reference back!
Do you offer pre-wedding skincare treatments or advice?
Our answer: Yes! Once you are a booked bride with Elite, we are here to answer any questions regarding your skin regime. We love to take the time to gather information about your skin concerns and the products you use. We’ll send a follow-up with our advice on what products or facials to receive.
Of course, we always recommend that if you have a dermatologist you’ve been working with, make them aware of your upcoming wedding so they can help you achieve that wedding glow!
Bridal hair consultation questions
How many looks can we try during my hair trial?
Our answer: For hair, if you’re having trouble deciding, we recommend trying both an up style and a down style. Then ask yourself which one you feel more confident in because at the end of it all, you want a look that makes you feel amazing! We can certainly help you decide, but it’s really about what you feel the best about.
Do I need extensions for my hair trial?
Our answer: we love clip-in extensions, not only for length or thickness but for the longevity of your look. Not every bride needs them, however, if your desired look cannot be achieved with the hair that you have, it's best to have them available.
We suggest speaking with your hair team BEFORE your trial to see if you may need to purchase hair extensions for them to apply. If your look requires hair extensions, but you don't have them for the trial, it's okay! Your stylist can still show you a mock-up of the hair looks, and add them in on the wedding day. We always give suggestions on where to purchase extensions, so you can color-match your hair for a seamless look.
General questions to ask your bridal beauty team
Can you travel to us on wedding day?
Our answer: because we’re not a salon-based company, and we are all freelance on-location artists, we come to you wherever you are! We are based in NY and primarily serve the Hamptons and Long Island, but we love to travel as well.
Do you offer hair and makeup trials?
Our answer: trials are very important for both you and your hair and makeup team. This is the chance to get to know each other and see a preview of your wedding day look. Some companies do trials prior to locking in your date, but if you’re working with a very in-demand beauty team (ahem, Elite!) it's recommended that you secure your wedding date first, and then worry about the trial closer to the wedding.
Whoever you are vetting should give enough information to tell if they’re the right fit for you. At Elite, during your trial, our team will do a full in-depth consultation and several looks to ensure you are excited and confident in your beauty look for your wedding day.
When do we need to schedule the trial?
Our answer: we recommend locking in your date immediately, especially if the team or artist you’re considering has limited availability. You can schedule your trial 1-4 months out from your wedding. By your trial, have your dress, veil, and accessories picked out so you can envision the whole look together.
Should I bring my accessories to my trial?
Our answer: Yes! If you have your accessories ready, especially a veil, please bring them. Although not mandatory to complete the preview of your look, having your accessories helps to tie it all together. If you are unsure about your jewelry, come with photos of everything you’re considering and your beauty team can help pull it together for you.
Can you accommodate large wedding parties?
Our answer: absolutely! Our team is large enough to cover everyone who needs hair and makeup, based on availability. We put together an organized timeline for you so everyone has an idea of when they should be ready for their hair and makeup timeslot.
We’re super flexible and know how to pivot if unexpected circumstances come up on the morning of your wedding! Some brides prefer a more intimate morning getting ready, and some want to have a lively morning with all their friends and family. Either way, we’ve got you covered!
Bridal Hair and Makeup FAQs
How much does wedding hair and makeup cost?
Hair and makeup may seem expensive but look at it as an investment. How much does looking and feeling flawless on your wedding day matter to you? How important is it to be in love with your look in all of your photos?
We know how important these things are, and we want to ensure you feel confident in not only the quality of the services you’re receiving but also the team you’re investing in. A team that understands how to stay organized with your contracts, deposits, payments, beauty schedules, and all the details of your day will help you have the best experience possible.
You may find an artist that has incredible work in a lower price range, but they might not have the infrastructure to provide you with a seamless, organized experience and the professionalism and knowledge needed for a smooth wedding day. Having a team that is experienced may mean a bigger investment, but it will save you in the long run.
How long does wedding hair and makeup take?
Our answer: hair and makeup will vary based on the desired look you are going for. It can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes for a bridesmaid, 20-45 minutes for a mother, and 45-90 minutes for a bride. We’ll be able to give you a more accurate time estimate once we discuss the details of your day and the looks you would like to achieve.
When is a good time to book wedding hair and makeup?
Our answer: as soon as you have a date and venue, your hair and makeup should be booked! Even if you are still working out the logistics of the day, it’s becoming more common to book your hair and makeup far in advance. Many experienced and in-demand artists book 1 year or longer in advance. Don’t miss the opportunity to work with a team you absolutely love!
Wedding hair or makeup first?
Our answer: our team prefers to do makeup first so that any makeup brushes don’t interfere with the hairline or finalized hair look. Depending on the look you settle on, your team may prep your hair first (this can be in rollers, adding in your clip-in extensions, or doing the blowout first). Then you will go in the makeup chair and then back in the hair chair to finalize your look.
How long does the bridal hair and makeup trial take?
Our answer: our trials can take anywhere from 60-90 minutes per service. Our team loves to do trials together so you can see the full look and make adjustments from there. Having both hair and makeup trials simultaneously will take about 2 to 2 ½ hours. Your desired look along with the length and thickness of your hair will play a role in the time your trial takes.
When should the bride get her hair and makeup done?
Our answer: Typically the bride will go towards the end of the schedule, with some buffer time at the end. We suggest you’re not the very last person to go, so you have a moment to breathe before moving into the next thing in your timeline. Feeling relaxed and not rushed will set the tone for the rest of the day. Don’t worry – your team will touch you up before it’s time to get dressed!
Is Elite Bridal Beauty the right team for you?
At Elite, we specialize in timeless, refined beauty, so although our stylists are able to achieve a more intricate fishtail braided look, we tend to book more minimalist brides. You can view our portfolio on our website to get a better idea of the styles we typically do.
We have an administrative team in place that handles all the operations and logistics, so our team can focus on what’s most important - helping you look your best!
We believe that hiring a team that has the knowledge, professionalism, communication and support to make your experience effortless is just as important as their skill and ability to give you that bridal glow! If you think we might be a good fit, please reach out!
