Part of being a professional wedding photographer in Madison, WI means that we get to network with some of the most talented wedding vendors in the area! This city is home to so many creative and wonderful professionals that we feel lucky to work with each year. One of our all time favorite vendors is a local makeup artist, Sara, with Sara Marie Artistry.
Why would photographers care about makeup artists? Because in truth, they can make our job so much easier! A good makeup artist gives an added layer of confidence to brides (and bridesmaids) on their wedding day. They can help hide blemishes, even skin tone, and enhance your very best features. They also are one of the very first professionals you see on your wedding day, so working with someone as kind and wonderful as Sara, helps start your day off on the right foot. The energy they bring to your morning will often set the tone for the next several hours of your wedding day.
To help make sure you find the best makeup artist for your special day, we asked Sara to break down 5 things you need to know before booking your wedding day makeup artist!
1. How far in advance should you book your wedding makeup artist?
From my professional experience, I would suggest seeking out your makeup artist about 9 to 12 months prior to your big day. It’s common for makeup services to be lower on the bride’s vendor priority list, however there are only so many wedding days in the year and makeup can book up as early as the venues/photographers/etc…It’s never too early to secure your makeup services, so I think once you have your date and location locked-in, it’s totally fine to start looking into makeup details!
2. Is it better to book a separate artist for yourself than the one you have for your bridesmaids?
In most cases, I’d say it’s best to have the same makeup artist take care of everyone who wants makeup services on your special day. That way, there is a bit of cohesiveness in all the looks. While the bride is the most important star, the supporting cast should also look and feel beautiful as well.
3. How does a bridal trial work?
I like to consider bridal trials to be a collaborative rough draft of your dream bridal makeup look. We take our time to figure out your skin type, ask a lot of questions throughout the application, and snap some pictures to check on how the makeup will photograph. It’s the opportunity for the bride to be truly open and honest about what they like or don’t like, and how they honestly feel. Any feedback is crucial, and it’s the best way for me to zero in on creating your ultimate makeup application. All of these things considered, bridal trials should always be a fun and exciting appointment for us to get to know each other!
4. What things should I ask when considering an artist?
When considering a makeup artist, there are no bad questions you can ask them. Makeup, and especially bridal makeup, is not everyone’s area of expertise… so you should never feel intimidated or unsure of any questions you could have in regards to makeup. Some questions you could ask yourself would be:
-Is this makeup artist a professional (are they licensed and insured)?
-Does this makeup artist have experience in bridal makeup and navigating wedding days?
-How well does their makeup portfolio match my ideal makeup look? Most artists are very versatile however they also typically have a signature style thumbprint that displays who they are artistically. You want to make sure your ideal makeup style lines up well with your makeup artist.
–Another tip is to check on their tagged work on social media. There, you’ll find real life pictures to showcase their work throughout the wedding day and not just the content they specifically choose to display.
5. How do I know if an artist is the right fit for me?
I really do think that bridal makeup experience is so important. If your makeup application on your wedding day is important to you, then you should invest in the best. When you see the combination of talent, passion, and professionalism, then it’s very likely this artist is meant to be a part of your big day.
“The world of beauty was always Sara’s first love, along with the world of color. She has been known for her elegant glamour with a touch of edge. Putting a pop of color or small amount of texture in her art leaves her signature. She is ready to make you feel like the true beauty you already are.” -SaraMarieAristry.com
In case you hadn’t guessed who our first recommendation for your bridal makeup is, it’s Sara! She has always gone above and beyond for each of our clients. She is kind, compassionate, and such a joy to be around. The clients that come to us straight from her chair are always so excited, confident and happy. Not only has she perfected her artistry, but she has also mastered the ability to make her brides feel seen and cared for. To learn more about Sara and the incredible work she does, check out her website SaraMarieArtistry.com
Thank you so much for featuring me in your blog!! Means so much and so grateful that we are able to work together!! 🙂
You are amazing Paige!