Choosing the perfect hair and makeup artist for your wedding or special occasion can feel like a daunting task. After all, you want to look and feel your absolute best for one of the most memorable days of your life (or for any special event that means a lot to you!). But don’t worry—we’re here to make this process easier for you. With a little guidance, you can find a professional hair and makeup artist who’ll help bring your vision to life and make you feel like a star.
So, let’s dive into a few key tips on how to choose the right artist for your big day!
1. Know What You Want (and Communicate It)
Before you even start searching for an artist, it's helpful to have a clear idea of what you want. Are you going for a classic, timeless look? Something bold and glamorous? Or maybe a natural, glowing finish?
Take some time to browse through magazines, Pinterest, or Instagram to gather inspiration and create a mood board or a list of styles you like. Having a vision in mind will help you narrow down your search and communicate exactly what you're looking for to potential artists. The more specific you can be about your preferences, the easier it will be for the artist to understand your style.
2. Look at Their Portfolio
When you start looking for a hair and makeup artist, make sure to check out their portfolio! This will give you an idea of their style, skill level, and the type of work they’ve done in the past. It’s important to see that their work aligns with the look you have in mind.
Look for diversity in their portfolio—do they have experience with different hair textures, skin tones, and styles? If you’re going for a unique or specific look, such as a vintage bridal hairstyle or a dramatic evening makeup look, make sure they’ve worked on something similar before.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to artists and ask for more examples if you can’t find enough online. A professional artist should be happy to share their work and discuss what they can do for you.
3. Consider Your Budget
Budget is always an important factor when choosing any wedding or special event vendor, and hair and makeup artists are no exception. Prices can vary depending on the artist's experience, location, and the complexity of the services you need.
Take some time to research what’s typical in your area. For example, Tauranga hair and makeup artists or Fijian hair and makeup artists may have different pricing structures than artists in larger cities, so keep that in mind. Remember that you're not just paying for the product, but also the skill, experience, and the time it takes to make you look fabulous.
Don’t forget to ask if there are any additional fees for travel, touch-ups, or bridal party services. Being clear about your budget will help you find someone who fits your needs and won’t cause you any financial stress leading up to your big day.
4. Check for Reviews & Testimonials
One of the best ways to gauge an artist’s professionalism and skill is by reading reviews and testimonials from past clients. Look for feedback from people who had similar events, like weddings or special occasions, so you can get a sense of how they work under pressure and how well they handle larger groups.
If you’re hiring a Bay of Plenty makeup artist or an international hair and makeup artist, seeing testimonials from clients who have worked with them in similar settings will give you peace of mind. Positive reviews are often a sign that they’re reliable, friendly, and experienced.
If you can, ask the artist for references, too. A quick conversation with a previous client can give you valuable insights into their experience.
5. Consider Their Personality
Let’s face it—you’ll be spending a good chunk of your big day with your hair and makeup artist. Whether you’re in the process of getting ready with your bridal party or prepping for a photoshoot, it’s important that you feel comfortable with them.
When meeting an artist for the first time (whether in person or virtually), pay attention to how they make you feel. Are they friendly and easy to talk to? Do they listen to your ideas and offer helpful suggestions? A good artist should make you feel confident, relaxed, and excited about your look.
If you're planning a destination wedding or a special event in a different city, like Tauranga or even overseas, make sure the artist is easy to communicate with from afar and can make any necessary travel arrangements.
6. Book a Trial Session
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential artists, it’s a great idea to book a trial session. This allows you to test out different hair and makeup looks before the big day to see if it aligns with your vision.
During the trial, you can discuss any adjustments or tweaks you’d like to make to the look, as well as get a feel for the artist's process. Trials are also a great way to see how long the hair and makeup will last throughout the day.
If you’re having your event in a special location, like Tauranga or Bay of Plenty, you might even want to consider doing the trial in the same area to get a better sense of how your look holds up in different environments.
7. Trust Your Instincts
Ultimately, the best way to choose a hair and makeup artist is to trust your instincts. If you feel confident and excited about working with them, that’s a good sign. Remember, you’re not just hiring someone to do your hair and makeup—you’re hiring a professional who will help make you feel beautiful and confident, so it’s important that the relationship feels right.
If you're looking for a Tauranga hair and makeup artist, a New Zealand hair and makeup artist, or someone with experience working internationally, make sure you feel like you're in good hands and that they understand exactly what you’re looking for.
Finding the right hair and makeup artist for your wedding or special event doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By doing a little research,communicating clearly, and trusting your gut, you’ll find someone who can help you look and feel amazing on your special day. Whether you’re based in Tauranga, the Bay of Plenty, or planning a wedding overseas, there’s a talented artist out there who’s ready to make your beauty dreams come true!
Happy planning—and here’s to looking fabulous!
