Should You Hire a Makeup Artist for Your Wedding?

Hiring a professional makeup artist for your wedding ensures that you’re able to focus on last-minute details and the excitement of the day instead of fussing over your makeup. A professional makeup application involves a consultation with your makeup artist in advance of the wedding as well as day-of cosmetic application, either at her salon or at your wedding location.

When you meet with your makeup artist the first time, she will work with you to determine the best approach for your wedding makeup. She will probably spend some time talking to you about the style of your wedding, your wedding dress, your veil, your makeup preferences and your skin type, and will likely practice a few looks on you before you decide on the perfect look for your big day. Whether beachy and natural, soft and romantic, or polished and glamorous, a good makeup artist will be able to interpret your ideal look in a way that is uniquely you, creating a finished product that works perfectly with your skin, hair and dress.

Why Not Just Do it Myself?

Your wedding presents a few extra “challenges” when it comes to applying cosmetics. You not only need to look great—your makeup also needs to take you seamlessly from “I do” to the photo session to your first dance, all without running, smearing or fading. Quite simply, you probably just don’t have the expertise it takes to create the flawless look you’re dreaming of for your wedding day.

Also, a professional makeup artist will apply the same techniques and tricks she would use on a model for a photo shoot. This means you don’t need to panic over dark circles, a couple of pesky blemishes or a pre-wedding sunburn. While models may look amazing in magazines, you can be sure they don’t show up on set looking picture perfect. Makeup artists are trained to use cosmetics to create the illusion of flawless skin and perfectly-proportioned features. Why not put their secrets to work for you on your wedding day?

Furthermore, while you may be an expert at what looks great on you at the office, you probably haven’t done your own makeup for a professional photo shoot. The camera sees things quite a bit differently than the naked eye, and part of a makeup artist’s job is to optimize your look for film.

Benefits

Obviously your fiancé already thinks you’re beautiful. But the thought of knocking his socks off with a gorgeous, model-worthy makeup application as you float down the aisle is enough to tempt any bride to hire a pro. You’ve probably spent months envisioning the way you’ll look on your wedding day—from the perfect dress to the perfect updo. A professional makeup application may be just the thing you need to transform your look from “everyday pretty” to “once-in-a-lifetime stunning.”

Also, because your makeup artist will know which colors and styles will work best for your photographer, you’re almost certain to look better in your pictures. At the very least, you’ll be able to rest assured that you’ve done everything possible to minimize the need for retouching, and you won’t be kicking yourself later for makeup mistakes you couldn’t see in the mirror.

A professional makeup application is also a great way to pamper yourself on your wedding day. It’s the day you’ve been looking forward to your entire life, after all, and the perfect excuse to treat yourself like a princess. Hiring a pro to take care of your makeup before you walk down the aisle can alleviate last-minute stress and give you some time to reflect on what’s about to happen. Taking a few minutes to relax while your makeup artist takes care of business can go a long way toward easing some of those pre-wedding jitters.

Risks

Having your makeup professionally done can be expensive. Given the fact that your wedding is probably already costing you (or your family) a bundle, professional makeup application may be a luxury you can’t afford. In addition to the cost, there is always the slight chance that you won’t be happy with the result… and won’t have time to fix it. For the bride who’s a bit of a control freak, this possibility, however remote, could actually add stress to an already stressful day rather than relieve it. If you’re the type of person who always hates department store makeovers and can never seem to find a hairstylist who “does it right,” perhaps allowing someone else do your makeup on the biggest day of your life is not the best idea.

The Bottom Line

If you can afford it and are willing to give up some control, hiring a makeup artist for your wedding can certainly enhance your experience as a bride. Great-looking photos, a little bit of “me time,” and the chance to be treated like a supermodel for a day are all good reasons to call in a pro. As long as it’s not going to break the bank and you’re confident in her abilities, hiring a makeup artist for your wedding is definitely the way to go.