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Michelle
Just Said Yes March 2021

Help please! Lots of questions about hair & makeup!

Michelle, on February 14, 2021 at 11:15 PM Posted in Hair and Makeup 0 7
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I'm a middle-aged woman getting married for the first (and only, I hope!!) time. We're having a Monday wedding at the end of March at noon in Washington DC. The ceremony will be on a rooftop terrace and should last about 15 minutes. Then we'll have lunch. I would like my hair and makeup to last because we are thinking of heading to the Washington Mall after an take a bunch of selfies!

I have a matron of honor, a "best person" for the groom (his sister), and me. My fiance's 13 year old niece may also want to get her hair/make up done, but she is not part of the bridal party. I've been gathering quotes from artists, and have a spreadsheet where I'm trying to determine what the actual costs will be. It's amazing how many different ways there are to say the same thing on these price sheets. When I think I've figured it out, it turns out that I'm wrong. I'm very confused and just don't know how to make a choice.

1. Is it better to have one company/artist do both hair and make up? My hair is going to take a lot of work, and I have (well-earned) circles under my eyes. I know that I need a pro!

2. Is it better to have the artists come to me and my bridal party, or for us to go to a salon?

3. I don't see much about gratuities. I've seen one artist state on her price list that a 20% gratuity is applied. What is standard? I always tip when I get my hair done, but I don't know what to expect for something contracted like this.

4. Is it worth it to have the artist(s) stay for touch ups? If so, do you provide vendor meals? I may change dresses. My fiance is not a fan of traditional wedding gowns, so I may change into a different colored gown for lunch (something I already have and I know he loves).

5. What else should I be considering about logistics?

Thanks in advance!


7 Comments

Latest activity by Kimberly, on February 15, 2021 at 6:57 PM
  • Michelle
    Rockstar December 2022
    Michelle ·
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    A gratuity/tip is only for a vendor who goes above and beyond. It should never be given for doing their job.

    There is no reason why you should ever need touchups from a pro. If done correctly, also at your trial, the makeup should last well into the next day. Therefore no need for touchups or vendor meals.

    Most find it easier to have the beauty team come to you.

    Independent vs a team is personal preference.

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  • M
    Super June 2021
    Melanie ·
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    All of these are personal preference questions, but here's my opinion. I think it's better for one company (2 artists) to do both hair and makeup since they'll already be familiar with each other and know how the other works as far as timing, etc. One person can get their hair done while another is getting makeup done then switch. BUT if you find separate hair and makeup artists that you like the style of, there's nothing wrong with going with two companies.
    I also think it's better for artists to come to you. This way the only thing you have to do after is put on your dress. Tip standard is the same as if you go to the salon, 15%-20% if they do a good job. I wouldn't have them stay for touchups, as their makeup is normally like glue and stays all day. But if you want a different hair or makeup look for your second dress, they could do that.
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  • Rebelle Fleur
    Master July 2021
    Rebelle Fleur ·
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    I would have the same team members do both. They already have an established rhythm, they will all arrive at the same time, one set of payment, and less groups of people involved (Corona).


    On your day you want to relax as much as you can before the festivities start and lessen the amount of stress you’ll feel so I think you should have them come to you.
    I was toying with the idea to have my MUA stay for touch ups because I sweat A Lot. But after I did my make up trial with her we went to have our engagement photos taken in 90 degree weather and it held up pretty well. So I would just see how well it holds up after your trial.
    I’m tipping the standard 20% to some vendors and more to others if warranted.
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  • Michelle
    Master April 2021
    Michelle ·
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    1. I’m having the same lady do both my hair & makeup- I didn’t want to juggle 2 different schedules.
    2. She’s coming to my parents house- it’ll be a much more relaxed atmosphere. Plus our venue would change us extra to get ready there.
    3. Definitely tip- I would do 20%. I’m paying for mine & my bridesmaids (2) but they’re covering the tip. 4. She’s a friend of my daughters (who’s a bridesmaid). She’s following us to the venue from my parents house so she can do my daughter’s wife’s hair. I invited her to the wedding so she’ll have a meal. I would ask her how much it’ll cost if she stays & definitely provide a meal. 5. Most charge by the mile so make sure you account for that. Check their website & reviews. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you don’t like what they did & want to change it. Bring your inspo pics!
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  • A
    Expert September 2022
    Allie ·
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    I agree with Melanie on this! I would also add that it's a great idea to do a trial (or separate trials) for your hair and for your makeup before your big day! That will reduce the chance of wanting to tweak the look on the big day. For me personally, my hair trial took a loooong time because the artist's interpretation of my desired style was different than what I had envisioned. I would recommend bringing very specific inspiration pictures to your trial (or to the wedding, if you choose to forego a trial)...and make sure the person in the picture has similar hair/skin type to yours. Best of luck and congratulations!!!

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  • Michelle
    Just Said Yes March 2021
    Michelle ·
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    Thank you, ladies! Now, if I could just make a decision!! :-)

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  • Kimberly
    Super March 2021
    Kimberly ·
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    Everyone else has pretty much covered your questions. I just wanted to point out that a tip is optional (technically) and based on the service received. While it is always expected to tip a stylist, if they do not do a good job then I would not tip. So with that said, I would absolutely not go with the one that has it added in the contract. It isn’t an automatic thing and should be based on the quality of the service received.
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