A handy list of FAQs from a professional hair and makeup artist for weddings
1. How far in advance should I book my wedding hair and makeup?
I recommend having your bridal hair and makeup around 8–12 weeks before your wedding day. This gives us plenty of time to discuss your vision and make sure everything is organised ahead of your special day.
However, popular dates can book up quickly, so it’s always worth getting in touch as early as possible to check availability and avoid disappointment.
2. Do you offer both bridal hair and wedding makeup?
Yes! I offer both professional bridal hair styling and wedding makeup, but you don’t have to book both services together.
I understand that every bridal party is different, so I’m happy to create a bespoke combination of hair and makeup services to suit your needs. Whether you would like hair and makeup for yourself but just hair for your bridesmaids, or a mixture of services across your bridal party, we can tailor everything to work perfectly for you.
My aim is to make your wedding morning as relaxed and enjoyable as possible while ensuring everyone feels their very best.
3. Do you travel to wedding venues across Lancashire and Manchester?
Absolutely! Although I’m based in Hoghton, near Preston, I travel throughout Lancashire, Manchester and across the UK to provide beautiful bridal hair and makeup at your chosen wedding venue.
Whether you’re getting ready at home, in a country house, hotel or wedding venue, I’m happy to travel to you.
Travel fees will apply to cover travelling time and fuel, with accommodation occasionally required for weddings further afield or where an especially early start is needed. For journeys over approximately two hours, or where setting off before 4am would be necessary, we’ll discuss the best arrangements in advance.
Wherever you’re getting married, I’d love to be part of your special day!
4. Do I need a bridal hair and makeup trial before my wedding?
I highly recommend having a bridal hair and makeup trial before your wedding day.
Your trial is so much more than simply trying out your chosen look. It’s a lovely opportunity for me to get to know you, understand your personality and hear all about your vision for your special day.
We’ll explore your ideas, discuss your preferences and make any adjustments needed to ensure we create a look you absolutely love and feel confident wearing on your wedding day.
Please allow approximately:
1.5 hours for a hair-only or makeup-only trial.
2.5 hours for a combined hair and makeup trial.
My aim is for you to leave your trial feeling excited and completely confident about your bridal look!
5. When should I book my bridal hair and makeup trial?
I recommend booking your bridal hair and makeup trial around 8–12 weeks before your wedding day.
This gives us plenty of time to explore your ideas, finalise your chosen look and make any little adjustments before the big day.
My trials are usually held at my home studio in Hoghton, near Preston. However, if travelling to me isn’t convenient, I’m happy to discuss coming to you, with an additional travel fee.
6. Can you create natural bridal makeup that still looks beautiful in photographs?
Absolutely! I love creating beautiful, natural-looking bridal makeup that enhances your own features while still looking gorgeous in your wedding photographs.
I believe your bridal makeup should make you feel like the very best version of yourself, rather than feeling like you’re wearing a completely different face.
Whether you love fresh, glowing skin, soft definition or a little more glamour, I’ll tailor your makeup to suit your preferences, ensuring you feel comfortable, confident and beautiful without the need for a heavy, full-coverage look.
We’ll also consider how your makeup will photograph, so you look just as beautiful in your wedding photographs as you do in person.
7. How long does bridal hair and makeup take on the wedding morning?
For the bride, I usually allow approximately two hours for combined bridal hair and makeup, depending on your chosen styles and the level of detail involved.
If you’re having hair or makeup separately, timings will vary depending on the look we’re creating.
For your bridal party, we’ll discuss timings in advance and put together a personalised wedding morning schedule to make sure everyone is ready with plenty of time to spare.
My priority is to create a calm, relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, so there’s no unnecessary rushing on the morning of your wedding!
8. Can you do hair and makeup for my bridesmaids and mother of the bride?
Of course! I can cater for larger bridal parties and provide professional bridal hair and makeup for bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and groom, and other special members of your wedding party.
I want everyone to feel included, relaxed and beautiful, whether they’re going for a natural, understated look or something a little more glamorous.
If your bridal party is larger than I can comfortably accommodate on my own within your wedding morning timings, I can arrange an additional artist to work alongside me. This ensures everyone receives the time and attention they deserve without making your morning feel rushed.
9. Will my wedding makeup last all day?
Absolutely! My aim is to create beautiful, long-lasting bridal makeup that stays looking fresh from your morning preparations right through to your evening celebrations.
Using quality professional makeup products, alongside understanding your skin type and individual skin needs, allows me to select the most suitable products and techniques for your complexion.
I’ll also share advice on keeping your makeup looking its best throughout the day, so you can enjoy every moment, from your first photographs to dancing the night away at your evening reception!
10. Can you work with my natural hair, or will I need extensions?
Absolutely! You don’t need extensions to have beautiful bridal hair. I love working with natural hair and can create a variety of gorgeous bridal styles using your own hair.
However, depending on your hair type, length and the style you’re hoping to achieve, extensions can sometimes make all the difference in adding extra volume, fullness or length.
I have naturally quite fine hair myself, so I completely understand how even a little extra volume can transform a hairstyle! Sometimes just a single weft can make all the difference to an updo, giving us more options and helping to achieve that perfect finished look.
If I feel extensions would benefit your chosen style, we can chat about this during your trial and find the best option for you.
11. What happens if I’m not sure what bridal hair or makeup style suits me?
Choosing your bridal hair and makeup can sometimes feel like one of the hardest parts of planning your wedding, so please don’t worry if you haven’t got it all figured out before your trial!
That’s exactly what I’m here for.
We’ll chat about how you usually like to wear your makeup, the styles you’re drawn to, your wedding dress, accessories and any inspiration pictures you’ve saved along the way.
I’ll offer my professional advice, help you explore different ideas and try out styles until we find something that feels completely right for you.
I want you to feel like yourself, just a little extra special, and leave knowing you’re going to look and feel amazing on your wedding day