When it comes to your bridal makeup consultations (or bridal makeup trials), the goal is simple: create a flawless experience that leaves your bride feeling confident and excited for her big day. Asking the right questions during your bridal makeup consultation is key to ensuring everything goes smoothly. By really understanding your bride’s vision, you’ll be able to bring her dream look to life.
We recently sat down with Katie from Bridal Hair Couture to dive into all things bridal consultation—from building trust to perfecting the look. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these tips will help you elevate your bridal makeup trials and make the whole process smooth and stress-free for both you and your bride.
LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS | LISTEN ON SPOTIFY
“Hair and makeup is the ultimate thing on your wedding day as a woman. It’s the one thing you have the most anxiety about, you want to feel secure that that you know what’s going on. I feel like if you walk into a wedding and you aren’t prepared on every detail and aspect of the look, there’s a good chance you’re going to ruin someone’s wedding day by causing them stress”
Why Are Bridal Makeup Consultations So Important?
Imagine walking into a wedding without having a clear plan for the bride’s makeup. Yikes, right? Bridal makeup consultations give you the chance to build a relationship with your bride, get a feel for their vibe, and ensure you have everything needed to create their dream look. Think of it as your rehearsal before the big performance—it’s essential!
During a bridal makeup trial, you’ll learn about your bride’s preferences, skin type, and concerns while also getting a sneak peek at the overall wedding theme. It’s your opportunity to make sure every detail is in place, from foundation to final touches. Plus, it’s the perfect time to recommend add-ons like lashes or touch-up kits, giving you the chance to inject a bit of your own creative style.
Key Questions to Ask During a Bridal Makeup Consultation
When it comes to bridal makeup consultations, asking the right questions is everything. Here are a few must-ask questions to guide you through:
- What is your vision for your wedding day makeup? This is where you get into the nitty-gritty of what your bride is picturing. Does she want a classic, natural look or something bold and glamorous? Ask for inspiration photos and be sure to chat about how those looks will translate to real life based on her skin tone and features.
- How does your skin typically behave? Skin concerns like oiliness, dryness, or sensitivity will affect how the makeup lasts throughout the day. Understanding her skin type helps you choose the right products to ensure a long-lasting finish.
- Do you have any must-haves or absolute no-gos? This question will help you avoid any big surprises on the wedding day. Maybe she hates heavy foundation or absolutely loves a strong brow. Get these details upfront.
- What’s the wedding day timeline? Knowing how much time you’ll have on the day is key to planning your makeup schedule. This will help you plan ahead for touch-ups, any quick changes, or if additional makeup artists are needed for the bridal party.
Bridal Makeup Trial vs. Consultation: What’s the Difference?
For some brides, the terms bridal makeup trial and bridal makeup consultation are used interchangeably, but as a makeup artist, you know they aren’t the same. A bridal makeup consultation is more about discussing your bride’s needs, skin type, and vision, while a bridal makeup trial involves actually creating the look and testing products. Both are important, and it’s essential to clarify these differences with your bride so they know what to expect.
Dealing with Bridal Party Makeup During the Consultation
Don’t forget about the bridal party! It’s important to create a cohesive look for the entire wedding party. You can control their styles by using an inspiration board to keep things on track. You want the bridesmaids to complement the bride without stealing the spotlight, and you want the overall look to flow beautifully in photos.
What to Do When Things Aren’t Going as Planned in the Trial
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the bridal makeup trial might not go perfectly. Maybe the bride is indecisive or the look just isn’t coming together. Don’t panic! Here’s what Katie recommends: focus on the front of the face. Ask your bride how she likes her eyes and brows styled and spend extra time perfecting that area. This often makes the biggest difference and helps calm any concerns.
If the bride still isn’t happy, recap the consultation and clarify what the final look should be. Communication is key!
Handling Bridal Makeup Consultations Without a Trial
Some brides may not be able to book a trial, especially if they’re from out of town. In these cases, it’s important to schedule extra time on the wedding day or arrange a virtual consultation beforehand. Skype or Zoom calls are a great way to bridge the gap and still get the details you need to create the perfect look.
Streamlining Your Bridal Makeup Consultation Process
Let’s talk efficiency. Bridal makeup consultations can take up a lot of time, especially with email correspondence. To save time, set up email templates for common questions or follow-ups. Platforms like HoneyBook (our fave!) or Tave can help streamline your communication process. Pro tip: have drafts ready so you can copy and paste responses quickly, adding personalized details where needed.
Audio Bookmarks:
04:39 – Who is Katie? How She Started Her Bridal Hair Journey
12:58 – Taking a Career Pause for Motherhood and Moving Countries
16:00 – Restarting a Career as a Mom and Finding Confidence
18:30 – Building Your Bridal Brand
19:15 – Why Bridal Trials Are Essential for Wedding Makeup
21:45 – Knowing When to End a Client Relationship Respectfully
25:25 – Key Questions to Ask During a Bridal Makeup Consultation
27:14 – Top 3 Pieces of Information to Gather from Your Bride
32:10 – How to Handle the Bridal Party for a Cohesive Look
34:19 – Managing Indecisive Brides and Extended Trial Sessions
38:43 – Should You Charge More for Extended Bridal Makeup Trials?
39:22 – Changing Makeup Looks on the Wedding Day
40:50 – Handling Brides Who Can’t Book a Makeup Trial
41:50 – Bridal Client Emails and Saving Time
43:43 – Pricing Bridal Makeup Consultations and Trials
43:56 – Building Confidence in Bridal vs. Editorial Work
46:23 – Coping with Stress When a Makeup Look Isn’t Working
48:08 – The Importance of Practice and Preparation
