Ask the Expert – Tips for Sourcing Your Hair and Makeup Team from Afar

5 TIPS FOR SOURCING YOUR HAIR and MAKEUP TEAM from AFAR

Have you ever attended a wedding and thought, “Wow, I barely recognize her!” because the bride’s hair and makeup look was so over-the-top? Or, “She has never looked more radiant!” because her hair and makeup style enhanced her natural beauty so much?

Finding the right glam squad can be as important as the gown, ring and flowers. You’re about to have your photos taken on one of the most important days of your life and want to look as flawless as you’ve always dreamed. So, how do you go about finding just the right hair and makeup team to take on the task? And, an even more important question, how do you source them from afar?

We’ve enlisted the help of Katelyn McCullough, co-founder of Elwynn + Cass, a beauty concierge service that matches exceptional hairstylists and makeup artists with clients based on their personal needs such as style, budget, personality and location.

Having been around the block with sourcing hair and makeup artists, we knew she’d have some expert advice on getting down the destination aisle in style.

1 When does it make sense to bring a hair and makeup team along and

what should I expect with that process?

If you have found a hair and makeup team that you love located near where you live, and the options where you are getting married don’t fit the style you are looking for, then I would definitely consider bringing your team along with you. Also, if the options in that wedding location are fully booked, rather than stressing about finding an option nearby, it may make more sense to bring your own team. It will also give you peace of mind.

In bringing your own hair and makeup team, there are a few logistical things you need to keep in mind, such as travel costs, accommodations, timing, etc. For a destination wedding, you need to book your hair and makeup artists at least seven-to-nine months in advance.

From there, make sure that your hair and makeup artists arrive at least a day early to your wedding destination, especially if there is an early start time the day of the wedding. You will need to book and schedule the flights and hotel accommodations, as that is an expense that is covered by the client. More often than not, this can be overwhelming, so I would start this process early.

2 Are there any specific questions I should ask when trying to find the

right person?

Depending on what style you are wanting for hair and/or makeup, I would advise asking these questions to get a better sense of the artist’s style and if it will be a good fit.

• What is your preferred style for makeup? How much coverage do you normally use for makeup looks? • What types of products do you use? Do you have products for (insert skin type)? • Can you send me some examples of previous brides similar to my skin tone, eye color, hair texture, etc.? • How many services does it require to bring an additional artist with you? (If having a large group of people getting hair and makeup done.) • Are there any additional costs other than the pricing you listed here (extra artist fee, early start fee, etc.)? • Do I need to consider different products given the climate? • What is the process of booking? (Deposit amount, payment schedule, etc.)

3 If I’m unable to afford bringing down my own traveling glam

squad, what is the best way to find a good hair stylist and makeup artist in my chosen destination?

4 How can I work around not being able to do a trial with who I select,

if I can’t get down to my destination ahead of time?

Come prepared and make sure to send inspiration photos of your desired looks to your hair and makeup artist(s), so they have a working idea of what you are looking for. Be very specific about what you like in each photo, such as if you like the lip color in one photo and the eye shadow in another.

Also, ask to see similar looks to what you’re wanting from the makeup artist or hair stylist’s portfolio. This way you can imagine the look on yourself and see that it is possible.

First and foremost, start the process early (a year in advance, if possible). There are often limited choices in certain areas, so you will want to do your research and book early.

Next, I would absolutely plan on a trial if you can. That way you can have peace of mind on the day of the wedding and know that you are both on the same page. Lastly, read their reviews and be thorough about the feedback they get to see what the artists’ strengths (and potential weaknesses) are.

Finding the right fit from afar can be tricky, so I would lean on your other vendors for recommendations or even hire someone that can handle that process for you, such as a beauty concierge.

5 What do I do if I am not happy with the results on my

wedding day?

SAY SOMETHING! I cannot stress this enough. If you aren’t happy with the final look on your wedding day or want to make adjustments, do not hesitate to say something. The artist(s) won’t be offended and will make any adjustments they can to make sure you are happy with the final look. It’s your wedding day, so they want you to feel your absolute best and confident – both in person and in photos.

About Katelyn McCullough and Elwynn + Cass:

“We make sure that each client has the experience they are looking for, so if they want an artist to travel with them, we will coordinate that, or if they want an artist local to their wedding destination, we will make that happen. We work with artists all over the world, so we can make almost any scenario work for a client,” says McCullough. These artists have been vetted and sourced, so you don’t have to do the heavy lifting and McCullough says, “We can attest to their expertise, experience level and professionalism.”