On average, couples hire 14 wedding vendors. Trust me, the list is longer most of the time. Who does what in the wedding industry gives clarity to hire the right wedding vendors. Imagine weddings are like an orchestra. Every musician is a wedding vendor and has a part to play. The conductor is the wedding planner, leading them all. Today, we focus on MUAs in the wedding industry.
As a wedding vendor, you help make the couple’s vision a reality. You work with many different people to achieve this. One such collaboration is between the MUA team and the bridal styling team. I sat with dear Erica Bogart to get the MUA’s expertise and her thoughts on how we help brides.
Along with working on your wedding wardrobe, bridal styling team will always work hand in hand with the bride’s beauty team. We work with the best hair and makeup artists for your perfect look. If you know me, my connections in the wedding industry are close and limited. One such person is Erica. She is one of the award-winning beauty professionals in the wedding industry. She shared insights on various industry topics before we teamed up for this article. In a nutshell, she helped me many times without any hesitation. This generous mindset is an example of how she has your back for your bridal beauty needs.
Who is this blog article for? Interested in the role of a MUA? Wondering how they collaborate with a bridal stylist? You’re in the right spot! Here are Erica’s answers.
Table of contents
When to hire a MUA?
As soon as possible! Plan 9 to 12 months in advance. This is key for peak season weddings and destination events. Luxury bridal artists fill their schedules fast. So, once you have your date and venue set, booking your makeup artist should be your top priority. Book your trial 30-90 days before the wedding.
Trial Make-up takeaways
A trial helps you refine your bridal look. It’s all about feeling confident, beautiful, and comfortable. It’s a chance to:
- See how the makeup wears throughout the day.
- Make adjustments to colors, finishes, or intensity.
- Ensure your skin prep works well with the makeup for longevity.
- Establish trust with your artist so you feel completely at ease on your wedding day!
Choosing a MUA
Look for an artist whose style aligns with your vision—whether it’s soft glam, full glam, or natural beauty. Also, consider:
- Their experience with weddings and longevity in the industry.
- Their expertise in working with your skin tone and type.
- Their professionalism, responsiveness, and vibe. (You’ll be spending a lot of time together on your big day, so you want someone who makes you feel at ease)!
Hairstyle or makeup first?
Both play a role in your final look. If you’re choosing between options, pick your hairstyle first. Your makeup artist can then create a look that enhances your bridal aesthetic. On the wedding day, it depends on your style. Usually, let the hairstylist set your hair while you do your makeup. This way, she can finish styling after you’re done. You can come in with your final look and lips before getting dressed.
What role does a MUA play in bridal styling?
A makeup artist isn’t just about the makeup—we’re a key part of your bridal experience. We ensure you not only look incredible but also feel calm, confident, and radiant. Our job is to enhance your natural beauty while making sure your look photographs beautifully and lasts all day (and night!).
Bridal Stylist & MUAs’ Collab
When the bridal stylist and makeup artist collaborate, they create a polished look. We work together to ensure the outfits, jewelry, accessories, makeup, and hair all complement each other. Everything should feel just right. Good communication helps us bring the bride’s vision to life. Photos are great for visualizing! Pinterest is a bride’s best friend!
South Asian wedding to-dos
- Planning ahead is everything! A few key steps:
- Find a makeup artist skilled in South Asian weddings. They should know how to ensure your look lasts for multi-day events.
- Create a detailed beauty schedule with clear timing for each event.
- Don’t go hard on the pre-wedding events. Save it for the reception.
- Wedding mornings are early, and you don’t want to go into the longest day of your weekend hungover or tired.
- Ensure skincare is consistent and hydrating—a well-prepared canvas makes all the difference.
- Plan distinct but cohesive looks for each event so there is a natural evolution in your glam.
Preparation -> Seamless Experience
- Hydration & Skincare: For flawless makeup, moisturize, exfoliate, and hydrate your skin. I send a beauty checklist to all my brides.
- Rest & Wellness: Try to get good sleep and avoid last-minute stressors.
- Communication: Have a clear schedule and checklist so you are not overwhelmed.
- Delegate: Trust your team and allow yourself to be present and enjoy the moment!
Groom’s Make-up
Grooms might not need full glam, but grooming makes a big difference in photos and videos. A bit of light coverage, shine control, and skin prep can make them look fresh and polished. They’ll also feel natural. It’s all about enhancing, not masking—like bridal beauty! I recommend that grooms at least style their hair. Many grooms show up with messy hair or without products for a polished look.
Conclusion
Wedding planning is exhausting. To ease the journey, delegate it to the right professionals, as Erica recommends. At Pattupleats, we make sure you walk down the mandap as your most confident and radiant self. We team up our bridal stylists with top MUAs and hair experts like Bogart Beauty. This way, we create your exceptional looks. It highlights your beauty and boosts your confidence.
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