15 Essential Questions to Ask a Makeup Artist Before Your Wedding Day
Choosing the right makeup artist for your wedding day is just as important as finding the perfect dress. Your beauty team sets the tone for the day and influences how you’ll feel walking down the aisle—so asking the right questions early on ensures you’re in expert hands.
Hi! I’m Ruth B Medrano, a Los Angeles-based Wedding and Event Hair & Makeup Artist. With over 10 years of experience and hundreds of weddings under my belt—including features in BRIDES, Style Me Pretty, and California Wedding Day—I’m here to guide you through the most important questions to ask your bridal makeup artist. Whether you're planning a chic LA affair or a romantic destination celebration, here’s what you need to know—from the first email to your big day.
Ruth B Medrano - Owner of Ruth B Medrano Beauty
When First Reaching Out: The Preliminary Questions
Your initial inquiry is more than a date check—it’s your chance to gauge your Artist prospect’s style, professionalism, and how they run their business. Don’t be shy about asking the following:
1. Are you available on my wedding date?
Tip: Peak wedding season fills up fast. May, June, September, and October dates should be booked 10–12 months in advance! While everything else, no less than 8-10 months to secure your favorite artist!
2. What bridal makeup styles do you specialize in?
Romantic soft glam? Clean girl aesthetic? Full red carpet glam? Choose someone whose signature style aligns with your dream bridal look.
3. Can you accommodate my wedding party as well?
If your bridesmaids, moms, or flower girls need glam too, ask about group pricing, potential team costs, and wedding day schedule logistics (timing).
4. What’s included in your bridal makeup package?
Does the package include a trial? Lashes? A touch-up kit? Travel fees? Team fees? Does the artist stay with you for touch ups? Is that an option you can add of if you prefer?
Tip: Bridal Packages should ALWAYS include Lashes. If they’re charging your for lashes, they just might try to nickel and dime you along the way!
When you decide to move forward, make sure to get everything in writing, either in the contract, invoice, or on an email before moving forward.
5. How far in advance should I book my makeup trial?
💡 Pro tip: I recommend booking your trial 4–8 weeks before your wedding, once your dress and beauty vision are finalized.
6. What is your pricing and booking process?
Request their full investment packet. A professional artist will clearly explain deposits, contracts, and payment timelines. Also make sure to ask if the vendor will expect a tip with final payment.
If your makeup artist only does makeup, inquire about any fees for bringing on a hairstylist or additional artist team. Will there be a non-compete clause in their contract? If so, ask them to explain it in detail.
During the Bridal Trial: Key Questions to Ask
Your bridal trial is the rehearsal for your big day. It’s the perfect time try out your vision and fine-tune the look, while also building trust with your artist.
7. Can we try a few variations during the trial?
Will there will be time to make adjustments or try a second look? Most trials are between 2-4 hrs. Depending on your look, this may or may not allow time for additional looks. If trying multiple looks is important for you, let your artist know, and schedule additional time for more adjustments. This is your moment to explore.
8. How long will my makeup take on the wedding day?
You’ll want a realistic timeline so nothing feels rushed. If you have an early ceremony, ask about early start fees too.
9. What products do you use, and are they long-wearing?
Inquire about product brands if needed—and definitely mention ahead of time if you have sensitive skin. If you’ve done your research well and not skimped on the Bridal Beauty budget, 9 times out of 10 your artist will have a pro kit with pro products, but it’s never an issue to ask.
10. Do you take notes or create a face chart for my wedding day?
Top-tier artists document every product and technique used during your trial so the look is perfectly recreated. (I do!)
11. What should I do to prep my skin beforehand?
This is a great question to ask your artist. For my brides, I send them a week of email with prep instructions for themselves and the bridal party, as well as specific bridal prep articles and a bonus: all my brides receive a 12-week Bridal Skincare Prep Guide to help them glow naturally when they book!
12. Do you follow sanitation and hygiene protocols?
Ask about how brushes and tools are cleaned. Professional hygiene = peace of mind.
Wedding Day Logistics: Final Clarifications
Avoid surprises or delays by confirming these final details well in advance.
13. What time will you arrive on the wedding day?
Get exact arrival and start times based on your ceremony and photo schedule. Confirm if they bring additional team for larger groups. This is something that should have been discussed during the contract session, but if it was missed, 30 days prior to event day is the best time to ask this question.
My brides know at the time of signing the contract how many additional team I will need for their date. I also send their wedding day schedule 30 days in advance, to allow them to prepare and makes tweaks as needed.
14. How should I prep my skin and hair the night before?
Some artists prefer freshly washed hair; others may ask for “day-old” texture. Ask exactly what they recommend (and follow it!).
I send out this preparation email 1 week in advance of my bride’s event day.
15. Will you stay for touch-ups or offer all-day coverage?
If you have a second look or want photo-perfect glam into the evening, ask about touch-up packages or full-day options during the contractual phase. If it’s something you decided you needed post-contract, reach out to your artist and see what their schedule can accommodate.
16. Do you have a backup plan in case of an emergency?
Every reputable artist should have a backup plan. Don’t skip this question—it’s about your peace of mind. And make sure the back up plan is explained fully in the contract.
✈ Bonus: Planning a Destination Wedding?
If you're tying the knot outside of Los Angeles, ask:
“Do you travel for weddings? What are your travel and accommodation requirements?”
I do travel for weddings and can guide you through the process from packing my kit to creating a seamless on-location beauty timeline.
You’ll also want to ask about bridal team (will they bring their team or hire locals?), team costs, per diem (food), and accommodations.
Smart Booking Tips
Book your glam team as early as you book your photographer—especially if you plan to do engagement shoots, bridal portraits, or boudoir sessions. (Read more about that HERE!)
Always look through an artist’s Instagram or online portfolio before reaching out. Why waste your time if you don’t even like their glam?
Schedule a phone consultation or quick Zoom to initially connect, catch their vibe and professionalism, and do a general walk through of what you’re thinking about Glam-Wise for your day—you want someone who makes you feel supported, not stressed.
Be flexible with your budget if needed. Investing in the right beauty artist = a great morning, timeless photos and unforgettable confidence.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding day is one of the biggest moments of your life. Only you can ensure with your choice of team if you feel confident, radiant, and like the best elevated version of yourself! Asking the right questions will help you hire a pro who delivers on all of that and more.
💌 Planning ahead? I’d love to glam you up for your big day!
If you're dreaming of a calm, luxurious start to your wedding day—and want a makeup artist and hairstylist who brings both skill and a sense of ease to your morning—I’d love to be your beauty team.
My calendar fills up months in advance, especially for peak dates, so if you're curious about availability or want to start a conversation about your vision, reach out now! Let's make your bridal beauty experience feel effortless, personal, and unforgettable.
-Ruth
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