Before you enquire: know what you're looking for
Before you even contact an artist, be clear on a few things: your rough wedding date and location, whether you want a trial, approximately how many people in your party need makeup, and what kind of look you're after (natural, glam, editorial). Having these ready makes the enquiry process faster and helps the artist give you an accurate quote.
The essential questions and why each one matters
1. Are you available on my wedding date?
Obvious, but ask it first. Good bridal artists book 12–18 months in advance. If your date is within 6 months, ask directly whether they have other bookings nearby that day.
2. Can you show me examples of brides with a similar skin tone to mine?
Portfolio photos should include a range of skin tones and types. An artist who can only show you work on one type of complexion may not have the experience to work well on yours. Ask specifically, not generally.
3. Is the trial included in your package, or is it a separate cost?
Some artists include the trial. Most don't. Some offer a reduced or refunded trial fee when you book the wedding day. Get clarity upfront the trial cost can add £75–£175 to your total that wasn't in the original quote.
4. What products do you use, and are they safe for flash photography?
Products containing SPF or high concentrations of silicone can cause white flashback in photos a washed-out, ghostly effect on skin. Ask whether they use flash-safe products, or whether they can avoid SPF-containing formulas if needed.
5. What is your travel fee, and how is it calculated?
Some artists charge a flat travel fee. Others calculate by mile, or include travel within a certain radius. For destination weddings or rural venues, travel can add significantly to the total. Ask for the full quote including travel before comparing prices.
6. How many weddings do you take on per weekend?
Some artists take two or three bookings per weekend day, meaning they have a hard out time. Others take one per day and are fully present from setup to last touch. Know which you're getting, especially if your schedule has any flexibility requirements.
7. Do you work alone or bring a second artist for large parties?
For parties of 4+ people with a fixed start time, ask whether they bring an assistant or second artist. An experienced artist working alone can typically complete 3–4 full faces in a morning; beyond that, timing becomes tight.
8. What is your policy if you are ill or have an emergency on the day?
This is the question most brides don't ask and most regret not asking. A professional artist should have a named backup, either a trusted colleague or a network they can call. If they can't answer this question, that's a serious concern.
9. Do you have a contract, and what are your cancellation terms?
Any professional taking a deposit should have a written contract. It protects both sides. If an artist asks you to pay a deposit with no written agreement, be cautious. Ask to see the contract before paying anything.
10. What do you need from me to prepare for the trial?
A good artist will tell you: clean, moisturised skin; no heavy skincare on the day; bring inspiration photos; wear something white or neutral to see the makeup against your dress tone. If they have no prep guidance at all, that's worth noting.
Questions to ask after you've seen their portfolio
- Ask "This look in your portfolio: what products did you use for the base?" because an experienced artist should be able to tell you, and vague answers suggest the work may not be fully theirs.
- Ask "Have you worked at my venue before?" as it is not essential but a bonus, since artists who know a venue's lighting conditions can prepare more accurately.
- Ask "Do you stay for touch-ups, or is the service finished when you leave?" because most bridal artists leave after completing the party, while some offer a touch-up package to stay through the ceremony, and you should know what's included.
Red flags in the answers
- No backup plan for illness or emergency
- No contract or written agreement
- Cannot show portfolio work on a skin tone similar to yours
- Pressure to book without a trial
- Evasive about the products they use
- Price that seems too low to be sustainable, with additional charges emerging after booking
The best first question of all
Before any of the above: look at their Instagram or portfolio for 10 minutes first. Do the brides look like themselves? Is there consistency in quality? Does the work photograph well across different lighting conditions? If the answer to all three is yes, then start asking questions.
✦ Ready to ask your questions in person?
Book a trial and see the work firsthand
The £49 studio trial in Darlington is exactly the right place to ask every one of these questions. See the products, test the look on your own skin, and judge the result for yourself. Credited back in full when you book your wedding day.
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