Wedding Hair and Makeup FAQs: Everything Brides Need to Know
Planning your bridal hair and makeup can feel overwhelming, but it honestly doesn’t have to be! As a Bristol-based professional wedding hair and makeup artist, I’ve worked with hundreds of brides across Bristol, Somerset, and the Cotswolds, and I know exactly what questions arise during the planning process. Read on to discover the answers to some of the most common wedding hair and makeup FAQs.
Whether you’re just starting your search or finalising the last details before the big day, here are answers to the most frequently asked questions to help you feel calm, confident, and beautifully prepared.
1. When should I book my wedding hair and makeup artist?
As early as possible! Most professional bridal hair and makeup artists (especially in busy areas like Bristol) are booked 6–18 months in advance, particularly for peak wedding season (April to October). If you’ve set your wedding date and booked your venue, it’s a good idea to find your hair and makeup artist (along with your photographer).
2. Do you offer both bridal hair and makeup?
Yes! I specialise in both bridal makeup and hairstyling, which means you can enjoy a streamlined, stress-free hair and makeup experience with just one professional. This is especially helpful on the wedding morning, when timings are crucial, and I find it much easier to work to just one schedule. That being said, I am more than happy to work with another artist if you would prefer to book a separate hair and makeup artist.
3. Do I need to have a hair and makeup trial?
While not mandatory, I highly recommend having a bridal trial — ideally 8–12 weeks before the wedding. This gives us time to:
- Discuss your vision and inspiration
- Test how your chosen look holds up throughout the day
- Adjust products or styles to suit your skin, hair type, and comfort
- You are also able to book a trial much sooner or later, but please bear in mind that having one sooner may mean another trial is required closer to the day. My products change frequently, and so a product we use 6 months before your wedding may not still be in my kit, 3 months later.
Not only are trials a great way to get an idea of what you’d like. It’s also a lovely way for us to get to know each other before the big day. Remember, it’s OK if your wedding hair and makeup artist doesn’t nail the look perfectly the first time, trials are to get a baseline idea of what you’d like, and we can tweak as we go, even on the wedding day!
4. How long will hair and makeup take on the wedding day?
For the bride, I usually allow:
- Makeup: 60 minutes
- Hair: 60 minutes
For each additional person (bridesmaids, mums, etc.), I allow 60 minutes for both hair and makeup or 45 minutes per service (hair or makeup). I’ll create a custom schedule to ensure the whole morning runs smoothly and you’re ready in plenty of time for photos, champagne, those special pre-ceremony moments and cups of tea for me (breakfast, oat milk, no sugar)
5. Do you travel to my venue?
Absolutely! I’m a mobile bridal hair and makeup artist based in Bristol, and I travel across the South West (and beyond) to wherever you’re getting ready. Travel fees may apply depending on distance and start time, and I’ll confirm those during your consultation. For your trial, these take place at my home in central Bristol. I live directly opposite Cabot Circus, so nice and easy to get to. Having trials at my home ensures that I have adequate lighting and everything I need for our consultation. For the bride, it is a lovely day out and a time to try a few looks without the pressure of a partner coming home and seeing the final look. I live close to so many lovely restaurants, so it’s a perfect day out if you want to bring a bridesmaid or mother, though, please let me know who you are planning on bringing before you arrive.
6. What products do you use?
I use a professional kit filled with high-performance, long-wearing products from trusted brands like Charlotte Tilbury, Sigma, Urban Decay and Hourglass. As a vegan wedding hair and makeup artist, I can assure you that all of my products are vegan and cruelty-free. I also have sensitive-skin options. Your bridal makeup will be photo-ready and built to last through tears, dancing, and everything in between. All of my products have been tested to last through all British weather conundrums, and as I am a destination wedding hair and makeup artist, I can confirm that they also last through countries south of the equator and even Iceland.
7. Can you stay for touch-ups or a second look?
Yes, I do. These are charged hourly for wait times in between day and evening looks, and second looks are charged at the full wedding day price. If I can go home in between the looks, the charges for the hair and makeup redesign apply, and the hourly fee is waived.
8. How do I prepare for my trial and wedding day?
For your trial, please:
- Bring inspiration photos for both hair and makeup. You can find some on my Instagram page or Pinterest.
- Wear a white or light top (similar to your dress colour)
- Come with clean, dry hair (washed the night before or the morning of the trial) and your makeup as you would wear it day-to-day.
On the wedding day, it’s best to follow the same prep. I’ll send you a detailed guide so you know exactly what to expect.
9. Do you do bridal party makeup and hair too?
Yes! I offer services for bridesmaids, mothers of the bride/groom, and even flower girls. If your party is larger, I may bring a trusted assistant to ensure everyone is ready on time without rushing.
10. What if I cry or sweat – will my makeup last?
This is one of the most common concerns, and the answer is yes! I use professional-grade primers, setting sprays, and waterproof products to ensure your bridal makeup lasts all day and night, even through happy tears, hugs, and dancing.
11. What’s your booking process?
It’s simple:
- Fill out my contact form with your wedding date and details.
- I’ll confirm availability and we’ll chat through your ideas.
- A deposit of £50 secures your date.
- I will send a booking form, which will allow you to select a trial date and time as well as pay your deposit.
I’ll keep things easy, organised, and transparent every step of the way.
12. Can I book you just for makeup or just for hair?
Yes — you can book makeup only, hair only, or both. My packages are flexible depending on what you need, and I’m happy to tailor things to suit your wedding timeline and vision.
Have more questions?
If you’re a bride-to-be in Bristol or beyond and still have questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’m always happy to chat, help you plan your wedding day hair and makeup, and make sure you feel completely comfortable and excited for the big day!
Ready to book your bridal hair and makeup artist? If it sounds like me, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s create something beautiful together.
Evie x
