Why does wedding hair and makeup cost more than for photo shoots or events?
Let’s talk about the true cost of wedding makeup and hair
First misconception is that it’s “wedding tax”, it’s not…
I hear it all the time, from family to friends and to be honest I used to think it so as well, that businesses just charge more for weddings just because it’s a wedding.
After served some brides and to-be-wed, moms to be, families, etc. I’ve learned a few very important differences and I want to share them with you.
The booking process
Before anything else can happen…
you need to find me first. I have a visibility strategy that involves Instagram, Google SEO, reviews and referrals. This takes time and $$$. Whether I use ads or hire experts to do a better job than I can do.
Many of my brides and to-be-wed reach out on Instagram prior to a formal inquiry. Which I LOVE that my future brides and to-be-wed do this. Not only does it allows us to connect and get to know each other, but they can see my work and also know a little about me.
After our connection on Instagram…
A bride and to-be-wed decides to make the formal inquiry they submit a form that I’ve created on Honeybook. This is connected to a non automation (which a lot of vendors do) containing a brochure with information about me, my services, my collections including a customized one as well, client testimonials, next steps and a link to book a free 30 consultation.
The consultation
This has been a game changer for me and my brides and to-be-wed. My consultation is a 30 minute meeting where I get to know about you and your love. Asking about your love story, your wedding and your vision for the wedding morning.
Your wedding vision is so important to me and it’s where the magic really happens.
By you communicating your dream wedding morning, I will know if we’re a good fit or not. My brides and to-be-wed want to be surrounded by their favorite people, but really want a non stressful, easy going and relaxing morning in order to feel happy and present on their special day.
I explain how my job is way more about than how you look. How my experience allows me to be one step ahead. I can feel your energy and support you in that moment. I am your energetic body guard that morning and I will do anything in my power to support the wedding morning.
After consultation, I will send you out the full proposal with an invoice and contract so you can review pricing again, read through all the terms and conditions, then either pay your deposit or respond with additional questions.
A little secret of mine is that my average yearly booking rate is 80%. Most of those are within 3 days of our consultation. Some years, my booking rate is closer to 95%. My brides and to-be-wed who don’t book, I just couldn’t make their budget work which breaks my heart but I completely understand that.
What happens between booking and wedding day?
My brides and to-be-wed have my full support and have complete access to my expertise and preferred vendors.
Most importantly, Skin
Why might you ask, well as you know I am a licensed Esthetician and I truly believe that beauty starts with your skin. My goal is to have your skin the best it can be for the day of! So, with that being said, each of my brides and to-be-wed receives a questionnaire and can schedule a skin consultation as well at my studio or via zoom if you aren’t in the area.
What I am looking for is what you are currently using, your skin type and conditions…
if your products support your skin right now and later on, as the weather has a lot to do with how are skin is
how your skin feels after cleansing to determine if your moisture barrier is intact
what products are in your routine and if they have long term benefits to your skin
whether or not your skincare is helping you with your overall goals and concerns
I want to help you in your skin journey by having my support throughout the entire process
What else happens before the wedding?
One of the biggest factors to achieving a brides and to-be-wed dream wedding morning is in the timeline. I take a lot pride in creating unique timelines for each bride and to-be-wed while coordinating with all key vendors: hairstylists, coordinators, photographers and videographers from your preview to the day of.
Again, this all takes time and effort. It is not something we can skip nor would I recommend skipping. Sometimes it’s an easy process with quick approval from all participants. Sometimes a lot of changes occur for various reasons.
Regardless, I am going to make sure this timeline works for everyone involved.
Then it’s all the emails between us, vendors and other key vendors
I know wedding planning is stressful and all consuming. (I don’t want to be a vendor that causes any stress) So, I use my expertise and experience to take some tasks off your plate.
Often, my brides and to-be-wed don’t even realize these tasks are necessary until after I’ve completed them and they’re so grateful I did it for them.
The beauty preview
Absolutely the most important factor to loving how you look on your wedding day. Previews are not required but highly recommended. While I am doing makeup, my hairstylist is doing hair, sometimes it’s one of my artists, other times brides hire their personal hairstylist. Even for my destination brides and to-be-wed who opt out of a preview, I still fully support them.
Prior to booking your preview, I will ask you for some inspiration photos either from my work or others. I review these to brainstorm options to present you on preview day.
After preview we can discuss the following by email:
how your makeup lasted
how it felt
did you love how you looked
From there I take notes and describe changes I’ll make to ensure you feel total confidence.
Wedding day
Few days before your wedding, I make sure my kit is ready and my brushes are clean for everyone. To ensure safety and avoid cross contamination, I use a new clean and sanitized set of brushes on each person who gets their makeup done by me or another artist of mine.
On the day of, I arrive early (10-15 mins prior)to set up. Sometimes this takes 5 minutes, sometimes it takes 15. I always give myself more time than less. Sometimes this involves rearranging the room.
For brides and to-be-wed who are more outgoing and social, I’ll set up services to be part of the excitement. While others maybe need a more intimate space to relax and enjoy their morning.
Sometimes the room dictates how we set up and depending on lighting and space. I do always bring a light with me, but natural light from a window is ALWAYS preferred.
After the wedding
Now it’s time for me to collect a review, post content from your wedding.
What I’m trying to say
you are not paying for me/us just to show up and do your makeup and hair. If this were the case, I can guarantee you wouldn’t be as happy. The fee is divided between marketing, planning, coordinating, the preview, and the day of. I hope this explains a little more in depth on the why.
My bottom line, is that this it’s not a “wedding tax.” You are paying
