Your wedding day is one of the most important days in your life. The day all eyes will be on you and you dream of looking your best.

Choosing the perfect makeup artist for your wedding is then crucial. You want to ensure you look, feel and photograph the best.   Read ahead as to how to choose the right Desi bridal makeup artist.

1. Budget

Like many things in life, you have to come up with a budget for your bridal makeup. Prices vary from $100 to $1000 so it’s important to find out the average rate of bridal makeup around town. If you are not sure where to begin, start by calling some popular salons, asking your friends or visiting bridal shows. Then decide a budget as to how much you are willing to spend on your bridal makeup and hair to avoid wasting time with salons or makeup artists who are over your budget.

2. Location

First decide if you would like to have your bridal makeup done at the salon, at home or at the venue. If you like the convenience of having someone come to you directly on your wedding day then perhaps freelance makeup artists would work better or a salon that would send the makeup artist to you. Its important to note that having a makeup artist come to you is generally more expensive.

3. Referrals

Ask your friends, family and coworkers if they can recommend a good makeup artist who’s work they have seen. A referral is the best way to find a good makeup artist. You can also search on Facebook, Google and Instagram for makeup artists in your city who do bridal makeup.

4. Portfolio

Once you’ve narrowed down a few makeup artists who you like, ask to take a look at some of their work or portfolio to get an idea of their style and how their makeup photographs.  Take a look at both real bride photos and photo shoot photographs to really get a true understanding of the makeup artist’s style and work.  Narrow down your selection to makeup artists that suit the style of makeup your looking for.

5.  Trial

It’s important for your bridal makeup artist to understand Desi skin tones.  If your not sure about the look you want, get a trial done to test out and try different looks.  Be specific in what you want and try to bring pictures from magazine, Instagram or online of bridal makeup looks that you like.  It’s important to know that booking a makeup artist is a relationship of trust, so show her photos to give her an idea of what you want but you should trust her professional judgement if the look would suit you.  It’s also a good idea to bring a photo of your wedding dress to give the makeup artist an idea of the style of the dress you would be wearing.  If your dress is busy you may not want a heavy makeup look, and if your dress is simpler you’ll have more flexibility with the style of makeup.  Remember a trail is a time to play, try different styles and colors. Don’t be afraid to say what is on your mind especially if you don’t like something. Once you achieve a look you are satisfied with take a picture and ask your makeup artist to note down the colors she used. Also write down the shade of lipstick she uses so that you can purchase the same one and can then use it for touch ups at the event.  There is usually a separate cost for getting a trial makeup done.

Some of the top makeup artists and salons do not do trials because they are generally very busy or booked.  In that case, I’d say its okay to book the makeup artist without a trial considering her reputation and the amount of work available for you to view.

6. Deposit

Freelance makeup artists and salons require a deposit to book the specific day of the event. If you are satisfied with your makeup after seeing her work or after the trial confirm you’re booking by paying a deposit.

Images curiosity of Google Images & from my own portfolio