YOUR answer was YES!!

Once the partner of your dreams has asked the BIG question and you’ve said YES; most future brides start buying magazines and looking at Pinterest for inspiration. We all plan the PERFECT vision in our heads of what we want to look like and feel on our SPECIAL DAY. The perfect dress, the perfect hair design and creation & the flawless look of your makeup. 

A lot of brides leave the booking of their Hair and Makeup team until they have put everything else into place; without realising that most professional, qualified, experienced and sought-after Makeup Artists & Hairstylists are booked at least two seasons ahead. After 25 years of experience working with Brides, Mothers of the Bride, Future Mother in Laws and the Bridal parties; Makeup Art & Direction has the following steps to help the planning go as smoothly as possible. We want all of your dream hair and makeup visions to be achieved:  

1. Before looking at Makeup Artists – Decide on the look you want to achieve; whether it be a modern Bride or possibly a Vintage feel, to be clear on what makeup and hair styles you like and what you really don’t like. Maybe create a vision board or Pinterest album to add photos as your vibe is evolving. 

I have had many a Bride come to their trial with no idea at all. I can assure you that is completely okay. We will talk that through in our conversations and more importantly at the trial. I am happy to guide a Bride to where they are feeling confident and comfortable. 

2.  Looking for a Makeup Artist – The brilliance of social media these days is you are able to browse through photos in the comfort of your own home and see samples of Perth Makeup Artists work. Most have an Instagram and Facebook page where you can view selected work and see reviews from other Brides that have used their services. All true professionals also should and would have a website for enquiries. 

A lot of Professional Makeup Artists avoid the huge costs associated with hiring space at Expo’s or placing an ad in popular Bridal magazines. Put simply those costs are quite often passed onto the consumer, meaning you the “bride” and it does not necessarily mean they have the experience. Rather professional, qualified and experienced makeup artists use their reputation to do the talking for them. Never choose a Makeup Artist on what professional brands they choose to use. The professional brand is only half the job; the other half is the skills & knowledge they have to create. 

Please keep in mind when considering my art for your special day, I am not just a Bridal Makeup Artist, Hair Stylist and Spray Tan Artist. This no hobby or weekend gig for me. This is my full-time career.  I have worked in and continue to work in all facets of the makeup industry. I create for special events, theatre, tv & film, fashion and print. I also have been entrusted as an Educator in my field for almost half of my career. I am no "cookie cutter" HMUA, I design with the client's vision in mind and what will suit them, the individual. You may not see an example of what you have in mind on my pages, but I can guarantee I can create it and if for some reason it's not possible, I will let you know. 

3. Reach out. We don't bite!! - A professional HMUA should have a contact form on their socials or website. Please fill in the details they require as it gives us all the information, we need to provide you with a formal quote. You are always welcome to call me or send me a message through socials.  Sometimes it's hard to put your questions into written words. I am always up for chat. I will however always ask for those same details that are on the contact form, as I need them to provide you an accurate quote.

If you don't reach out, you will never know.  You will never know if they are available, if they can service your booking or if their pricing aligns with your budget, if you don't say "HI". It also allows you from the onset to get a feel for the brand, how they handle your enquiry from the start is very important. 

4. Initial Quote - Makeup Art + Direction will always provide you an initial quote based on the information provided on your contact formal or through conversations we may have. It is an initial quote based on the information provided. We understand that weddings are always evolving so some parts of the may change. We expect that!! And YES, we don't have minimum numbers for a booking or destinations we don't travel too. My team and I are happy to travel for just a Bride. 

5.  The Trial - The “trial” is just that a trial. In my words "we aim for direction, not necessary for absolute perfection". That last part is saved for your special day, after we understand the brief and the direction we are going. It is where you get to meet, communicate your vision and see the creation for “real” with the artists you have chosen. Most often after little tweaks here and there, you can get a feel for what you will look like on your wedding day (minus the dress). I do suggest however if it's possible to maybe book a fitting for the day, if you wanting to get the overall “vison” experience. Most Hair and Makeup Artists charge a fee to cover cost of product used in the trial and a portion of the time spent to consult, listen, create & design the perfect hair & makeup. 

Please remember also, it is equally as important to love the look created for you, but you also need to LIKE the artist working with you throughout the “wedding” day. Ultimately the hair and makeup artists will share the entire morning, sometimes longer with you, your bridal party and family; so choose a personality that fits you as well. 

At Makeup Art + Direction we offer a real point of difference to our potential brides. After providing you with a formal Quote, you may decide to go ahead with a trial.  Makeup Art + Direction will happily pencil in and hold your proposed wedding date until after you have your trial, with NO deposit for your Wedding Day.  I only ask that your trial to be completed within a 3-month time frame from pencilling your date in my diary. 

After your trial, you go home and have time to think .... if you love our vibe and your results from your trial, then we can talk about locking down your date officially with a formal contract, invoicing and payment schedule. 

I truly want you to be happy with your choice and know 110%, that Makeup Art + Direction is the right choice for you. After all your hair and makeup is just as important as your dress. 

6. Formal Contract, Invoicing and Payment schedule - PLEASE, I cannot emphasis this next point enough. If you book a professional, you should expect a professional contract, formal invoice and payment schedule. Professional hair and makeup is a considerable investment of your wedding budget & you need to make sure you are covered. There are just too many examples of HMUA going MIA on the lead up to a couple's special day. Or cancellations for no real reason at all. Please do not be caught out.

The Event Hair and Makeup Booking Terms and Conditions should be outlined, as you the client are booking a PROFESSIONAL. Booking a professional service should have Terms and Conditions associated to cover you and the artist. You should be reassured by the outlined Terms and Conditions that you know what services you are booking, understand the Terms and Conditions of booking, and know that the artist will full fill its obligations on your wedding day.  

Your payment schedule should have an initial deposit and agreed term to when the hair and/or makeup will be paid for in full. Our payment schedule is normally an initial deposit of the main client's hair and/or makeup, plus any travel fees, and then the balance is divided into 50%. The remaining two payments are 60 days and 30 days out from your wedding date. Payment can be paid by direct deposit, cash or credit card. 

We so hope that the information above helps you with your search for your Professional Hair and Makeup Team. We understand there is so much consider when booking your vendor teams. We want you take your time and consider your choices.  We look forward to chatting with you further soon. 

Director/ Principal Artist 

Siobhan Gillam xx