- Which make up brands do you use?
Most of my kit is Mac make up, chosen for it's longevity and flawless coverage which is perfect for wedding makeup both for photographs and up close. All of the basics are Mac including foundation, concealer and powder. I also use a few specially selected products from Prescriptives, Laura Mercier and Benefit.
- I have sensitive skin, is it suitable for me?
The Mac products I use are water based, so it is extremely unlikely that you would react to it. I have used this make up previously on highly sensitive skins including rosacea and have never experienced a problem with it. If however you do have any known allergies then please let me know before your trial so that I can try and source alternative products for you.
- Do I need a trial?
Trials are important for a number of reasons. Firstly so that you can try out your hair and makeup to see if it is what you are after for the day. Secondly to be able to see how much time we will need on the day to create the look that you want, and thirdly so that we can get to know each other before the day! Honesty really is the best policy when it comes to trials so please do be aware that I am very rarely offended by feedback!
- How soon before my wedding do I need a trial?
I normally recommend trials to be 6-8 weeks before the wedding. This allows enough time for a re-trial if necessary, and also enough time to give your hair and skin a little extra TLC if needed. Unless you are planning a drastic hair cut, it will also enable me to see how your hair will be on the day and what styles will work best with it. If you would like to have your trial on a particular date then please let me know as soon as possible so that I can reserve that date for you. Summer months are particularly busy so do be aware of this when choosing a trial date. If you would like to have your trial outside of the 8 week time frame then this is fine also, my timescales are simply a guideline.
- Are you mobile?
Yes, I am happy to travel to you for both the trial, and the wedding day whether this be at your home, or venue.
- How far in advance do you take bookings?
I accept bookings 9 months in advance. Please note that last minute bookings are sometimes available so please just get in touch as I may be able to help!
- Can you do separate trial dates for my bridesmaids?
I can do as many separate trials as you want. Trials are not compulsory for bridesmaids but I do ask that you send over some pictures of your bridesmaids and examples of styles that you would like for them so that I can fully prepare timings for the day. Unfortunately, without having done a trial for bridesmaids I cannot do styles which are too detailed and complicated to prevent any unnecessary stress on the wedding morning!
- How long do trials take?
Please allow a good couple of hours for hair and makeup trials. If you have either hair OR makeup for your trial please allow roughly an hour. My policy for trials is that I will stay until you are happy so there are no time constraints and so that you do not feel pressured to just settle for a style.
- What do I need to do to prepare for the trial and wedding day?
For the trial, please have clean, dry hair (unless otherwise requested) and if possible have any hair accessories and veil if you are planning to wear one. I do recommend that if you are unsure of your hairstyle or what accessories to get, to buy some lower priced options to test out at the trial before comitting to buy the actual accessory if you are unsure whether it will work with your hair. If you have an idea of what you would like then it may be useful to cut out some pictures from magazines to help me to plan out a few styles for you before the trial. This will simply allow us to be on the same lines from the start and allow you to get the most out of your trial. For the wedding day, please make sure that you follow any instructions that I have given you, and wear a zip or buttoned up top so that you do not ruin your hair when changing! If I have issued you with a timetable for the day, then it really is important that everybody in the bridal party is aware of their allocated time, and that they stick as closely to it as possible to prevent any stress on the day!
- Do I need to pay a deposit?
Due to the volume of enquiries for every weekend of the year, I will need to take a deposit of £10 per person to secure your wedding date. This will be redeemable off the total wedding day cost, however the trial will be payable seperately. Unfortunately I cannot hold the wedding date until the day of the trial without having received a deposit and booking form. If you wish to book then please contact me and I will send you your quote along with a booking form which will need to be completed and posted or emailed back to me along with the deposit.On receipt of this I will hold your wedding date for you.
- What if you are ill on my wedding day?
In the extremely unlikely event that I am so ill or injured that I am unable to reach your home or venue on your wedding day then I will do my best to find you an alternative make up artist or hairstylist. If however this is not possible then a full refund of your deposit will be issued. Please note that this has never happened before.
- Can I use my own make up?
I am happy to apply any makeup products of your own for you. I want you to feel at your best and so would be glad to use any products that you are used to or use regularly to allow this. I will also be happy to give advice on certain products based on my own experiences.
- Are you insured?
Yes I am fully insured.
- What hygiene precautions do you take?
I make sure that my kit is regularly cleaned. My brushes are washed after each use to prevent cross contamination, and mascara brushes are cleaned before they are put back into the tube. I also use an antibacterial hand gel before handling any makeup products.
- I live outside the North West, are you able to travel?
I am able to travel anywhere within the UK. Mileage is charged at 30p per mile outside of a 40mile radius from Warrington, Cheshire. If you will be based more than a 3 hour journey from here, then additional costs may be incurred for example hotels or toll charges.
- When should I wash my hair?
I believe that you should feel as comfortable as possible on your wedding day, so I recommend for you to wash your hair whenever you feel best. On the day of the trial I will be able to assess what will be the best procedure for washing your hair on the run up to the wedding.
- Is there an extra charge for Sunday or Bank Holiday weddings or trials?
I never charge extra for Sundays or Bank Holidays. There may however be an additional cost incurred if your wedding party needs to be ready very early in the morning, or if there is a large number of people to be ready for an early wedding. Please contact me for further information if you think this may apply to you.
- What happens if I need to cancel my booking?
Please let me know at least 4 weeks in advance if you need to cancel your booking. Please note that cancellations within the 4 weeks will incur a loss of your deposit, and an extra fee of £50. Cancellations within 10days of your wedding date will be charged in full. I ask that any cancellations are made via telephone AND email where possible to save any confusion. Payment of a deposit and sending a signed booking form means that you accept these terms.
- What method of payment do you take?
I accept cash only on the day of the wedding or trial however I will also accept cheques as long as they are received and cleared at least a week before the wedding. I also accept bank transfers prior to the wedding date.