The Ultimate Beauty Guide For Last Minute Brides

Time is flying this year, and if I had to sum up the wedding trends of 2019 in two words, they would be “last minute.” Here’s what I mean. Most wedding pros are used to couples reaching out a year or more ahead. I usually book hair and makeup artists for my clients six to nine months out, since that’s when the best artists are still open and before their calendars fill. But this year, more couples have been coming to me two to three months out, sometimes less. That’s the “last minute” wedding culture.

The Ultimate Beauty Guide for Last Minute Brides

Life happens. Between everything else on a couple’s plate, I get why the booking window has shrunk. Some of my couples have even inquired and booked within the same month as their wedding, which I wouldn’t recommend. But if you’re one of the last-minute couples still looking for wedding hair and makeup, you’re not out of luck. Here’s how to still get the quality you deserve.

Photography: Carmen Lopez Photo // Beauty Concierge: Elwynn + Cass

Booking Wedding Hair and Makeup in 3 Months or Less

Starting your search around three months out means you still have some room, but you need to move. Your options for great artists will be more limited, so lean on your planner or a beauty concierge like Elwynn + Cass to speed things up. Otherwise you can lose weeks emailing around, only to get quotes over budget or artists who are already booked.

Once you have two or three artists you like who are available and in budget, set up a trial fast. Within a week or two. These artists won’t stay open for long, so get a tentative hold on your date if you want to trial before booking. Moving quickly also lets you rule out an artist if the trial isn’t the right fit, with time left to try the others and no pressure.

If the trial goes well, don’t wait to book and put down your deposit. Most artists only hold the date for three to five days after a trial. You found a team you love, so stop looking and check it off your list.

Photography: Kami Olivarria // Beauty Concierge: Elwynn + Cass

1 to 2 Months Out From Your Wedding

At three months, if you want to trial before booking, you have time. At one to two months, I am sorry to say you don’t. You can still do a trial, and I hope you do so you and the artist are on the same page, but you’ll need to book first. An artist who is open on this kind of notice is lucky timing, and it won’t last, so if you find someone you like, book them.

In this spot, ask your planner or beauty concierge to send you the best available options and portfolio examples close to the look you want. That way you can decide with confidence that the artist can create your look. Check their professionalism through reviews, and ask your other vendors if they have worked with them. Your vendors will tell you the truth, and if you trust them, it’s a reliable source. This close to the day, you don’t need to worry about an artist flaking on you.

Pro tip: This close to your date, you’ll see some artists priced very low, since the best ones are usually booked by now. Remember that you get what you pay for. Your hair and makeup lives in your photos forever, so you want real quality. Cheaper isn’t always better.

Photography: Carmen Lopez Photo // Beauty Concierge: Elwynn + Cass

The Month of Your Wedding (4 Weeks or Less)

If you still need wedding hair and makeup at this point, have your planner or beauty concierge book the artists for you. Send them your inspiration photos, your budget, and any specifics like airbrush or skin allergies, then let them bring you the options. Once you have looked, have them book right away. You probably won’t be able to trial now, and that’s okay. Just build a little extra buffer into the beauty timeline so there’s room to adjust if you need it.

The last thing you need before your wedding is stress over securing good vendors, so give yourself time if you can. If you can’t, follow these tips and trust your vendors. They won’t lead you astray.

xoxo,

Katelyn

Need help with wedding hair and makeup? Send us an email, we’d love to chat.

info@elwynnandcass.com