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How to Survive a Bridal Show

A bridal show can be incredibly overwhelming for a couple and the ones that decide to accompany them. With so many vendors to visit, all vying for your attention and business, how do you choose?

Most companies will send you home with information about them, be it a pamphlet, a business card or a brochure of their services. Carry a file folder with you, and only accept these items from a company you would truly be interested in having be a part of your big day. This will help you keep organized and you’ll know you don’t have any literature from someone you thought was “just okay”.

Be prepared to ask important questions. As professionals, they are all used to couples-to-be that have many questions about their products and services so don’t be too shy if you are interested. A couple of questions you may want to ask are:

– How long they’ve been in business
– How many weddings they take on in a year
– If they do multiple weddings in one day (this one is incredibly important especially for makeup artists and photographers)
– Pricing packages and if they partner with any other service providers (many hairstylists and makeup artists work together and can usually even suggest a photographer)
– Contact information
– Previous reviews
– Do they have all the necessary certification they need

If you are pleased with the information they provide you with, ask them to set up a meeting in the coming weeks to discuss details of your wedding. Remember, you don’t have to book all your services in one day at a bridal show, but it is a good place to gather information and see which professionals work with others or who they recommend. Often times, wedding business is based on word of mouth from other professionals in the field.
If you’d like to do some wedding gown browsing before you go to a bridal show so that you have something in mind for your big day, don’t forget to visit Best for Bride for all the latest in wedding dress fashions.

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From Disaster to Dream: Why Hiring the Right Makeup Artist is Crucial – A True Story

Please Note: The following has been written by a guest blogger.

A makeup artist may be one of the last things that a bride thinks of, but it’s no less important a choice than a hairstylist or even a florist. It takes research to find the artist that will be the right fit for you and who will make you look exactly how you want to look and not caked in makeup. Another important thing to consider is a trial – during the trial, your makeup artist can look at photos of what kind of makeup you are looking for and will do an application. From there you can judge how you’d like to change the look, or if you like it how it is. Also, you may discover you have sensitivities to some products that you didn’t know you had.

I cannot stress the importance of a trial enough. Why? Because I didn’t have one for my wedding, it left me in tears on the most important day of my life, and I would never want another bride to go through the same thing.

Back then I didn’t know what I know now. No one told me that I needed a makeup trial and I would never have even thought of it. This was before the mobile makeup for brides became so popular, and also before I had even given any kind of thought to becoming a certified makeup artist (that came a couple years later).

Don't let this be you on your wedding day.
Don’t let this be you on your wedding day.

When the hairstylist and makeup artist showed up at my home, the first thing I noticed was the disorganized way the makeup artist was transporting her materials. In her small train case, it was clear eyeshadows had been broken and not cleaned up. She proceeded with my makeup application and I found out then I was very sensitive to foundation formulas. So sensitive that I had an allergic reaction. In fact, the makeup was so bad, I looked like a raccoon with black lining my eyes and spread across my eyelids, despite asking for a ‘natural look with gold and brown tones’.

Now I look back on my wedding photos and while I love them, the redness from the allergic reaction is still there. I don’t love the photos any less, but it did make me realize the error in my ways. Years later when I became a certified artist, I realized that this girl had probably been nothing more than someone with a lot of makeup.

Don’t make the same mistake I did, ladies. Bite the bullet, pay for the trial (or at the very least make sure the artist is using products you are familiar with) and make sure you get exactly what you want on your wedding day.

For more useful tips and tricks for the bride-to-be, make sure you check out Best for Bride Blog where you will find everything you are looking for to help you with your wedding.

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Bridal Beauty Blunders: Common Makeup Mistakes Every Bride Should Avoid!

Many brides are unsure whether or not to hire a makeup artist for their wedding day or if they should do their makeup themselves. Still, wedding professionals suggest taking the pressure off yourself on your special day and hiring a makeup artist. But, there are some mistakes brides can make on their wedding day, with or without a professional.

Not Getting a Trial

There’s a reason there is a rehearsal before the wedding day, and the same goes for makeup (and hair); you want to know what to expect, how long it will take and whether the artist can provide you with the look you want. What is a natural look to some isn’t always the same to others. If you cannot book a trial, bring reference photos and have a very good idea of what you want from your artist.

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Forgetting a Touch Up Kit

Sometimes, your makeup artist will provide you with a touch-up kit, but if they don’t, this is something to keep in mind. Some items in the kit may include a couple of extra bobby pins, a mini can of hairspray, some setting or mineral veil powder and an application brush, blotting papers and your lipstick of choice.

Requesting Airbrush Makeup

Everyone wants that flawless airbrushed look we all see in magazines, and while application of the foundation takes less time this way, it is a lot harder to set airbrush makeup, and it tends not to wear as well. If you have oily skin or want a matte finish to your look on your wedding day, please consult with your makeup artist; they’ll recommend the best foundation.

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Not Booking Your Artist Soon Enough

While picking out your dress, you should also think about picking out a makeup artist. Most popular artists book dates 18 months in advance, and you don’t want to miss out because you have waited. Check out their portfolio of work to get a good idea of whether or not this artist is good for you, and be mindful of the price point. Makeup artists can be expensive, but they offer a priceless experience and are worth their charge. Make sure you ask about the products they use in their bridal kits (if it’s brands you can get at your local drug store, they’ll likely be charging much less than the artists that use brands like Smashbox, NARS, Dior and Make Up For Ever to name a few) and make mention of any allergies you may have.

Do you have your artist picked out already? Head to Best for Bride to begin looking for invitations, wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, cakes, favours and more!