Your wedding day is one of the most photographed and cherished days of your life, so it’s only natural to want to look and feel your absolute best. While your dress might be the main event, your makeup plays a crucial role in tying everything together. But where do you begin? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you find the perfect make-up artist for your big day.
1/ Start Early in the Planning Process
Like many top-tier wedding suppliers, the best make-up artists can book up a year or more in advance—especially if you’re getting married during peak season. As soon as you’ve secured your date and venue, begin researching make-up artists in your area. Early planning gives you access to more options, more time for trials, and far less stress as the day approaches.
2/ Nail Down Your Bridal Style
Before reaching out to any artists, take a moment to consider your overall bridal look. Are you drawn to glowing skin and minimal make-up, or do you love the idea of a bold lip and dramatic eyes? Your wedding style—whether boho, modern, classic, or vintage—will likely influence your beauty preferences. Having a clear idea of what you want will make it easier to find an artist whose portfolio reflects your vision.
3/ Do Your Research
Look for artists who specialise in bridal make-up and have a strong online presence. Social media can be invaluable—many artists post real wedding content, behind-the-scenes videos, and before-and-after photos, giving you a realistic view of their work. Save any looks you love so you can reference them during consultations or trials. This country is teeming with artists like Fiona Murphy Makeup, Celine Slamon, Sarah Duffy, and so many more, just waiting to perfect your special day.
4/ Read Reviews and Ask Around
Personal recommendations are worth their weight in gold. Ask friends, family, or even your wedding planner if they can recommend someone they’ve loved working with. Online testimonials can also be revealing—look for reviews that mention the artist’s professionalism, ability to listen, and how the make-up held up throughout the day. If multiple brides are singing their praises, that’s a great sign.
5/ Shortlist and Compare Portfolios
Once you’ve done your research, narrow your list to three or four artists whose style resonates with you. Compare their portfolios side by side. Are their brides wearing looks you can picture yourself in? Does their work feel consistent and polished? Take note of whether they’ve worked with different skin tones and face shapes. A great bridal make-up artist should be versatile and adaptable.
6/ Book a Trial (or Two)
The make-up trial is an essential part of the process. It allows you to test your chosen artist’s skills and see how your preferred look translates in real life. Come prepared with references—photos of your dress, hairstyle ideas, and saved make-up inspiration. Don’t be afraid to speak up during the trial: if something doesn’t feel right, a good artist will be happy to tweak and adjust until you feel confident. It’s also a chance to test how long the make-up lasts, how it feels on your skin, and how it photographs in natural light.
7/ Talk Products and Prep
During your trial, ask about the products they use—are they long-wearing, suitable for your skin type, and camera-friendly? If you have allergies, sensitivities, or preferences (like cruelty-free or vegan brands), now is the time to speak up. It’s also worth discussing skin prep. A skilled artist will guide you through a skincare routine leading up to the wedding to help ensure a flawless finish on the big day.
8/ Clarify the Details
Once you’ve found an artist you love, check availability for your date and get the finer details sorted.
- How many people can they cater for?
- Will they bring an assistant for larger bridal parties?
- Do they travel to your venue, and is there a fee for that?
Request a detailed quote and contract that includes everything from your trial session to the number of looks on the day, touch-up options, and timing. Knowing what’s included helps avoid last-minute surprises and keeps things stress-free.
9/ Book with Confidence—and Stay in Touch
Once you’ve confirmed all the logistics, don’t wait too long to book. Most artists require a deposit to secure your date, so be sure to finalise that early. After booking, keep the lines of communication open. If you decide to change your look, switch dresses, or tweak the wedding timeline, let your artist know. The more information they have in advance, the more smoothly everything will run on the day.
- Gráinne