FAQs
How far in advance should I book a service?
As soon as you know you should inquire. I often take bookings for events up to a year in advance.
How long does a design trial take?
Our Makeup Trials last approximately 2 – 2 ½ hours & Hair 1 ½ hours. Plan to be at my studio at least 4 hours.
What happens in a design trial?
At a design trial we discuss the kind of look you’re going for. We may need to test some colors and applications styles to see how they appear.
Is the design trial mandatory?
Yes. You wouldn’t dream of buying your wedding dress without trying it on before your wedding day.
At your design trial, you have time to really ensure that you’ll be happy with the makeup look for your special day. The wedding day isn’t the best day to decide if you want a winged eyeliner or a red bold lip and it also prevents any unexpected mishaps. Also, your skin may not be in its best condition and at the trial, we can identify this and advise on hydration, waxing etc.
What should I bring with me to my design trial?
Please arrive with a makeup-free, cleansed face. I recommend that you wear the same color top as your wedding dress. Please feel free to bring along any photos, magazine clips, Pinterest images of makeup you’d like me to review. A picture of your dress is also most welcome. Everything you bring along to your trial helps generate a clear picture of how you’d like to see yourself on your special day.
When searching for inspiration photos for makeup and hair, ensure they are similar to your skin tone, hair color, and eye color. It’s crucial to have a vision for your trial, but remember your groom is marrying you for who you are. He may not prefer an overly dramatic look that doesn’t reflect your usual style. If you’re interested in bold styles you don’t normally wear, save experimenting for another time! The trial is about perfecting your chosen style. You can extend your trial if needed, and trying different looks costs the same. Each look takes approximately 1 ½ hours, and we can adjust your appointment accordingly. Consider your wedding venue, dress style, and overall theme when planning your look.
What should I wear to my makeup service?
If you can, wear a button shirt or a top with a wide neck, so that you don’t have any issues with damaging hair/makeup when you are changing into your wedding or special occasion outfit.
Can I bring someone with me to the preview?
Yes of course. Bring along a bridesmaid or your sister, best friend or Mom.
I don’t know what I want, can you help me?
Yes absolutely although having some sort of direction or general idea is essential. Being a visual person there is a difference in verbalizing your idea and showing me. An idea of something natural might be another ladies overdone.
I have seen makeup artist that charge a lot less than you do for wedding makeup per face. Can I get the same rate with you for my special day?
My rates are competitive with those makeup artists who reflect my level of knowledge, experience, skill and what my clients are currently paying for my services.
I want my makeup to last all night! Can you apply more than usual?
You’re getting married not performing on stage. Don’t be fooled into thinking that your makeup needs to be heavier, it doesn’t! Some things do need to be redefined i.e. switching from your usual brown mascara to a black one but bridal makeup is designed for longevity.
For reassurance I recommend taking photos with a real camera, not an iPhone throughout the rest of your trial day.
Do I have to sign the Client Service Agreement for the makeup services?
Yes. The Client Service Agreement protects both you and me. It outlines exactly what our obligations are to one another as artist and client. This avoids any misunderstandings and confusion. No Terms and Conditions signed = No services guaranteed.
Is it customary to pay for all of my bridal parties hair and makeup?
Absolutely not! I get asked this question from almost every bride, some brides do pay for it, but I would say 90% of wedding parties start a payment plan via Venmo so it can be affordable and paid to you weekly and by the time your wedding has arrived it is already taken care of.
Are there additional service fees?
Applicable service fees will be added to the invoice as needed and if applicable. Please ask for more details regarding travel and possible assistants. Any bridal party over bride plus 4, I will need at least one assistant ~ depending on the size of the wedding party ~ I can accommodate up to 20.
Additional fees apply for Holidays such as:
New Years Eve/Day Valentines Day Easter Weekend Memorial Day Weekend Labor Day Weekend Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend Christmas Eve/Day
What time before my ceremony should I be ready on my wedding day?
The timing depends on whether you’re having a first look with your groom, dad, wedding party, etc., and/or additional pictures before the ceremony.
For example, if your photographer arrives at 12:00 PM, they typically start with flat lay photos, shots of your dress, shoes, final lip touches, and robe shots. You’ll then step into your dress, which usually takes about 30 minutes and is often photographed with your Mother of the Bride (MOB) or Maid of Honor (MOH) assisting you.
If you’re planning a first look, you should be ready at least 2 hours beforehand. For instance, if the first look is scheduled for 3:00 PM:
- 5:00 PM – Ceremony
- 3:00 PM – First look
- 2:30-3:00 PM – Bridal shots
- 2:00-2:30 PM – Step into dress
- 1:45-2:00 PM – Robe shots
Based on this schedule, you should aim to be completely ready by 1:30 PM.
How do I know how much time to allow for both hair and makeup for my bridal party?
For every bride, I create a comprehensive timeline for both hair and makeup services. If my team is not contracted to do your hairstyles, I will contact your chosen hairstylist to gather their information and create a color-coded timeline. This ensures that everyone knows their service times without overlap or delays.
How do I pay for my makeup services?
Tami Bernard Makeup Artist LLC accepts Paypal, Venmo or cash. I will send you out an invoice with your choice of payment.
What if I’m not getting married, how long does it take for a makeup service?
Standard makeup application takes about an hour. Please factor this into your timing. I advise allowing a small buffer of time just in case something doesn’t go as planned.
When should I get my waxing done before a makeup service?
If you are planning on having waxing done (eyebrows, upper lip etc.) this should be scheduled at least a week or 3 days before the wedding or makeup service in case of irritation. Makeup won’t sit well on a freshly waxed face.
Do you also offer hair services?
Yes, I sure do please see our hair page for all of the details.
Do you provide false lashes?
Yes, I provide false eyelashes and is already included in your price.
Can I bring my own false lashes?
To ensure a professional finish to your look, we only use professional branded false lashes. For hygienic reasons, we won’t apply false lashes that have been used previously (even if they have been worn by you), as they may have been cut too short, or aren’t of the quality we are used to dealing with and may ruin the overall look of the makeup we have created on you.
