Forums > Hair, Makeup & Styling > weddings: you do,or you don't?

Makeup Artist

makeupladydiva

Posts: 146

San Francisco, California, US

just wondering
do any of the makeup artists here do bridal on the side as a regular?
i know someone who thinks it's tacky and unprofessional for a fashion mua to do weddings
yet i have a friend that does fashion and is deep into the bridal biz also (they regularly do bridal mags and society brides)

what's your opinion?

Feb 01 07 04:41 pm Link

Makeup Artist

LisaJohnson

Posts: 10525

Nashville, Tennessee, US

I work consistently with brides and events throughout the year.  It is a very good income as I normally work with high end wedding photographers and brides.  I don't cut my rates and work with people that are on a stict budget as I find they are NEVER happy with anything. 

Anyone that says it's unprofessional to work with brides obviously has issues with work in general.  I don't.

Also bridal couture designers can bring you magazine and tearsheet opportunities.  I've worked with a few that have gotten me national and regional tears.

Feb 01 07 04:57 pm Link

Makeup Artist

KatAragon

Posts: 1549

FAIRFAX STATION, Virginia, US

I do weddings as well. My main freelance opps come on weekdays anyway while weddings fall on Saturdays so it hasn't been much of a problem. I also have a 3 person minimum and do not undercut or change my prices for any reason. They also come to me for the trial and I charge for travel over 20 miles. I also need full payment one month before their date to hold my services. Geez I sound like a nightmare right? lol But not really. I am just making sure my time is worth it, and it hasn't kept me from booking almost every weekend through the year.

Trust me, if I were getting the same money from doing fashion related stuff, even if it meant I worked more through the week, I would! Fashion is my passion *cough cough cheesy* lol. But money is money smile

Feb 01 07 05:08 pm Link

Makeup Artist

T

Posts: 53557

Washington, District of Columbia, US

makeupladydiva wrote:
just wondering
do any of the makeup artists here do bridal on the side as a regular?
i know someone who thinks it's tacky and unprofessional for a fashion mua to do weddings
yet i have a friend that does fashion and is deep into the bridal biz also (they regularly do bridal mags and society brides)

what's your opinion?

I don't think it's tacky or unprofessional money is money. I hardly ever do weddings only because I just don't like doing weddings. I did one wedding last year only because it was a relative. It went very well and everyone was pleased but it's just not my cup of tea.

One problem I have with bridal parties is that it's always that one bridesmaid who doesn't want the professional makeover because she doesn't wear makeup or can do her own...........problem is in the pics it's obvious that she didn't get professionally made up and she sticks out like a sore thumb.
The brides really need to insist that her entire bridal party is to utilize the hired artist.

If business is slow I would do weddings but I'm not going out soliciting my services for them right now. I just did a bridal magazine shoot this week 4 brides I had a ball smile

LaT

Feb 01 07 05:12 pm Link

Makeup Artist

L G C

Posts: 130

Long Beach, California, US

I also do weddings. Hey it pays the bills right,

Feb 01 07 05:16 pm Link

Makeup Artist

LisaJohnson

Posts: 10525

Nashville, Tennessee, US

Amen, Kat!  Do you offer a contract for them to see and sign at the trial makeup session?  I go to them for the pre-wedding trial and usually ask for 1/2 at that time, the rest at the wedding.  I'm wondering how you work the bridal makeup gigs?

KatAragon wrote:
I do weddings as well. My main freelance opps come on weekdays anyway while weddings fall on Saturdays so it hasn't been much of a problem. I also have a 3 person minimum and do not undercut or change my prices for any reason. They also come to me for the trial and I charge for travel over 20 miles. I also need full payment one month before their date to hold my services. Geez I sound like a nightmare right? lol But not really. I am just making sure my time is worth it, and it hasn't kept me from booking almost every weekend through the year.

Trust me, if I were getting the same money from doing fashion related stuff, even if it meant I worked more through the week, I would! Fashion is my passion *cough cough cheesy* lol. But money is money smile

Feb 01 07 05:21 pm Link

Hair Stylist

rick lesser

Posts: 1116

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US

"One problem I have with bridal parties is that it's always that one bridesmaid who doesn't want the professional makeover because she doesn't wear makeup or can do her own..........."  I couldn't have said this any better.  Most often the money is great and the makeup is easy.  These girls want to look a step up from their everyday.  But I have to say the drama one bridesmaid caused me and the bride, prompted me to write a guide book.  With one chapter just on bridesmaids!  Besides, there are lots of times I have had a blast with these girls.  I've posted a few comedy's that have taken place while getting them ready on my blog.  Like having to evacuate the Biltmore hotel in Coral Gables.  Only to figure out the woman steaming the dresses was doing so under the smoke detector! R-

Feb 01 07 05:21 pm Link

Makeup Artist

KatAragon

Posts: 1549

FAIRFAX STATION, Virginia, US

Lisa Johnson MUA wrote:
Amen, Kat!  Do you offer a contract for them to see and sign at the trial makeup session?  I go to them for the pre-wedding trial and usually ask for 1/2 at that time, the rest at the wedding.  I'm wondering how you work the bridal makeup gigs?

Yes, they sign a contract as soon as they want me to hold the date, usually months before. I tell them that it is not completely a done deal until I get full payment which I require 4 weeks before their date. (I do take half of that at the trial with the other half due 4 weeks before).

I got tired of random brides pulling out 2 weeks before a wedding when I turned down many others that I could've done the same day. At least I know exactly how many people I'm working on, know that I have already been paid, and know my schedule well enough that I can book two weddings in one day. Like I said, if I wasn't doing weddings I would do other freelance type stuff anyway so I feel I'm allowed to be picky about my terms. Hope that helps.

Feb 01 07 11:24 pm Link

Makeup Artist

KatAragon

Posts: 1549

FAIRFAX STATION, Virginia, US

rick lesser wrote:
Only to figure out the woman steaming the dresses was doing so under the smoke detector! R-

By the way, I totally did that when we first got our studio! I wasn't familiar with the details like a smoke detector and we were doing a late shoot. I was steaming right under the smoke detector and it went off! Our landlord lives on the second floor where our studio is and I was scared to death he was gonna come in. Turns out he wasn't home. Glad I'm not the only one lol!

Feb 01 07 11:27 pm Link

Photographer

mjkhfryimhg

Posts: 2974

Tucson, Arizona, US

I'd like to cuz I bet it would be soooo fun, and I think I'd make good money cuz I'm pretty good at candids

Feb 01 07 11:30 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Glamourpuss Make-UpHair

Posts: 475

Charlotte, North Carolina, US

I do weddings...there's not much in the way of editorial work in NC.  Bummer.  But I have the current cover of Carolina Bride magazine, so I can't complain.

Feb 01 07 11:31 pm Link

Photographer

mjkhfryimhg

Posts: 2974

Tucson, Arizona, US

I'm sorry, I thought this was for photogs.....ewwwps!!

Feb 01 07 11:32 pm Link

Photographer

mjkhfryimhg

Posts: 2974

Tucson, Arizona, US

Glamourpuss Make-UpHair wrote:
I do weddings...there's not much in the way of editorial work in NC.  Bummer.  But I have the current cover of Carolina Bride magazine, so I can't complain.

congrats, it looks big time good smile

Feb 01 07 11:37 pm Link

Photographer

mjkhfryimhg

Posts: 2974

Tucson, Arizona, US

I scared everyone off sad

Feb 01 07 11:39 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Amber Rose makeup

Posts: 61

Seattle, Washington, US

I don't think theres anything wrong with it! I have a little interest in it, how would I get started? I haven't really pursued it just 'cause I'm not really sure how. Go to bridal fashion shows and hand out my card?

Feb 01 07 11:41 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Rayrayrose

Posts: 3510

Los Angeles, California, US

Honey, my rent knows no discrimination.  I have done and will continue to do everything from Movies, TV shows, COmmercials, Informercials, Special Event, Headshot, Bridal and Fashion make-up.

The way I see it is that sweet gigs come and go. You can land an excellent job on a TV show and it can get cancelled after a week (or 9 days early like the one I am on right now). Nothing is consistent, or guaranteed in this industry. You can mess up a lipline and lose your job.

My advice, keep your goals in mind, but keep your options open. If you put good out in the universe, it has a way of coming back to you and if you put your goals out there as well, every decision you make will bring you closer to them. Who knows, you can get called to do a  headshot and the actor turns out to be a producer's daughter. Or do a low budget indie that has a great cast and leads to better things. Or an event make-up for a person who knos somebody. My point being, every job done well leads to a good reputation and another job. Now I am not an advocate of being taken advantage of, so if a person is bragging about 'if you do this for free, I'll do this for you" I tend to run in the other direction, because there are a lot of hollywooders out there who are a lot of talk and just want something for nothing.

So use discretion, but remember you never know where the next job may lead.

Feb 02 07 01:22 am Link

Photographer

Life Two Photography

Posts: 126

Las Vegas, Nevada, US

MUA is not my field... but is it a sin to follow the money?  You gotta do what you have to.  Same goes for me.  There's nothing interesting about shooting weddings.  But I do it because it pays for the fun shoots and much needed equipment.

Feb 02 07 01:27 am Link

Makeup Artist

LisaJohnson

Posts: 10525

Nashville, Tennessee, US

It does indeed, Kat.  Thank you for the great info!

KatAragon wrote:

Yes, they sign a contract as soon as they want me to hold the date, usually months before. I tell them that it is not completely a done deal until I get full payment which I require 4 weeks before their date. (I do take half of that at the trial with the other half due 4 weeks before).

I got tired of random brides pulling out 2 weeks before a wedding when I turned down many others that I could've done the same day. At least I know exactly how many people I'm working on, know that I have already been paid, and know my schedule well enough that I can book two weddings in one day. Like I said, if I wasn't doing weddings I would do other freelance type stuff anyway so I feel I'm allowed to be picky about my terms. Hope that helps.

Feb 02 07 04:13 am Link

Makeup Artist

JamesC Lost Creatives

Posts: 582

Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

Bridal is a good way of making extra money and can be a business in its own right if you do it right you can continue doing fashion etc.

James

Feb 02 07 09:22 am Link

Photographer

Power Photographic

Posts: 449

Kansas City, Missouri, US

I don't think it's any more tacky or unprofessional for a MUA (or anyone) to do more than one kind of work (Fassion AND weddings AND fine art, or whatever else) than it is for a photographer to do the same and shoot all of the above.  Personally I shoot those things and more, pretty much anything.  I've heard the arguments that if you don't specialiaze you can't ever be really good, but the reality of life is that we aren't all shooting (or doing makeup) all the time every day.  And not only does it provide extra income and networking exposure possibilities, but I believe that the more aspects of a craft you can understand and master, the better your overall performance and understand of any particular part of it can become.

So, that's my long rambling way of saying that no, there's nothing wrong with that, not in the least.   More ways of praticing is never bad, unless you use it to form bad habbits.   So just don't do that.

Thant is all, thank you.
-Nathan

Feb 02 07 09:51 am Link

Makeup Artist

KatAragon

Posts: 1549

FAIRFAX STATION, Virginia, US

Power Photographic wrote:
I've heard the arguments that if you don't specialiaze you can't ever be really good,

I think that's a backwards argument for someone to make. I have done some makeup for editorial/fashion shoots that would have or have been beautiful for weddings, and vice versa.

Feb 02 07 09:58 am Link

Photographer

Edw

Posts: 282

Satellite Beach, Florida, US

If the market can bare it, what's wrong with shooting with a MUA at a Wedding. I know I would want my bride (my client) to feel and be at her best. And if a MUA can help me capture my client at her best, I'm for it. After all, this is a Wedding! There are no RESHOOTS!

Edw.

Feb 02 07 10:08 am Link

Photographer

The Don Mon

Posts: 3315

Ocala, Florida, US

have done a few for favors but no more...

Feb 02 07 10:12 am Link

Makeup Artist

Cool Artist2005

Posts: 468

Dumont, New Jersey, US

I do weddings. That is where most of my paid work is from.
I see nothing wrong with it.

Feb 02 07 11:05 am Link

Makeup Artist

Kate Romanoff

Posts: 137

New York, New York, US

I do a lot of weddings

Feb 02 07 11:17 am Link

Makeup Artist

LisaJohnson

Posts: 10525

Nashville, Tennessee, US

I work with all types of photographers and in all genres I can.  I love storybook wedding photography, personally.  That is also very high end and I never deal with bridezillas, ever.  The photographers at weddings have the majority of the work, IMHO.  I wouldn't be a wedding photographer if you PAID me...unless it was a LOT of money...wink  Bridal makeup is easy for me to do, for some reason.  I can tell a lot on the phone at the tone of the brides prior to booking them and if I don't like their attitude, well, it's my perogative to be available on that date or not. 

Fashion, bridal, editorial and film makeup is what I do.  It's all good.

Feb 02 07 12:11 pm Link

Model

Adieu

Posts: 6427

It seems quite a few photogs, muas, and hair stylists do weddings on the side. I suppose it's a way to make money while pursuing your career. Plus, if it turns out well, you get good references.

Feb 02 07 12:13 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Cynthia Rose

Posts: 468

New York, New York, US

rachelrose wrote:
Honey, my rent knows no discrimination.  I have done and will continue to do everything from Movies, TV shows, COmmercials, Informercials, Special Event, Headshot, Bridal and Fashion make-up.

The way I see it is that sweet gigs come and go. You can land an excellent job on a TV show and it can get cancelled after a week (or 9 days early like the one I am on right now). Nothing is consistent, or guaranteed in this industry. You can mess up a lipline and lose your job.

My advice, keep your goals in mind, but keep your options open. If you put good out in the universe, it has a way of coming back to you and if you put your goals out there as well, every decision you make will bring you closer to them. Who knows, you can get called to do a  headshot and the actor turns out to be a producer's daughter. Or do a low budget indie that has a great cast and leads to better things. Or an event make-up for a person who knos somebody. My point being, every job done well leads to a good reputation and another job. Now I am not an advocate of being taken advantage of, so if a person is bragging about 'if you do this for free, I'll do this for you" I tend to run in the other direction, because there are a lot of hollywooders out there who are a lot of talk and just want something for nothing.

So use discretion, but remember you never know where the next job may lead.

I couldn't have said it better myself. Rachel always gives the best advice!!

btw, I'm going to start using the term "hollywooders" all the time now. lol!

Feb 02 07 01:21 pm Link

Photographer

Perc Powell Studios

Posts: 736

Saint Petersburg, Florida, US

Both the MUA's I use regularly do... Way better money than models. " )

Perc

Feb 02 07 01:23 pm Link

Photographer

WZ Photography

Posts: 584

Squamish, British Columbia, Canada

Hey, when the money is right, the money is right...

Feb 02 07 01:24 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Dorine Lara

Posts: 175

New York, New York, US

Money is money!!

Feb 02 07 06:00 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Katie Scanlan

Posts: 977

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

I personally haven't ever done weddings, but they're certainly not beneath me... I'm even considering doing a few this summer. I have definitely heard of people dissing the whole bridal makeup thing (it's also similar with photographers and wedding photography) I think it's stupid. Like everyone's said, money's money.

Feb 02 07 06:59 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Ivy Lam

Posts: 101

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

I do weddings, it pays really well and very fulfilling. you get to make the bride beautiful on the most important day of their life.

I love it
Ivy

Feb 02 07 07:48 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Julia Dyson

Posts: 98

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

"I don't think it's tacky or unprofessional money is money. I hardly ever do weddings only because I just don't like doing weddings. I did one wedding last year only because it was a relative. It went very well and everyone was pleased but it's just not my cup of tea."

Same here. Totally agree. I also did one wedding because it was a friend. And i didn't enjoy the experience. Just the whole nerve-wrecking bitchy pre-wedding atmosphere annoys me in all honesty.
So for the practice and to pay bills i sometimes work for local portrait studio, which is prob'ly way more "professionally degrading" than weddings, but at least i don't have to deal with temper tantrums (well, not very often, anyway)

Feb 02 07 09:24 pm Link

Makeup Artist

makeupladydiva

Posts: 146

San Francisco, California, US

rachelrose wrote:
Honey, my rent knows no discrimination.

LUV IT!

Feb 02 07 09:49 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Rebecca Liceaga

Posts: 1098

Los Angeles, California, US

Ummm, yes I do bridal work and it is VERY good money (at least here in Southern California) for an hour or two of my time. I don't think it's "tacky" for a professional MUA to do bridal work. Natural MUA is more difficult to execute (correctly) than "edgy" MU most of the time, and natural MU is what is required for brides 98% of the time. That's my two cents.

Feb 02 07 09:55 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Debbie Lezemore

Posts: 98

Liverpool, England, United Kingdom

I only do weddings for friends or family on request, i don't see the problem with fashion MUA doing it aswell though! Many of my friends do very well from doing both.
I choose not to do them mainly because i dont like having my weekends booked up so far in advance incase any of my main clients need me!

Debs x

Feb 03 07 01:32 pm Link

Photographer

Cale J Glendening

Posts: 436

Nashville, Tennessee, US

I know this thread isn't for me, but damn I don't enjoy shooting weddings!

Great money though for sure.

Feb 03 07 01:35 pm Link

Photographer

Miko Was Here

Posts: 4033

Ventura, California, US

Well, I shoot weddings ( about 15 to 20 a year) and it's the only place I see MU's really getting paid.

Feb 03 07 01:40 pm Link

Makeup Artist

LisaJohnson

Posts: 10525

Nashville, Tennessee, US

On a side note:  I love when the bride is spending major bucks on the photographer, the dress and the hair...yet BALKS at what makeup costs.  LOL...those are the ones that wait until the last minute to consider makeup.  They're not the ones I usually work with...but it never ceases to amaze me.  They're forking out thousands on the photog and dress and then freak when you give them a quote for makeup which is a small fraction of any of those costs.  However, the storybook brides and weddings are quite expensive and that of course is my ideal market.

Feb 04 07 01:00 pm Link