Red Flags to Watch for When Booking Your Wedding Hair & Makeup Team

Every face, every tone, every texture deserves to feel seen, celebrated,

and held with care.

When you're planning a wedding, there are a million little details to think about. But here's one that often gets overlooked: your beauty team. Sure, you want someone who can create a gorgeous look—but you also need someone who shows up, communicates well, and supports your vision from the first consultation to the final touch-up.

Here’s what no one really tells you when booking your hair and makeup artist—and exactly what to look for so your glam experience is as seamless and stress-free as possible.

1. Do They Have a Backup Plan?

Life happens. Illness, emergencies, unexpected situations—they’re all real possibilities. A professional beauty artist should have a plan in place. That means a trusted backup or team member who can step in, not leaving you scrambling the week of your wedding.

2. Are They Insured?

It might not be the most glamorous topic, but insurance matters. A licensed, insured artist is thinking ahead and protecting everyone involved—especially when working in a venue. If they can’t provide proof of insurance, it’s okay to walk away.

3. Do They Build a Wedding Day Beauty Timeline?

You deserve to know exactly how your morning will flow. A solid artist will build out a beauty schedule ahead of time, coordinating with your planner and photographer so that everything moves smoothly.

4. Can They Collaborate with Your Vendor Team?

Hair and makeup often kick off the entire wedding day. The energy your beauty team brings sets the tone. You want someone who can communicate clearly and work collaboratively with your other vendors—not someone who causes friction or slows things down.

5. Are They Experienced in Weddings—Not Just Beauty?

Bridal beauty is in a category of its own. It’s emotional, time-sensitive, and high-pressure. This is not about filters or flash—it's about long wear, real skin, real emotions, and real moments. A great bridal artist understands that.

6. Do They Work with All Skin Tones and Hair Types?

Your beauty pro should be confident working with every face and texture—young, mature, fair, deep, curly, straight. They should know how to adjust based on lighting, weather, and timing. Representation isn’t a bonus—it’s the baseline.

7. Are They Focused on You—Not Just Content?

Of course, behind-the-scenes shots are fun. But your wedding day is not an opportunity for someone else to build their portfolio. Your artist should be present with you, grounded in your needs—not chasing ring light angles and TikTok trends.

8. How Do They Handle Feedback?

You’ll find out quickly during your trial. Do they actually listen? Are they open to changes? Or do they brush off your input? It’s your face, your vision. The way they handle small tweaks now is a glimpse into how they’ll handle your big day.

9. How’s Their Communication?

Emails. Texts. Contracts. Schedules. All of it matters. A great artist is clear, timely, and organized. If things already feel messy during planning, that likely won’t improve when wedding week arrives.

10. Does Their Portfolio Reflect Range and Diversity?

Look at their work. Do you see a wide range of faces, skin tones, ages, and styles? You and your loved ones should feel seen in their portfolio. If everyone looks the same, it’s a red flag.

Bonus: Can They Handle Chaos with Grace?

Wedding mornings are beautiful—but they’re rarely perfect. People run late. Emotions run high. A seasoned artist knows how to roll with the changes without letting stress take over the room. They bring calm, not chaos.

Let’s be honest. Last-minute cancellations, no-shows, and miscommunication shouldn't still be happening—but they are. Often it’s because the artist is new, overbooked, or unprepared for the emotional weight of a wedding day.

That’s why choosing your beauty team is about more than just makeup. It's about energy, presence, and professionalism. You're inviting this person into one of the most intimate moments of your life. You deserve someone who gets that—and honors it.

So take your time. Ask the real questions. And trust that great glam doesn’t just happen—it’s curated, intentional, and completely aligned with you.

Need help knowing what to ask when vetting your artist? I’d be happy to share a checklist—just let me know.

Want more insider tips?

Tune in to the full episode: Red Flags Brides Miss When Booking Glam.

Real talk, real stories, and everything you need to know.