Choosing a Hair Style & Makeup for Your Chicago Wedding

The hair style and makeup you choose for your wedding day should make you feel beautiful and confident. They should be a natural extension of your inner beauty, a reflection of the you that you want to portray as you walk down the aisle, be it graceful and elegant, free and light-hearted, or short and sassy. A hair style or makeup that simply isn't you will confuse your look and detract from your natural beauty.

 

Of course that isn't to say that you shouldn't do something a little extra special for your special day. Several days in advance of the big day, visit your hair stylist for a "pre-wedding" appointment. Experiment with several options and take the opportunity to freshen your look and cleanse your skin with a good facial, as well as to make sure that your hair is in tip-top shape with a deep conditioning treatment, a quick trim, and a fresh coloring or highlights. Make sure to bring with you your veil or other adornments you will wear on your wedding day and any magazine clippings of hair styles that have caught your eye. Keep in mind that not all styles will suit all hair types and faces, so while pictures can help your stylist get an idea of the look you're trying to capture, don't try to "copy" any magazine look exactly; you're unique, and so should be your look.

 

When choosing a wedding hair stylist and/or wedding makeup artist, be sure to ask for recommendations from recent bridal customers. Ask to view photographs of their work and try to assess whether he or she is comfortable working with your hair type and texture. You may also want to discuss the possibility of contracting for "on location" services in your home or other designated location on the morning of your wedding; many wedding hair stylists and makeup artists now offer this service out-right, but may impose a minor travel fee to cover their added expense.

 

When budgeting for personal care costs, consider whether or not you plan to have your entire bridal party styled. If you wish your bridesmaids have their hair and/or makeup professionally done, then you will also need to consider paying for the services. Treating your bridesmaids to a little pre-wedding pampering -- a professional hairdo, makeup and manicure -- can, in fact, be a great way of saying "thank you" for honoring you with their support and all that they've done for you. Don't forget to including your flower girl or personal attendant in the pre-wedding pampering! Many stylists offer reduced rates for combined services and/or additional guests.

 

Lastly, before signing on the dotted line, make sure your contract specifies the correct date, time, and location for all pre-wedding and wedding day services that will be provided, for whom particular services will be provided and at what cost, and what travel and/or parking fees will be included, if any. Also make sure your contract specifies what will happen if either party does not follow through on their part of the contract; this will protect you as well as your hair stylist or makeup artist if something goes wrong.