Before you go:

• Samples are key to see what you want from your hair and make-up artists. Look at magazines, your favorite celebs and past pictures of great hair and make-up days. Be prepared to show them what you like AND what you don't like.
• Ask around. Ask your friends and recently married relatives who they used. Quality artists aren't always found at your local salon. The best kept secrets are one-(wo)man bands who take their business on the road every weekend.
• Call ahead, and make an appointment for your hair and make-up trial.
• If you are having a bridal portrait taken, this is a great way to see your complete look before the big day. It also gives you a chance to make any adjustments if you don't like what you see.
• Consider your skin tone. If you are going to spend a week on vacation before your wedding or an hour at the tanning bed, schedule your trial after your days in the sun. Additional coloring may change the shades you choose for your make-up.

Questions to ask:

• If you have sensitive skin or hair, or just a preference, ask what hair and make-up products and brands that your salon or artist uses.
• If you are having your make-up done by a dealer, ask about any required purchases.
• Communicate, ask questions, give constructive criticism. If you don't like what you see, tell them!
• If at the end of your trial, you love it, take a picture so that you both remember what worked.
• Consider where you want to get ready. If you want your hair and make-up artists to come to you, make sure you ask about availability and costs associated with such travel.
• If your bridesmaids, mothers, grandmothers or others are getting hair and/or make-up done on your wedding day as well, ask about group pricing and scheduling requests or limitations. If you have a large group, you will most likely need several estheticians on-hand to get everyone ready.

• Keep all payment balance, deadline and contract information in one, easy to find place. And remember, no vendor is yours unless you have a signed contract in your hands.
• Ask for everything in writing. If during the sales process, your baker promises any extras or cost-cutting deals, make sure you can easily refer to that in an email, letter or contract.
• Typically, Emma Grace recommends allowing 30 minutes for each non-bridal make-up appointment, 45 minutes for brides, 30 minutes for each non-bridal hair and 1 hour for brides. While we want everyone to be beautiful, we always allow for extra time for the bride to make sure she is happy with she sees.
• Depending on how many ladies are getting pampered, hair and make-up may be an all-day event. Make sure that you either provide, buy or cater lunch for your ladies. You can save time by doing it in the hotel or at your salon. Some salons even offer packages including lunch. Ask about availability.
• Any last-minute cuts or coloring for the bride should be done at least 2 weeks prior to the wedding to allow your hair to adjust to any chemical treatments.
• Tips are customary for both hair and make-up artists, ranging 15 to 20 percent of the total booking.

• Ask about combo hair and make-up packages or large party discounts.
• Discounts may also be available for non-Saturday events. Ask about availability.
• Put your friends to work! If you have any close friends who are hair and make-up artists, politely ask if they would take care of you for your wedding.