Wedding hair and makeup in Australia

Wedding hair and makeup artists by region

• New South Wales39

  • All of New South Wales
  • Sydney24
  • Southern Highlands10
  • South Coast10
  • Hunter Valley8
  • Byron Bay and Far North Coast8
  • Central Coast6
• Victoria9

  • All of Victoria
  • Melbourne8
• Queensland12

  • All of Queensland
  • Brisbane9
• Western Australia4

  • All of Western Australia
• South Australia2

  • All of South Australia
• Tasmania1

  • All of Tasmania
• Australian Capital Territory3

  • All of Australian Capital Territory

What to ask a hair and makeup artist

1. Book a trial, and wear the look for an evening

   The trial is a working session. You bring your photos, sit through the whole look, photograph it from every angle in different light, and then wear it for the evening to see how it holds. It is also where you find out whether the artist's products suit your skin, your hair and any sensitivities, before the wedding morning rather than on it.

2. Settle on a direction, and bring a few photos

   Decide on the direction first: soft and elegant, full glam, a classic statement, or modern and minimal. For hair, the neckline of your dress and the venue usually decide between an up-do, half-up or waves worn down. We suggest 5 to 8 photos for the trial, which is enough to show the artist what you like without overwhelming them.

3. Ask whether the artist comes to you or works from a salon

   Many artists come to you and set up where you are getting ready, and others work from a salon, so ask. Having them come to you makes for a calmer morning, with nobody driving between the salon and the venue, though it can add a travel or call-out fee. Confirm in writing what is included, where they can park and whether they bring their own lighting (north-facing daylight is ideal).

4. Ask how many artists your bridal party needs

   One artist works through the bride and the bridal party one person at a time, usually makeup and then hair. The bigger the party, the earlier you start, unless a hair stylist works alongside the makeup artist or you book a full team. Before you book, ask the artist how they would run the morning for your numbers.

5. Give the artist your run sheet, and finish early

   Hair and makeup set the pace for the whole morning. We suggest the bride is finished 60 to 90 minutes before the ceremony, which leaves time to dress, take photos with the bridal party and travel without rushing. Bring your run sheet to the trial so the artist can work back from the ceremony time, and leave some spare time, because a morning that runs late pushes everything after it.

6. Ask how the look will last until the end of the night

   A wedding day is long, especially a summer ceremony outdoors that runs into a late night on the dance floor. Ask the artist how they will make it last: an airbrush or traditional base, how they set it, primer, lashes and brows, how firmly the hair is pinned, and what goes in your touch-up kit. Wear the trial look for a full evening to see how it holds up through hugs, dancing and a few happy tears.

7. Ask exactly what the package includes

   Ask how many people the package covers, who pays for travel and parking, what an extra person costs on the morning, whether children are included, what happens if a bridesmaid drops out, and whether a touch-up kit comes with it. Ask at the trial, so nobody is surprised by a cost halfway through the morning.

Common questions about wedding hair and makeup in Australia