WEDDING FAQs
What should I expect in the wedding beauty service process?
- Determine who in your party wants makeup and hair services. I only book hair services if makeup services are booked as well.
- Check if I’m available for your wedding date by contacting me via my contact form, email anne@annefitzgeraldmakeupartistry.com or through the email link on my contact page in this website.
- If I’m available I’ll email you a Wedding Information Guide.
- I’ll email you a questionnaire for you to fill out and send back to me so I can send you a complimentary quote.
- If you’d like to book, I will send you a Contract to read and sign, and an invoice for a retainer.
- Sign and date the Contract and pay your retainer within 48 hours of each other to reserve your date.
- I will email you a Welcome Guide.
- Book a makeup trial (Schedule a hair trial with my subcontractor hair stylist separately. Both trials can possibly be on the same day).
- I will email you my Trial Guide.
- Have your makeup and hair trials. I will email you a makeup trial recap so you can provide feedback and ask for changes if you wish.
- 6 weeks prior to your wedding I will email you a Wedding Day Guide.
- 4 weeks prior I will email you a Wedding Day 30 Day Guide.
- 30 days prior to your wedding review your Contract details. Relay to me and your wedding party any updates on location, time, etc.
- 30 days prior I will invoice you for final payment. Please pay the final payment no less than 2 weeks prior to your wedding.
- 2 weeks prior double check that the location for beauty services (if a venue or hotel conference room) and parking spaces will be available for artist/s.
- The day before your wedding confirm with me and your wedding party the time of arrival, location and room number.
What services require a contract?
All mobile wedding day services require a contract.
What is and how much is a retainer?
The $700 retainer is a non-refundable and non-transferable deposit to hold your wedding date.
What if I send the retainer and don’t sign the contract, or sign the contract and don’t send the retainer?
Your wedding date is not booked until the retainer clears the banking process and I sign the contract, which the Client will have signed first. I give a 48 hour window between the payment and contract signing as a courtesy, but am not obligated to do so.
What if you send a contract proposal and invoice and I do not respond?
I do not hold dates, and the terms of the contract and rates in the invoice are subject to change. If 48 hours has passed, please check before sending a payment or signing a contract, as your date may not be available anymore.
Do you have a minimum in services? $700 is the minimum “spend” for each artist to provide services. It will be used as a credit toward services only, and not travel, fees, or tax.
How many services can one artist perform?
We can accommodate large parties. However, each makeup and hair artist will generally not have more than 8 adults each because the timeline becomes too long. In that case, I would hire additional artists to help.
Are prices locked in once I sign a contract?
I will honor the fees quoted in your signed contract when received by me for the number of services booked. Additional services added later may be subject to new pricing. If the contract is not signed and the retainer not received within 2 days, it will expire and new terms and prices may apply. Your wedding date is not guaranteed until the contract and retainer are received.
What if I have to cancel my contract?
Cancellation of the contract will result in forfeiture of the retainer/s as my subcontractors and I will have refused other opportunities. Cancellation or breach of contract within 90 days of the wedding will result in forfeiture of retainer and the full balance of estimated wedding day services would be due.
Do you charge for mobile services?
Yes. The travel fee is $1 mile with a $50 minimum mobile fee. At this time, I am not offering wedding day services for more than 2 people at my studio at once. Generally there is one location for beauty services, however an additional location may be added for $50 plus mileage if an artist has to pack up and reset their kit.
Do you accept gratuity?
It is appreciated for exemplary service, and the industry standard is 15-20% just as in your salon.
Do you offer airbrush makeup?
Yes. I am certified by the Temptu global educator. Airbrush makeup is an aerated makeup sent through an airbrush gun and feels very light. It photographs beautifully and is great for hi-def videography. It is long-lasting, weather, water, oil, perspiration, transfer and tear resistant. I also offer very durable traditional liquid foundations. I have several foundation formulas depending on skin texture and type. At your trial we can try different ones and see which you prefer. I charge the same for airbrush and traditional liquid makeup applied with a brush.
Is your makeup kit cruelty free, vegan, organic, gluten free, or hypoallergenic?
I strive to use cruelty free/vegan/clean formulas. My priority as a professional artist is to use products based on superior performance and avoid companies that test on animals.
Why are you considered a luxury bridal artist?
I hope you have a wonderful experience from the initial contact until we part ways. In the spirit of being prepared, in addition to offering a makeup trial, I can advise on skincare and techniques to get your skin looking its best. I help you plan your skincare routine if you’d like and give you tips to help your wedding morning go smoothly.
I help you plan your wedding beauty timeline.
Most of my correspondence is through email and I also provide you my cell phone number.
Having a personal and mobile makeup artist who has sometimes decades of experience come to you for your wedding is a convenience you won’t regret on your special day. My team and I use the best quality products and professional equipment; we offer extensive experience and happy, calming demeanors so it all seems effortless.
Do you personally perform bridal hair services?
I do not. Once you have decided to book my makeup services I can subcontract hairstylists or recommend a trusted salon. It isn’t necessary to contract hairstylists through me, but I do have an exclusivity clause in my contract concerning another makeup artist/company being hired.
What happens when I have contracted a number of services but my wedding members back out?
Once I have been hired, the number of services can be reduced but the minimum spend of $700 for each artist hired will be upheld. The minimum spend and the balance due will not be reduced if it is within 90 days of the wedding. If you can’t find replacements for the bridal party members I can either give extra time to each remaining person providing a more personalized and luxurious experience, you can add a luncheon break for everyone (including artists), or start your wedding prep timeline later than originally planned so you can sleep in a little longer!
How early can you start and how long can you stay?
We can start anytime! However, distances over 1.5 hours travel may require overnight accommodation the night before, travel expenses and meals paid for all artists. Early start times (before 8:00am) and stays past 8 hours are subject to an additional $50/hr per artist. Wait times for a late wedding party is $25 per 15 minutes per artist if we don’t start on time and $25 per 15 minutes if we go past the proposed end time due to wedding party lateness or interruptions.
How much time is needed for makeup services?
I will recommend a start time based on how many are in the wedding party, and what time you need to be ready by. For example, a wedding party of a bride and 4 attendants with one artist requires a 5 hour prep time that includes artists setting up and packing up. Ideally we should schedule makeup and hair services to be complete when the photographer is due to arrive. If prep time is short and there are numerous services, a second artist/hairstylist will be needed. If you or a wedding planner, photographer, or hairstylist create a timeline please submit it to me first for approval before sharing with your bridal party or other vendors.
Can you stay after initial beauty services?
Yes. Lipstick and powder finishing touches, recurling tendrils, extra hair spray and smoothing frizz before departure are complimentary for everyone we performed services for. Staying for extra touch-ups for hair and makeup after your first-look photos or the ceremony is charged at a rate of $150/hr per artist.
Do you provide services for destination weddings?
Yes. Locations over 1.5 hours travel time from artists' homes may require overnight accommodation, travel expenses and meals paid by client. Holiday fees may apply.
Do you provide wedding day mobile services for only one person?
Yes. However, I do charge during peak wedding season and/or weekends at least $700 for me to come to you. My hairstylist will also require a minimum booking amount. I may be able to book an artist for you that does both hair and makeup and send her, as I only perform makeup. Understandably, most brides do not want to spend this when a salon may be available nearby to the venue. However, please ask if I have availability on your wedding day if it is in the winter, for a last minute booking or elopement, or a weekday wedding. I may waive minimum booking fees.
Do you provide services for two brides or two grooms?
Yes. If it is required that we have to go to another location another set up fee of $50 per artist and mileage would apply.
Do your require everyone in the wedding party to have makeup done?
No. However, for best outcome I recommend everyone who will be in your professional photographs have my artists and I perform makeup and hair services.
What do you do for adult makeup services?
I include skin prep, airbrush or traditional makeup and choice of false strip or individual lashes. If the bridal party is late or additional services are added on the wedding day making the time to get everyone ready shorter than originally expected, each appointment time may be shortened.
What does makeup for junior bridesmaids (9-14yrs) and flower girl makeup (under 9) entail?
I may start with spf if she’ll be in the sun. I generally apply light blush and lip gloss, touch of brown or clear mascara, perhaps concealer, tinted moisturizer and light eyeshadow according to how old they are, what they can sit still for, what they want, and the amount their parent allows. I do charge for flower girls as they do take time, and effort; product is used and clean up is required after.
What do you do for men?
Male makeup services may include oil-control skin prep, under eye and blemish color correction, concealer, airbrush or cream foundation, lip balm and brow grooming. Hair styling is also available.
Do you offer partial services?
Yes. I offer airbrush makeup as a stand alone service of $50 and it includes skin prep and setting. False lash application alone is $30 and would be applied after makeup is complete. Premium lashes which can be worn multiple occasions are $50. We integrate all lashes with liner and mascara, and curl them.
Lashes and airbrush stand alone services that are added on wedding day are 20% additional charge.
Do you charge less for simple makeup for female adults?
No. We will apply as little makeup as wanted, but the cost will be the same no matter how much makeup is preferred as I cannot pro-rate each person based on how much makeup we apply. For instance, we prep the skin and the techniques to make it seem as if there is natural makeup takes time and expertise. Often people ask for natural makeup and present artists with inspiration photos of natural-colored makeup.Neutral colors are often mistaken for natural makeup but just as much makeup and time is taken. Similarly with hair, a person with shorter hair balks at the price of styling, but volumizing product, hot tools, and touch ups are necessary. A bun will also require product, heat set and curling, possibly padding, and pinning.
Can I bring inspiration looks?
Yes. I encourage a little direction as far as preferences. However, inspo pics by another artist using products unknown by me on a professional model, in a filtered or edited photo, post or reel can’t be matched exactly. For example: When clients bring inspiration pictures they may ask for what looks to them like a light makeup application; However, wedding makeup meant to last at least 16 hours through hot, humid weather, hugs and tears is usually not the average person’s typical everyday makeup, so you may end up wearing more makeup than you thought you would. Please look at my Instagram for photos to find inspiration photos.
What does the luxury facial entail?
We can add on a luxury mini-facial consisting of cleansing, exfoliation, toner, facial mask and eye mask, eye cream, serum, moisturizer and spf. I recommend if you are getting this add-on facial service for your wedding day that we try the same products at your trial to diminish risk of unexpected skin reactions on your wedding day. ($75)
How much are makeup trials?
Trials are a separate fee from your wedding day makeup. I charge $225 for the first 2 hours and beyond that $25 per 15 minutes ($100/hr).
Is a makeup trial required?
No. A makeup trial is a preview of your wedding day makeup look. If you have a trial your wedding day makeup is $225. If you don’t have a prior trial the wedding day makeup is $275 because it takes time and effort to figure out a look on the wedding day. Destination wedding brides often request consults in place of wedding day makeup and hair trials which requires phone discussions and emails.
Why do you encourage a wedding day beauty trial?
Having no trial means a longer wedding day prep time while we decide on your look and colors. Although selecting makeup looks is normally fun, on your wedding day it may be overwhelming if you haven’t had a practice run. Also, though you may not normally have sensitive skin, if something irritates it we will have to remove and reapply something else and that takes extra time and risk. I will be meeting you and your skin for the first time and I may have recommended a skincare regime which would have made your wedding day makeup look even better if you had started months prior to your wedding day. If you feel you are truly low-maintenance and comfortable with “winging it” with no consultation or trial I have had success with that approach as well but your wedding day makeup will $275.
What do I do if I live far away?
If you won’t be in town prior to the wedding or are planning a destination wedding let’s discuss over the phone your skin type and makeup preferences, and your wedding vibe. You can send me photos of yourself with and without makeup, in makeup you loved from a special event, inspiration pictures from the internet and my website or Instagram. The wedding day makeup will be $275.
Should I book the wedding date first or book the trial first?
You are welcome to have me perform a trial run before signing a contract and giving a retainer but I do not hold wedding dates without them. I suggest having another appointment closer to the wedding as your preferences and skin and hair shade may have changed. It will be your wedding day makeup and hair preview look with your hair and accessories.
When should I have my makeup trial?
I advise scheduling a trial as soon as you book, as soon as you want to explore your makeup looks, or if you’d like to see if we are a good fit prior to booking. I recommend having a makeup and hair preview of your beauty look in the same season as your wedding so your depth of color and skin condition (dry, oily, etc.) and the weather temperature will be similar. That could mean either a trial a full year before, or a preview of the final look 1-2 months before your wedding. If you plan to be tan or get a spray tan for your wedding I suggest getting one for your trial.
I generally hold trials Monday-Thursday 11am-4pm.
Where can I have my trial?
I hold makeup trials (and hair trials on the same day possibly) at my home studio in Gales Ferry, CT or at your location of choice. Our hairstylist may be able to accommodate us at their salon Mobile fees apply for any artist’s travel.
Should I schedule my hair trial at the same time as my makeup trial?
You don’t have to, but they can be the same day if the hairstylist is available.
May I have relatives, friends, or my children attend my trial?
If the trial is in my studio I have extra seating for another person. My ground rules are that you feel comfortable with this person and not pressured to conform to their opinion, that they do not record the process, watch so close they block my light source or inhibit my movement, touch my products or photograph what was used, I’m happy to have you bring someone. If they repeatedly question or study my process I will charge them for a makeup lesson of $150 per hour.
Due to safety concerns those under 12 years old aren’t allowed.
I may also be available to do a makeup trial for an attendant or mom, either the same day as your trial, or another day.
What if I had my trial and I’ve changed my mind about my makeup look?
If you’ve had a trial many months before the wedding it is actually ideal to have a wedding day preview look close to the wedding date. If it is not feasible you can also tell me prior to the wedding day what changes you’d like and l will bring the appropriate colors and formulas on your wedding day. Please present any lipstick you bring to me BEFORE the makeup application.
Phone or virtual consultations are complimentary for the first 15 minutes and $25 per 15 minutes thereafter.
Can we plan a look for my bridesmaids beforehand?
If you have bridesmaids that normally wear a lot more makeup than you plan to wear on your wedding day or have limited makeup skills, I suggest that you pay for their services so all will join in willingly. You and I will plan a cohesive look for all and they won’t have to search for their own inspiration pictures on the internet or go outside the boundaries of looks you want. We can choose a makeup look and lashes which reflect your wedding theme and colors.
What is your style?
I have experience with many different styles of makeup, but I specialize in an elevated natural look. I try to create a subtle transformation with the least apparent makeup. It’s about you, not your makeup looking more noticeable than your own features, or my ego as an artist.
Do you do “full glam” makeup?
If full glam makeup is desired for more than the bride please let me know so I can adjust the wedding prep timeline to be longer. Full glam looks require 1 hour for adult attendants and 1.5 hrs for the bride. Hollywood glam waves for hair take 1-2 hours depending on if extensions are added.
Do you and your artists have experience with a range of skin tones?
Yes. We carry fair to deep foundation colors and undertone adjusters. If a person’s culture embraces certain preferences and rituals, please discuss at booking so I we may research best practices or find the best makeup and hair artists who specializes in the looks.
Do your hair artists have experience with thick, long, or very curly hair?
Yes. Please let me know prior to booking so I can contact the most experienced hairstylist for availability. Extra charges may be applicable.
Does your hairstylist provide clip-in (or similar) extensions or do wig styling?
Some provide them or some refer you to the best brands. Please let me know prior to booking so I can contract the best hairstylist for availability. Extra charges are applicable.
Do you guarantee hair services will be available through you if I book makeup through you?
No. I may not be able to book a hairstylist if none are available for your date.
Can you use my own makeup for my trial or wedding day?
I welcome using your own signature lip color, so please present it at the makeup application so I can coordinate the rest of your makeup colors with it.
Please advise PRIOR to booking if you have serious or numerous allergies. My insurance carrier may not allow me to take on the risk. For some instances I may require an extra waiver in addition to the language in my contract in some circumstances. For instance, if we use your personal makeup products, they may not hold up well for a long day, may not be designed for professional photos and I can’t predict their performance if used in combination with my own products.
Can you cover a tattoo/redness/acne/wrinkles/ blemishes?
I can cover them to a degree, depending on the size or level of pigmentation. If you have a tattoo I require a makeup trial. I MAY give product recommendations and advise a skincare regimen for skin issues if I am able to see it in person and it is in my scope of practice as a licensed esthetician. For some conditions such as persistent or inflamed acne or rosacea I recommend a dermatologist.
Can I add on services after I have signed my contract?
Any changes by the client that require an addendum to the contract will require a $50 administrative fee. If services are added prior to the wedding day the original "be ready" time may need to be adjusted and the rates will be my current rates. If the timeline must stay the same I may have to hire additional artists if they are available.
If on the wedding day you request services to be added I may be able to accommodate this if my personal schedule allows me to stay past the original departure time. I also will charge the current rate plus an up-charge of 20% and tax.
When services are added before or on your wedding day, you must inform the other vendors that you have done so because it will affect their start time. I’m not responsible for going over the original end time and I will charge $25 per 15 minutes per artist past the original end time and $50/hr per artist in overtime fees if we stay past 8 hours.
Can I subtract wedding services if you’ve hired a subcontractor?
You can deduct people but the balance will remain the same. If additional artists were hired by me to help and makeup and/or hair services are reduced or cancelled I would suggest finding replacements, such as relatives or friends. If no replacements can be found the services can start later than originally proposed or you may add a hand massage, or a lunch break for all present, including artists.
If services decrease so much that an additional artist is not required to come anymore, their minimum booking fee at the time they were hired is non-refundable, and the remaining balance would be due.
What if I have reserved my date with you with a contract and retainer, but I decide to go with another beauty company? Or what happens if the wedding is rescheduled or cancelled?
The retainer is non-refundable or transferable. If it is within 90 days of the wedding or event the balance will be due as well. Late fees will accrue if the balance is not paid, or I will use a credit card on file.
What happens if anyone on your beauty team is not able to come?
I have provisions in my Contract in an emergency situation to replace me or another artist. If I’m unable to replace myself I would return all monies paid and cancel any balance due.
Will you wear a mask during beauty services?
I can wear a a mask throughout the prep time if you request it or for a service if an individual requests it. I do reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who says they are ill or shows symptoms of a contagious illness.
Should I bring my own touch up products to the wedding?
I do encourage everyone to bring their favorite lipstick, retouch concealer, and pressed powder. Please ask for recommendations or personal shopping services. I provide a touch-up kit for the bride including items such as oil-blotting sheets (enough to share with everyone), q-tips, sponge, a powder puff, tissue, and a makeup wipe. I will provide bridesmaid touch up kits for $30 per bag if asked at least 30 days prior to the wedding.
What do you require from me for the wedding day?
Details will be in the contract, but some requirements are: A (paid) parking spot at the location, a safe walkway, a large flat surface, natural light if possible, an outlet, nearby sink and restroom, and a comfortable temperature for working.