The Bride Journals

Dear Bride-to-be,

I have worked with a number of brides and learned a couple of valuable lessons. “The Bride Journals” series of blogs is where I will impart the knowledge I have gained so that you are empowered to make the right decisions, ensuring an unforgettable day.

“Price is what you pay; value is what you get.”

Those were the words of the highly successful businessman Warren Buffet and the number one message I would like to convey to brides today.

To be a bride is all about expectations, your future life, your special day, your fairy tale looks and the perfect setting. For each one of us, there are different motivators when it comes to our decision-making process. There are various emotions and desired end results. So many factors play a role in you choosing the people that will provide you with the results on your special day. You make these decisions based perhaps on how you feel in the moment, being swayed by someone’s word-of-mouth recommendation, or finally, budget. But do you realise that a few months down the line, on the day of your wedding, some of those decisions for service providers might blow up in your face?

You are going to have to choose between thousands of options, and this is going to cause a whole lot of stress for you. I want to make it a little less stressful and guarantee an outcome that will take your breath away and leave you with gratitude and memories of a once-in-a-lifetime day.

When you choose a makeup artist (and all other service providers), please don’t start with the price. Yes – you have a budget; we all do. But more important than your money is your peace of mind. Asking for recommendations on a social media platform and receiving hundreds of suggestions will only confuse you more. Why? Because all those people are answering you from their own perspective. Not yours. (An important lesson to learn about all things and outside opinions in life!) What is it that you need in terms of a person who will be working in your face and personal space?

Consider these factors:

• Skill
• Years of experience
• Portfolio

Then – pick up the phone – old school style – and speak to the person. Get a sense of their personality, work ethics, loyalty, and passion. A text message, WhatsApp or e-mail will not give you a chance to find that out. Find out if you can trust this person in your personal space.

Ask them for recommendations for other service providers. Most makeup artists who’ve been in the industry for quite some time will have worked with excellent peers. An already-established relationship between your service providers makes for a wonderful atmosphere in your bridal room on the day of your wedding. Leaving you with the most important task of the day, soaking up memories and looking spectacular.

Telling the story of your wedding day is never just about makeup. We creative folks just love it when everything comes together… it’s about the vision of creating beautiful work, and you are the subject of our creative genius. I know when I work with certain photographers and videographers that, they will ensure the quality of my work. By association, we strive for nothing other than excellence. For us, our brides are visions in white, waiting to be transformed into whatever their heart desires.

Find those people who share your core values. Respect, consideration, time, quality, and value still count for so much. Find the artists for whom it’s not about only making a buck but who do it for the joy and passion of creating their most beautiful work – on You.