Choosing a makeup artist for your Byron Bay wedding: a How-To Guide.
Planning a Byron Bay Wedding? Firstly - SO exciting, congratulations!! But also…you’ll probably be looking to lock down a makeup artist pretty soon too.
I’ve worked with loads of interstate and international brides who chose Byron Bay as their nuptial playground and the same thing always comes up for each of them: how do I choose a makeup artist in a town I don’t know?
I got you, boo.
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life and you want it to be perfect – whether it be a quiet chilled start to the day with only the tropical sounds of nature around you, or a full blown getting ready session with your squad, and the vendors you choose to be with you that day will 100% have an impact on how your vibe plays out.
To help you navigate this, I have put together a few handy tips to help you decide how to choose the Byron based crew who you’ll share your day with, while sitting pretty in the makeup chair.
#1. Pick an artist who already creates the look you’re after. If you want a soft, glowy romantic look, choose an artist who showcases that work. Similarly, if you’re after a full glam, statement look, choose an artist who shares that kind of work on their profiles. Asking an artist who specialises in natural makeup to create a full coverage, smoky cut crease look with heavy contouring is like asking a meat chef to make you a croissant; they can likely do it and know how, but it may take longer and it mightn’t be their best work. Find you your specialist and target them! The best way to do this? Look at their socials and you’ll very quickly get a good idea of what they do best.
#2. Since you’re likely coming from another town or country, communication is key, both for you and your makeup artist. If your artist isn’t replying to emails, queries and messages promptly, it doesn't instill a sense of trust or security and you’ll probably end up feeling unsure of what’s happening. That’s straight away a hard ‘no’. Your makeup artist should be your number 1 hype girl or guy! For me, I make it my job to ensure my bride-to-be feels calm, like she knows what is going on, she can trust that I’m organised and I have her covered. I want to take away any of that stress for her so she can just turn up and we’re good to go!
Similarly, it’s really important that you give your makeup artist any information that they request. Since it’s unlikely you’ll be able to have a trial especially if you’re travelling internationally, we need as much info as we can get to give you our best. We want ALL the nitty-gritty; what’s your skin doing? Do you normally wear makeup? Do you have any allergies? Show me pictures! Was there a time you had makeup done that you didn’t like and why? How many in your group require makeup? What time is your photographer arriving? What time do you need to depart? And if your makeup artist isn’t asking these questions?? Run.
#3. How much should you be paying? Fortunately there are makeup artists in Byron Bay and surrounds that offer a range of price points. Do your homework here too, as there are some absolutely phenomenal artists who are charging in the mid-range price point rather than top tier. Hot tip: just because an artist is charging a lot more than others, doesn’t automatically equal better. Some have higher rates because they aren’t looking for a lot of work, not necessarily because they are superior artists. Having said that there is some absolutely exquisite talent in and around Byron Bay and that will come with a higher ticket price.
To summarise, be open to the talent and don’t let their price guide be your only guide.
#4. People tend to think that their wedding day is JUST the part where they actually get hitched. Nope! Your wedding day starts the moment you open your eyes (thank goodness because the actual getting married bit flies by!). From the moment you wake up you are surrounded by people who will add to the magic of your day and your stylists are part of that crew! We are WITH YOU! We are your glam squad and trust me when I say who you choose here can make or break this experience. Ask yourself this: do I want someone who will be low key & slip quietly into the background as they work away, or someone who will be fun, bouncy and have a laugh? Do you want someone to take control of the day or someone who is happy to go with the flow and be guided by necessity? Everyone is different and all of these types are great, if that’s what you’re after.
The best way to ensure the people you’re choosing to spend your day with match your vibe is to talk to them. Either jump on the phone for an actual convo, start an email chat to catch their vibe or have a look at their socials (think stories, reels etc) to get an idea of their personality. I’m always really mindful of this and try to match the vibe of the group I’m with to ensure everything flows nicely. I won’t assume you want me to to be the life of the party on your big day, but let it be known, if that’s what you want… just say the word!
#5. When choosing your Byron Bay makeup artist, or any vendor really, a great place to start is… other vendors! Byron Bay is a small town where so many of us already know each other and will happily make suggestions and recommendations to help guide you. Ask your wedding venue, hairdresser, accommodation, wedding stylist, florist, celebrant or photographer who they recommend – they’ll be able to suggest who might suit your budget, style and personality. There is a wealth of knowledge already on your team so use that intel to your advantage.
#6. Go shopping! Treat sourcing your makeup artist like you’re shopping, because, well, you are! You’re paying for what they’re offering and you want it to be perfect ‘for you’. Contact a range of artists and see how they reply, in what time frame, what they offer and how they communicate. (I made a really popular reel on my Instagram for how to best approach a makeup artist to get the best response!) Treat it like an interview because you want this person to add magic to your day, to fit in with your family and friends and ensure your wedding day runs smoothly. Shop for the artist and their values.
#7. Travel? Or nah? This is a big one – does your makeup artist travel to you? Or do they only offer an in- salon space where you and your team have to travel to?
In my opinion, if you have a bridal party of 3 or more, it’s SO much easier to book an artist (and hairdresser) who will come to you. You’ve likely booked beautiful accommodation and you probably want to soak it up as much as possible. Having to tag team who is going to another location at what time, how they will get there and back while the others are leaving or arriving (see, it already sounds like it belongs in the too-hard basket!) is just a stress you probably want to avoid, PLUS it takes so much time away from being with your closest friends and family. A makeup artist who can come to you means you get to stay where you are, wear the cute matching PJs or robes, have a leisurely breakfast together and make all the memories while we do the work. Trussssst me on this one.
#7. Byron and beyond! Lots of makeup artists who work with brides getting married in Byron or the Byron Hinterland are from towns not far out of Byron Bay itself. So when you’re searching for a makeup artist, try searching these locations and terms too; Ballina, Bangalow, Alstonville, Lismore and Lennox Head. You’ll find a broader range of artists, price points and personalities.
I hope these tips have been helpful and you feel a bit more equipped on how to book the best makeup artist for your Byron Bay wedding and I wish you all the best in your search for an epic wedding team! Whether you choose to work with me or another artist, I hope that your day is as perfect as you deserve.
Love,
Kate x
