When it comes to preparing for a wedding, brides typically focus on booking the venue first. But scheduling hair and makeup services should be top of the list as well, says Studio 415 owner and master stylist Liz Arbut.
Otherwise, brides may run out of time to schedule these services for their big day.
“We’ve had some brides call in July and say, ‘I’m getting married in September. Could I schedule hair and makeup for me and my bridal party?’ I have to tell them, ‘I don’t think that’s going to happen for you, Honey. We’re all booked up,” said Arbut, who has been with Studio 415 since it opened in Traverse City in 2010.
“Two to three months out is not enough time to plan for hair and makeup appointments for a wedding, especially if it’s a destination wedding, like we see often in Traverse City,” Arbut said. “Brides assume scheduling the hair appointment will be easy, so they save that for last. What they don’t realize is that it’s just as important as booking the venue or booking the caterer because those appointments fill up fast.”
Arbut’s recommendation: Schedule hair and makeup services as soon as you have a date for the wedding to ensure you get the services and stylists you’d like.
Arbut, who has been in the industry since 2009, and her team have brought their master styling skills to hundreds of weddings and events throughout their careers. They have also shared their expertise during high-profile engagements, such as a makeup session for Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, before a CNN television news interview.
So it’s safe to say that when it comes to preparations for The Big Day, Arbut has seen it all—and is prepared for anything. In addition to booking hair and makeup services well in advance, she offers the following tips for wedding day success.
1. Book a trial run of hair and makeup. Arbut recommends this take place at least a week before the wedding or the week of, if it’s a destination wedding. “You don’t want to show up the day of and meet your stylist or makeup artist for the first time. That doesn’t leave room to find out what you like and don’t like and to have those discussions before the day of your wedding,” Arbut said. And even when you’ve worked with the stylist or makeup artist before, collaborating on your wedding day look in advance will not only result in a better experience, but also will calm your nerves.
2. Set expectations for the bridal party and mothers of the bride and groom in advance. For instance, a mother of the groom who has never had her makeup professionally done might not understand why she shouldn’t do her own makeup that day. “We tell them, ‘Up close, you might not feel quite like yourself [after the makeup is applied, but I promise you, when you see the photos of yourself from the wedding, it will be worth it,’” Arbut said. That’s because makeup that is professionally applied will last all day, ensuring the woman looks her best at every point and angle. For VIPs who may be on the shyer side, Arbut suggests a trial run, when possible.
Similarly, Arbut and her team plan extra time for unforeseen challenges, such as the bridesmaid who didn’t book an appointment, but suddenly realizes she would benefit from having her hair or makeup professionally done, or the attendant who “just wants to borrow a curling iron.” “Managing people on the day of the wedding has become a big life lesson for us as well,” Arbut said. “We work to set up their expectations for success as well.”
3. Communicate with your stylist. “If there’s a specific lip color you want for the day, bring it with you,” Arbut said. “If you know your hair doesn’t hold curl, tell your stylist. That way, if the weather is humid, she can suggest a style that will look good on you no matter the elements.”
4. Have extra supplies on hand. Top of the list: an extra can of hairspray and package of bobby pins.
5. If you’re having someone come on site for wedding preparations, make sure there is enough space and enough power outlets. Ventilation is key, Arbut said. “I remember when we were at The Homestead, it was about 90 degrees and 90% humidity, and we were in a very small space full of hairspray,” she said. “If you have a big bridal party, make sure there’s enough space for all of us to breathe and move. We’ve had some pretty funny on-top-of-each other situations.”
Also important: ensuring there is natural light in the room. “That’s especially important for the makeup artists,” Arbut said.
For every scenario, Arbut and her team bring their experience to bear. “We make sure that we have packed the kitchen sink as well, because we never know what we’ll end up with,” she said. “We take all of our own tools and our extension cords, just in case, because typically, the bride and bridesmaids are in an Airbnb or a hotel room they’ve never been in. We prepare for anything.”
When the preparations are complete, Arbut appreciates the opportunity to see the wedding, when she’s able. Photos are always appreciated.
Her favorite part? “I love putting on the veil at the end,” she said. “It just makes everything feel finished and gorgeous, and the bride feels finished as well at that point. It’s fun to see it all come together.
Interested in booking an appointment? Call (231) 922-9901 or visit the Studio 415 website.
