Questions for your makeup artist
| Question | Why it matters | Mahsa's answer |
|---|---|---|
| Do you offer a trial? | It is where your look is decided | Yes: Bridal Preview, $250, about 1 to 1.5 hours in Tarzana |
| How long does bridal makeup take? | It sets your morning schedule | About two hours, including skin prep |
| Do you travel? | You can get ready where you are photographed | Yes, to venues, hotels, and homes; travel priced by location |
| Are lashes included? | Avoids surprise add-ons | Premium lashes are included in Bridal Makeup |
| Do you stay for touch-ups? | Long days need refreshes | The Diamond Package includes extended touch-up coverage |
| Can you handle my bridal party? | Big parties need more hands | Yes, with a trained team of up to three artists |
| What is the deposit? | Know your commitment | 50% non-refundable at booking |
Also ask to see real, unfiltered photos of brides with a similar skin tone and style to yours, and how the artist adapts long-wear techniques for heat, tears, and a long celebration.
Questions for your DJ
- Do you provide ceremony sound and microphones for the officiant and readings?
- Will you also MC, and how do you handle announcements and the grand entrance?
- Have you played weddings with our traditions, such as Persian, Jewish, Armenian, or Israeli music?
- Do you offer lighting or LED walls, and what does the venue allow?
- How do you coordinate timing with the photographer and planner?
For DJ and MC recommendations, see Mahsa's recommended wedding professionals.
Questions to ask both
- What do you need from us, and by when?
- Who is our contact on the day?
- What happens if the schedule runs late?
- Are there any fees beyond the quote, such as travel or early start times?
Red flags to watch for
- No trial offered. Without one, your look is decided on the wedding morning.
- Only heavily filtered photos. Ask to see unfiltered work on skin tones and styles like yours.
- Vague pricing. Named services, travel, and lashes should be clear before you pay a deposit.
- No written terms. Your deposit, arrival time, and what happens if plans change should be in writing.
- No questions about your skin. A good artist asks about sensitivities, recent treatments, and how your skin behaves over a long day.
- Unclear day-of contact. You should know exactly who arrives, when, and how to reach them.
After you book, keep one shared document with each vendor's arrival time, contact number, and responsibilities. It makes the morning calmer for everyone, and it is the first thing your planner or a trusted friend will ask for. Update it whenever anything changes, and share each new version with every vendor.
Questions clients ask
What is the most important question to ask a wedding makeup artist?
Ask whether they offer a trial. It is where your look, products, and timing are decided before the wedding day.
Are lashes included in Mahsa's bridal makeup?
Yes. Bridal Makeup ($1,200) includes premium lashes selected for you.
Does Mahsa travel to the wedding venue?
Yes. Mahsa travels to wedding venues, hotels, private homes, and other agreed locations, and travel is priced by location.
Should my DJ provide ceremony sound?
Ask. Many couples want the officiant and readings amplified, especially outdoors or in large rooms, and the DJ usually handles it.
Can Mahsa recommend other wedding professionals?
Yes. While every vendor is booked separately, Mahsa can recommend experienced professionals based on your celebration and needs. For DJ entertainment, sound, lighting, LED walls, and full event production, she recommends DJ Next Level Entertainment.
Keep exploring
Written by Mahsa Gerami, The Brow Doctor | Makeup By Mahsa G.. Last updated .