How Did You Choose Hmu?

ETA: I can't do my usual hair stylist because she doesn't do weddings.

As a hairstylist myself i would contact your options and ask if they have any pictures of updos they have done. If they came highly recommend they will have pictures to help. Then it is just figuring out what you want and like and chosing based on who you think will be amazing!

I've been stalking my HMUA since my cousin's wedding. I had a huge girl crush on her because she's the epitome of a girl Boss and watched her grow her business. I followed her on Instagram and loved all of her looks. I love bold approaches to make up and love unique hair. She doesn't go for the typical updo with a smiley eye. She really has an artistic flair.

I was so happy to be able to book her! She was my favorite vendor. Still obsessed with her and even saw she did hair and makeup for a designers for New York Wedding Fashion Week!

I had a list of a few MUAs (already had a hairstylist) that were comparable in prices, reviews and pictures. I emailed a bunch of them and took out the ones who either took a long time to respond or didn't seem as personable. And when I had about 3 choices, I decided to book a trial with the one who was closest to home. She's based in the next town over and has extremely reasonable travel policies. It worked perfectly.

I went with the ones that are considered best in our area... via family and friends. We ended up only LOVING one.. and we booked her. I am so so excited. I used IG, reviews etc.

I went to a bridal expo and saw a HMUA doing a live demo on a model with airbrush to I guess show off her technique and style. It pretty much confirmed to me that I wanted airbrush. So I started researching HMU that specialized in Airbrush application. I followed some of them on IG. I didn't really find any salons appealing to me because they seemed to (like you said) post more of hair cuts, style and color. I wanted someone who just did special occasions and weddings because they would know how certain products photograph. After a few months, I wound up booking the original HMUA I met at the bridal expo doing the demo. She was more expensive than other ones but something about just watching her work really put my mind at ease. I also did a trial with her before booking.

I would contact your top 5 to get prices and pictures of they up dos. Then pick one to schedule a trial before booking them for your wedding.

My cousin is a hairdresser and is going to do my hair (she was supposed to do my hair in high school for my proms but for the first one, she had her baby sooner than she expected, then for my second one, she accidentally sliced her finger right before my appointment.. we've always said since then that we need to keep her in a bubble in the weeks leading up to my wedding!)

I went back and forth about hiring a makeup artist, but it's just not in my budget. My college roommate is a bridesmaid and she took me to Ulta (she has one in her city, while my hometown doesn't have any makeup stores) and walked through with a consultant to get what we would need to do my makeup. I trust her completely, and she offered to take care of it as a gift to me.

I'm having the same issue. I waited too long and the best in my area are booked. But one of them, who owns a salon, has a very good reputation and does amazing work, just hired an assistant who I'm booking for hair. I'm definitely taking a chance since I've seen very little of her work, but I trust that the owner wouldn't just hire anyone. Still on the lookout for a MUA 😩

View Quoted Comment I didn't even think to reach out to them (I know, derp moment), so I'll do that! Thanks!

View Quoted Comment I always forget about Instagram. I just looked on there and found SO much more! Thanks!

View Quoted Comment I always forget about IG! Just looked some up and found many more pictures of their makeup. Thanks!

I took a couple of recommendations from friends whose weddings i'd been at and who had the look i wanted (natural, not too glam, but still a little funky). i went with one that 2 of my friends had used for their weddings and started following her on instagram to see what kind of stuff she did. i also wanted to make sure i had someone who could come to us on the day. she ended up being so amazing. i booked her before doing my trial because i had seen her work in person, but i think if i hadn't i would've done my trial first. good luck!

View Quoted Comment How far out did you do your trial and book her? The great vendors in my area book up fast, so I'm worried to wait too long to book. I have fair skin and don't wear too much makeup, so I'm very picky with makeup. I feel like a trial would put my mind at ease, just worried about doing it so early.

View Quoted Comment This is why I'm looking so early! All of the good vendors in my area book up fast.

View Quoted Comment I didn't even think about asking whether they travel or not. Thanks for the advice!

View Quoted Comment I booked mine 10 months in advance