Your makeup artist will be with you on one of the most important mornings of your life. Choosing the right one goes far beyond browsing Instagram — it requires a proper conversation. Here are the ten questions I recommend every bride ask before making a booking.
1. Can I see your portfolio for skin tones similar to mine?
A strong portfolio is diverse. Ask to see work on a range of complexions, particularly skin tones close to yours. An artist whose portfolio shows beautiful results on only fair skin may not have the same depth of experience with deeper tones.
2. Do you offer a trial session?
Any professional bridal makeup artist should offer — and encourage — a pre-wedding trial. This is where you see the look on your actual face, in real lighting, with your actual jewellery if possible. If an artist discourages this, treat it as a red flag.
3. What products do you use, and are they skin-safe?
Ask about the brands in their kit. Premium, professional-grade products (MAC, Bobbi Brown, NARS, Charlotte Tilbury, Huda Beauty) photograph better, last longer, and are formulated to be kind to skin. If an artist is vague or evasive about their kit, be cautious.
4. How many other bookings do you have on my wedding date?
Some artists double-book, particularly during wedding season (October to February in Delhi). Confirm that you and your bridal party are their only or primary booking for that day, and that they will not be rushing between venues.
5. Do you travel? What are the charges?
If your venue or getting-ready location is outside the artist's usual area, clarify travel logistics and costs upfront. I cover Delhi and all of NCR, and offer outstation bookings with transparent travel charges.
6. How long will each look take?
Bridal makeup, depending on complexity, typically takes between 90 minutes and 3 hours. Ask for a realistic time estimate for each member of your bridal party so you can build your morning schedule properly and avoid a rushed start.
7. What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?
Life is unpredictable, especially around weddings. Understand clearly what happens if you need to reschedule, what the notice period is, and whether your deposit is refundable in any circumstances.
8. Have you worked at my venue or with my photographer before?
An artist who has worked at your venue knows the lighting. An artist familiar with your photographer knows how their work translates on camera. This is not essential, but it is a genuine advantage when everything else is equal.
9. What happens if there is an emergency on the day?
Ask what their contingency plan is — do they have a backup artist in their network who can step in? A professional with years of experience will have an answer to this question. A new artist may not.
10. Can you provide references or reviews from recent brides?
Beyond Instagram, ask for direct references or point you to verified reviews. Google reviews, wedding platforms, and direct client testimonials are all valid — and a confident, experienced artist will have no hesitation sharing them.
I am always happy to answer all of these questions and more before any booking. Reach out here and let's have a conversation about your wedding day look.
