Makeup, Hair And Dance By Meleah

Nothing is better than seeing someone so excited about how they look for their special day!

Please introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve been doing and teaching makeup and hair for over 20 years, and I absolutely love it. I specifically enjoy doing weddings because I love romance. Nothing is better than seeing someone so excited about how they look for their special day!

How would you describe your style?

For makeup, I like to keep it more on the natural side by focusing on bringing out people’s features. Soft, smokey, healthy, and glowing! As for hair, I choose styles that are fun and creative but also intricate and elegant.

I make it my priority to listen to my client and give them my input on what would be best for them.

What are the most common questions that brides ask you at the first introductory appointment?

I always get asked about my makeup application techniques, and if I can match the photo they have chosen for their look. I make it my priority to listen to my client and give them my input on what would be best for them. Most of the time we end up doing a compilation of a few photos; adapting it to their features.

Tips for brides who are interviewing a hair and makeup stylist?

Check for experience; look for a minimum of 7 years. It takes that long to really get an understanding of brides and how to make them happy. Look for a professional website with lots of examples. Ask about the artist’s style and make sure they are flexible and adaptable. Make sure they are open-minded and willing to collaborate with you.

• Check for experience
• Look for a professional website with lots of examples
• Ask about the artist’s style and make sure they are flexible and adaptable
• Make sure they are open-minded and willing to collaborate with you

Are you doing consultations?

I do a free consult which is about a 20-minute appointment. We discuss possible looks and how I would achieve them. If the bride wants to see how it will look, we book a bridal pre-do. This is a 2-hour appointment and we test the look for hair and makeup to see how it wears throughout the day how it suits her overall vision. I want her to feel completely comfortable and confident when the big day comes.

What's the typical budget that the bride should set aside for these services?

A bride should be prepared to set aside enough to result in a beautiful, high-quality hair and makeup application, but should ensure they aren’t being taken advantage of by looking at alternatives.

Factors that can determine the price can be the experience level of the artist as well as the quality of makeup and hair products they are using. High price does not necessarily mean high quality. Low price can mean less experience. Choose a mid-range price with an experienced artist. If you are on a tight budget, I suggest finding an artist/stylist that will work with your price range and avoiding any add-ons. Do what you can yourself, and let the artist/stylist do the rest! I offer a discounted rate if the bride comes to my studio.

An average budget is $200 for the bride only.

A funny story was when one poor bridesmaid was going to run a bath for the bride, and the shower valve was on. She was doused with water and we had to do a very quick hair repair.

Was there ever a time you had to improvise?

I improvise constantly! To be in this industry, you have to be able to adapt when things change- an extra bridesmaid (or three) need their makeup done all of a sudden, for example. I have also arrived at the destination and found out the timeline has been changed a lot! Timing is everything, and I do my best to have everyone ready when they need to be.

A funny story was when one poor bridesmaid was going to run a bath for the bride, and the shower valve was on. She was doused with water and we had to do a very quick hair repair.

Be open to a stylist’s suggestions that has been in the industry for years, and don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone and try something new (you would be very surprised at the results that it can bring)!

If you could ask one thing of the brides that would make your job easier, what would it be?

Be open to a stylist’s suggestions that has been in the industry for years, and don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone and try something new (you would be very surprised at the results that it can bring)!

Also, be punctual and have realistic expectations about how the process works. Arrive prepared. I send out prep instructions 2 weeks prior, and it is so helpful when the maids read them and show up prepped and ready to be styled.