So, quite often when sending quotes to brides I am challenged on why bridal bookings are more expensive than occasion makeup bookings so I thought it would be helpful to explain. You might notice varying prices on the market when looking for quotes. As with everything, service delivery comes at a price and we’re not all fortunate enough to have a money tree for unlimited wedding funds in the garden but do you really want to skimp on something that will be on your photos for the rest of your life? When thinking about your wedding budget, make sure you prioritise the things that will really make you feel special… Spending £100’s on stationery and a wedding post box is all great but when the day has passed, will your guests really care about your stationery? But you have to look at your photographs forever… keep your pennies for a good photographer and for your hair and makeup.
The most obvious reason for the difference in price is that this is one of the most important occasions of your life. Therefore, I will be providing a quality, bespoke service. The price of a wedding booking encompasses more than just the makeup, although that is a priority. Brides often have lots of questions… I am always here to answer questions. I am very approachable and will be honest with you when you have questions. Upon receipt of the deposit to secure the wedding date I send out booking confirmation documents to my bridal clients so they are reassured that their date is booked – I also include receipt of payment details on the document and will always update this document to reflect any additional bookings or payments. I receive many messages from brides who have been let down last minute by MUAs who have not provided the bride with a contract/booking document and cancel their weddings as they have received a bigger (more profitable) wedding no doubt. You have assurance that I would not do this. I have turned large group bookings away in the past as I have already had a wedding booked in, sometimes maybe only 1 bride to do (and I could have earned more money with a larger booking).
Why is the bride more expensive than the bridal party? The bride is the “Star of the Show”. At the trial I discuss all skin issues, makeup quirks/habits/likes/dislikes, product questions etc so that I can ensure the makeup application will be (and remain) flawless throughout the day. More time will always be spent with the bride to ensure she is happy and ready to walk down the aisle with confidence.
Weddings always require a higher level of service that isn’t necessary for occasion makeup bookings…
So what else makes a wedding booking different to turning up at my house for an hour slot occasion makeup?
- My kit is heavy… I often travel to wedding venues and have to set up in locations with no lift (especially old buildings)… I have a large kit bag, a heavy stool and often bring my own lighting with me to compensate for poor lighting in the room where you are getting ready…not to mention the 4.30am alarm clock to drive to the venue to get there punctually!
- There is lots going on… people get distracted! Children running around, florists turning up, shoes going missing, photographer wanting to interrupt to take photos, Aunty Mary having a meltdown in the corner… all of this adds time and pressure to the working environment. Not to mention the limited space. Makeup Artists often end up in a tiny corner with not much space to work in – another challenge 🙂
- With large groups I can be stood up for hours without a break ensuring each person feels as special as the person before them…
- More time is allowed for a wedding booking than an occasion makeup booking to ensure that all of the distractions that happen on a wedding morning means I do not compromise quality on your makeup. I NEVER compromise quality so always allow extra time for any issues that could arise on a wedding morning. I did a wedding last year where a supplier failed to turn up on the day to decorate the room where the wedding reception was taking place. Things like this can happen! I also wait around until the bride is fully dressed to ensure that any little touch ups are done before walking down the aisle… unfortunately you wont find me waiting in your living room for you to down your cocktails with the girls before heading to the club after an occasion makeup booking 🙂
Also very important, the price reflects my experience and my professional training. I continually invest in products, training and research to provide all of my clients with a quality service. I am not the most expensive on the market nor am I the cheapest…but I do provide a quality service and have always had great feedback from my clients which can be found on my facebook page…
https://en-gb.facebook.com/pg/GemmaRimmingtonMUA/reviews
Feel free to contact me with any queries.
Thanks
Gemma xxx
