Things to consider when booking hair and makeup for weddings in the Philippines

Portfolio & Expertise

• Do you specialize in bridal hair and makeup, or do you also do fashion/editorial work?
• How many Philippine weddings have you done in total and in the last 12 months?
• Can I see a portfolio of real brides (no heavy filters) with similar skin tone and features to mine (e.g., morena, chinita, mestiza)?
• Do you have before-and-after photos and close-ups under natural light and flash?
• Have you worked in venues with high humidity or outdoor/beach ceremonies (e.g., Tagaytay, Batangas, Boracay, La Union, Subic)?
• Are you comfortable with textured, curly, or very fine hair?
• What looks are you best known for (soft glam, classic, full glam, “no-makeup” makeup)?
• Do you have testimonials I can check and permission to contact a past bride for references?
• Are you familiar with how makeup translates on camera for Filipino photographers’ lighting styles?

Vision & Personalization

• How will you adapt my peg/inspiration to my face shape, skin tone, eye shape, and hair texture?
• Can you recommend a look that suits a Catholic church ceremony and a more festive reception?
• What makeup styles photograph best for my venue time (morning vs. sunset vs. evening)?
• Do you consider veil placement, hair accessories, baro’t saya/tarlatana textures, and neckline when proposing hairstyles?
• How do you ensure the look still feels like “me” and not overdone?

Skin & Hair Prep Guidance

• What pre-wedding skincare/hair prep do you recommend (and when should I start)?
• Do you have a prep list for the week/day before (hair wash timing, exfoliation, lip care)?
• Do you provide guidance for acne-prone, sensitive, or mature skin?
• Can you advise on hair color/trim schedule before the wedding?

Products & Sanitation

• Which brands and specific long-wear products do you use for hot/humid climates?
• Do you carry hypoallergenic/fragrance-free options?
• Do your foundations have SPF and will they cause flashback?
• How do you sanitize brushes, sponges, and tools between clients?
• Do you use disposable wands for mascara/lip products and fresh lash glue per client?
• Do you have cruelty-free or vegan options if requested?

Trial (Preview) Session

• Is a trial included in the bride package or charged separately?
• Where is the trial done and how long will it take?
• What’s included in the trial (multiple hairstyles, different lip options, airbrush vs. traditional test)?
• Can I book a trial timed with a prenup shoot or dress fitting?
• Will you document the products/steps from the trial to replicate on the day?
• What happens if I’m not satisfied after the trial—can we adjust and re-test?
• What are your reschedule/cancellation terms for the trial?

Airbrush vs. Traditional

• Do you offer both airbrush and traditional application?
• Which do you recommend for my skin type and venue conditions?
• What’s the difference in finish, longevity, and comfort?
• Is there a price difference for airbrush?
• Can we mix techniques (airbrush base, traditional for details)?

Timeline & Team Logistics

• How many artists/stylists are on your team for our wedding day?
• How many heads can you realistically do without rushing?
• What is your per-head time estimate for hair and for makeup separately?
• What is your recommended call time for a 3:00–4:00 PM church ceremony with first look?
• Can you provide a detailed HMUA timeline for the bride, moms, and entourage?
• Do you coordinate timing with our coordinator and photo/video teams (e.g., SDE shots, first look)?
• In what order do you prefer to do hair vs. makeup, and why?
• What buffers do you build in for traffic, weather, and unexpected delays?

Setup & Requirements

• What are your setup needs (table space, high chair, outlets, extension cords, ring light, mirror)?
• Do you need air-conditioning or a cool room to ensure longevity of the look?
• How long is your setup and pack-up time?
• Do you need parking access, building passes, or loading dock info?
• Do you have backup equipment (extra hair tools, compressors, lights)?

Out-of-Town & Travel

• Do you charge an out-of-town fee (OOTF)? How is it computed (per km, zone-based, per artist)?
• Are toll, parking, and fuel included or billed separately?
• For very early call times or far locations, do you require overnight lodging?
• Are there fees for multiple prep locations (e.g., separate rooms for bride/groom)?
• Will you travel to the reception venue for a second look, and what would that cost?

Entourage, Groom & Family

• Do you have packages for bride + groom grooming + moms + entourage?
• Are there different rates for junior bridesmaids and flower girls?
• Do you offer men’s grooming (anti-shine, concealer, hair tidy-up) and how long does it take?
• How do you tailor looks for mature skin and different hair densities?
• Can entourage members request custom tweaks if they have strong preferences?

Touch-Ups, Second Look & Coverage

• Do you stay for touch-ups until the ceremony or up to the start of reception?
• Do you offer a “second look” service (e.g., hair down for reception) and what are the fees?
• What’s your hourly rate for standby retouch after the main service?
• What touch-up kit do you provide (lip color, blotting, powder puff)?
• Who can I assign to help maintain my look if you won’t be on standby?

Add-Ons & Special Services

• Do you provide or install hair extensions? Are they rental or purchase?
• Are premium false lashes included or an add-on?
• Do you offer tattoo/scar coverage or body makeup? What’s the rate?
• Can you handle cultural headpieces, veils, and hair ornaments securely?
• Do you offer male barbering or beard grooming partners, if needed?

Pricing, Inclusions & Payment

• What exactly is included in the bride package (trial, lashes, skincare prep, hair accessories)?
• Are there different tiers (junior artist/senior artist/lead artist) and what are the price differences?
• Is VAT included? Can you issue an official receipt if needed?
• How do you price additional heads beyond the package?
• Do you have early call-time fees (before 5–6 AM) or overtime charges?
• How much is the reservation fee/booking retainer and is it deductible from the total?
• What are your payment modes (bank transfer, GCash, credit card) and due dates?

Contracts, Policies & Contingencies

• Do you provide a written contract detailing services, headcount, timeline, and fees?
• What is your policy on cancellations, postponements, or force majeure (e.g., typhoons)?
• Are reservation fees refundable or transferable if the date changes?
• If you get sick or have an emergency, what is your backup plan and who replaces you?
• What happens if you’re late due to traffic or unforeseen events?
• How do you handle client delays that compress the schedule?
• Are changes in headcount allowed after booking? Until when?
• Do you carry professional liability insurance?

Collaboration & Communication

• Will you coordinate directly with our planner for the HMUA timeline?
• Can you join a quick call to finalize pegs and timing?
• How far in advance do you need the final headcount and schedule?
• Do you have a questionnaire I can fill out for preferences, allergies, and sensitivities?
• How responsive are you on email/DM, and what’s your typical turnaround time?

Trial-to-Wedding Consistency

• Will the exact products and shades used during the trial be available on the wedding day?
• How do you record lash style, foundation match, contour intensity, and hairstyle steps?
• Can we schedule a mini-touch base 2–3 weeks before to reconfirm the plan?

Photo/Video Readiness

• Do you test the look under flash and different lighting temperatures?
• Are you familiar with minimizing shine for 4K video and warm church lighting?
• How do you prevent makeup transfer to barong/veil?
• Can you work quickly for “getting ready” shots without compromising quality?

Health & Safety

• What are your hygiene protocols for eye products and liquid liners?
• Can you accommodate fragrance-free or latex-free lash glue?
• Do you offer patch tests for sensitive clients?
• Are artists fully vaccinated (if required by venue) and do you follow venue health rules?

Aftercare & Longevity

• How can I maintain the hair volume/curls for several hours in humidity?
• What do you recommend I carry in my bridal pouch for quick fixes?
• How do I remove the makeup and lashes safely after the event?
• Any tips to protect my hair post-styling if I have another event the next day?

Red Flags to Clarify (Ask Directly)

• If a supplier cannot provide a contract, why not?
• If timelines seem too tight, what quality safeguards are in place?
• If sanitation practices are unclear, can you walk me through your process step-by-step?
• If rates are significantly lower/higher than market, what justifies the difference?