Check your hair and makeup artist’s contract before you pay the deposit.
What should you check in a wedding hair and makeup artist contract?
Before you pay a hair and makeup artist's deposit, check whether a trial is included and when, how many people they'll do and how long each takes, what time they'll arrive, what travel costs, whether they'll patch test for allergies, who comes if they're ill, and what cancelling or changing the numbers costs.
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What to find in the contract
6 things to look for, what each one means, and what to ask the hair and makeup artist before you sign.
- 1
Is a trial included?
Check whether the price includes a trial, where it happens, and whether a second trial costs extra. A trial a few months before the wedding gives time to change the look.
What to ask before you sign
- Is the trial included, and where is it?
- What does a second trial cost?
- 2
Who's included, and how long does each person take?
The booking should list everyone the artist will do, such as the couple, the wedding party and parents, and the price for each. Check how long each person takes, so the morning's timings work, and whether a second artist is needed for a large party.
Look for what happens if you add or drop people later.
What to ask before you sign
- Who's included, and what does each person cost?
- How long does each person take?
- Can we change the numbers, and by when?
- 3
What time will they arrive, and what do they need?
An early start often carries an extra charge. Check the arrival time, the finishing time, and whether they'll stay for touch-ups before the ceremony or the photos.
Artists usually need a table, a chair, good light and a power socket. Check the room you're getting ready in has them.
What to ask before you sign
- What time do you arrive, and is there an early-start charge?
- Do you stay for touch-ups?
- What do you need in the room?
- 4
Is travel charged extra?
Check whether travel is included, charged per mile beyond a certain distance, or a fixed fee. Parking and accommodation for a distant venue or very early start can also be added.
What to ask before you sign
- Is travel included, or charged on top?
- Do we pay for parking or accommodation?
- 5
What about skin, allergies and products?
If anyone has sensitive skin or allergies, ask about the products used and whether the artist will do a patch test before the day. Check whether false lashes, hair pieces or accessories are included or extra.
What to ask before you sign
- Can you patch test before the wedding?
- Are lashes and hair pieces included?
- 6
What if you cancel, or they can't come?
Check what you'd owe at each stage if you cancel, and what happens if the artist is ill on the day. Some have a team or a network of artists to send instead; others refund what you've paid.
What to ask before you sign
- What would we owe if we cancelled at each stage?
- If you're ill, who comes instead?
This page is general information, not legal advice. Every hair and makeup artist’s contract is different, and none of the above replaces reading yours. If a contract matters to you, take proper legal advice on it.
Questions
- What should you check in a wedding hair and makeup artist contract?
- Before you pay a hair and makeup artist's deposit, check whether a trial is included and when, how many people they'll do and how long each takes, what time they'll arrive, what travel costs, whether they'll patch test for allergies, who comes if they're ill, and what cancelling or changing the numbers costs.
- Is a wedding hair and makeup trial worth it?
- Most couples find it is. It shows how the look works and lasts, and how long it takes, which helps plan the morning. Check whether it's included in the price.
- Do hair and makeup artists charge for travel?
- Many do, either per mile beyond a set distance or as a fixed fee, and an early start can carry its own charge. Check both in the booking.
- Is PlanHitch's contract review legal advice?
- No. The review reads a document and reports what it appears to say. It is not a legal review, it is not carried out by a solicitor, and it may not spot every fee, penalty or cancellation term. Use it to know what to ask, and if a contract matters to you, take proper legal advice on it.
- How much does the contract review cost?
- Every wedding gets one contract review free, on every plan, with no card needed. Premium, at £15 a month or £149 once, includes unlimited reviews.
Other contracts to check
Read your hair and makeup artist's contract before you pay
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