Firstly welcome!! And congratulations on your engagement - this is such an exciting time for you and your partner. The number one comment brides make upon our first phone call or email is that wedding planning is going well ... but it is a LOT! I completely understand - not only is everyday life busy but wedding planning can feel like a second full-time job with logistics and planning. We are fortunate to have an abundance of amazing options and inspiration within the wedding industry. The possibilities are endless; however, what can make the biggest difference to your experience—and perhaps the most overwhelming part of wedding planning—is choosing your suppliers. That's why I wanted to share a post about why you should consider booking me and see if i'm the right fit for your special day
I truly want the best for you
I suppose I could have started by talking about my experience, expertise, or skills, but ultimately, I believe what truly sets me apart is that I’m not just a hair and makeup artist who shows up, does the job, and leaves. I genuinely care about you and your experience. Whether your wedding is something you’ve dreamed of since you were a little girl, it’s your second time around and you’ve finally found the one who makes you feel safe and special, or you’ve just found your person and want to quietly celebrate with an intimate day, I want you to have the best day possible. My goal is to ensure you feel the most special and beautiful you’ve ever felt. Honestly, I get attached to my brides and get sad when my part is all over because i would have been looking forward to doing your makeup again and catching up from your trial.
2. I invest in you
I understand that it might feel like the word "wedding" automatically comes with a higher price tag wherever you turn. But with me, you truly get what you invest in (many of my brides have told me I should be charging much more), and I’ve even been told I’m “worth my weight in gold” by some. I genuinely invest my time in you. Once you’ve booked with me, I schedule a free skincare consultation over the phone to help you gain clarity on what works best for your skin and ensure you're using the right products. This helps us create a well-hydrated and cared-for canvas, which is key to the longevity of your makeup.
Not only did I learn the fundamentals of skin and skincare through my degree, but I also have a deep personal interest in it. Many of my brides with more complex skincare needs know that I take the time to research, suggest products, and follow up regularly. My goal is to help you feel confident in your own skin—and I’ve even been known to help a groom or two!
But my commitment doesn’t stop there. I’m always available to help my brides with anything I can—whether it’s offering opinions on accessories via email or even sorting out last-minute supplier issues after other vendors have let them down at the eleventh hour. My support goes well beyond hair and makeup!
3. Your trial is comprehensive
My trials are incredibly thorough—makeup-only trials typically last around 2 hours, and for both hair and makeup, I set aside 4 hours. This may seem excessive, but many of my brides have never had their hair and makeup done professionally before, or if they have, they weren’t thrilled with the results. I understand that while you may be excited about this part of your wedding planning, there could also be a bit of anxiety, and that’s completely normal!
We begin each trial with a conversation about your overall vibe, your daily style, and what makes you feel most confident. We’ll go over your inspiration photos, and most importantly, I listen. It’s essential to be guided by your vision (although if you say, "Just do your thing, Olivia!"—that works too!). I also provide guidance based on my expertise, recommending colors and styles that will complement your skin tone, skin type, and personal aesthetic.
Throughout the process, I break everything down, explaining each step so you can make informed decisions about your bridal look—knowing how it will last, how it reflects in natural light, and how it will appear on camera. I also walk you through everything step by step, so if there’s something you’re not loving, we can pinpoint and adjust it right away.
It’s a safe space, and I make sure you feel that. I encourage feedback throughout the trial, and we will tweak and refine until you absolutely love the look. I even suggest you take the day to sit with the look and see how you feel as time goes on, ensuring it's exactly what you want for your big day. If not, I provide enough information for you to know what you do want, along with the confidence that we can achieve that together.
I never push my brides toward a specific look or a certain amount of makeup. Yes, I have a style, and if it’s not for you, I completely respect that and encourage you to find your perfect bridal artist. But I will never pressure or force anyone into a look they don’t love—this is your face, your hair, and ultimately, it’s you who needs to feel beautiful and confident.
4. I am constantly investing time and money into my skill
I truly love my job and am incredibly passionate about it, which means I'm always evolving—learning new skills and methods, and investing in training with some of the top makeup and hair stylists in the UK. I'm also really proud of the techniques and methods I've developed through my own experience. While I continue to stay true to my style and unique artistic flair, I'm always improving over time. So, if you're booking me 6 months to two years ahead of your big day, you're actually getting even more value for your money… Girl math!
5. Your experience on the big day
With over 300 wedding mornings under my belt, I’ve truly seen it all. My biggest piece of advice for a calm and relaxing morning is to plan for more time than you think you’ll need and have everything organized well in advance. I create a personalized schedule for each of my brides and even provide an estimated timeline before you officially book. I’m not one to be greedy with having more services, so if I think an assistant is needed to help with services, I’ll let you know. Similarly, if you’ve enquired for both hair and makeup with me but I feel it would be smoother to have a separate hair artist, I have some fantastic recommendations.
Many of my brides have left reviews saying I’ve been the calming influence on their wedding morning—not just there to do hair and makeup, but also to keep everything running smoothly. I assist with timing, letting you know when to start getting dressed, and even help with the little details, like organizing, putting on shoes, and ensuring everything is in place. It's all about those finer details, and I’m there to support you every step of the way.
Ultimately, your day isn’t just another job to me—I understand that this is going to be one of the most special and memorable days of your life. It’s an honor for any bride to trust me with such an intimate and vulnerable part of their day, and my goal is always to make you look beautiful and feel truly special.
Want to chat about your day? Please feel free to email me at oliviamarshallmakeup@gmail.com or enquire via https://www.oliviamarshallmakeup.com/contact.
All the best,
Olivia
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