Question 1

How do I secure my date?

Accepted Answer

We receive new inquiries at a high volume and book on a first come first serve basis 12-18 months in advance. Trials are booked approximately 4-6 months prior to the wedding date. If you want to trial sooner so you can book us right away, we're happy to do that. A non-refundable deposit of $100 is required to secure your trial date and will go toward your trial fee. A signed service agreement and 50% non-refundable deposit is due after your makeup trial that goes toward your total wedding balance. We cannot hold dates without a deposit.

Question 2

Are makeup trials required?

Accepted Answer

Not required, but highly encouraged for weddings. This is for the benefit of the bride and the artist to maximize the ease and success of the day.

Question 3

What should I do to prepare for my makeup trial?

Accepted Answer

Make a mood board of images you like and styles you would like to try. You can use Pinterest or save images on Instagram and this will help to give an overall idea of your taste and which direction you would like to go with your makeup. If you have photos of yourself where you loved your makeup, add those too. Arrive with clean skin and a white or cream colored top. If you have any allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients or products, please let me know ahead of time. The trial is an opportunity to try several looks, so take lots of good photos from all angles along the way. It’s important to love your makeup in person and in photos.

Question 4

Where does the makeup trial take place?

Accepted Answer

Makeup trials can be done from the comfort of your own home or at my studio space in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Travel outside of the five NYC boroughs will incur an additional fee.

Question 5

How long does the makeup trial take?

Accepted Answer

Makeup trials are 90 minutes, but I recommend a 2-3 hour window since most brides have a hair trial in tandem to see the full vision.

Question 6

When should I schedule a makeup trial?

Accepted Answer

After you have chosen your dress, and generally 4-6 months prior to the wedding date. If you want to trial more than 6 months before your wedding date so you can book us right away, we're happy to do that! Trials require a $100 deposit to secure the date and it goes toward your final balance.

Question 7

How many artists will I need for my wedding day?

Accepted Answer

This depends on how many people are receiving makeup services. Upon booking, you will be asked more details about your party size, time of ceremony, and what time you’d like to start getting ready. A single artist can comfortably handle 4-5 applications in 4 hours.

Question 8

What time do you begin makeup on the wedding day?

Accepted Answer

It depends on how many people are getting makeup and what time everyone must be ready by. Makeup start times before 7:30 AM will incur an additional fee.

Question 9

Do you travel for weddings?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! And we love to do it. Emma has done weddings all over the US and internationally. Ground travel is included in packages for NYC and some surrounding areas. For everything else, travel fees are built into your package as a flat rate, and we give you the option to take care of everything else on your end. We're happy to plan our own travel and accommodation too. We try to keep the costs low, and always love the opportunity to travel, so don’t hesitate to ask!

Question 10

Do you have recommendations for a wedding hair stylist?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I work closely with an amazing hair team who share a similar aesthetic and ethos to mine. We love working together and I always encourage my brides to book with them too. We book out separately though so let me know if you’d like to connect.

Question 11

Do you offer airbrush makeup?

Accepted Answer

Only for specific requests such as tattoo or scar coverage. For beauty, I find that airbrush makeup sits on the skin, accentuates peach fuzz and can look a bit dated and flat. I use brushes and sponges to give clients a look that I feel the airbrush technique lacks: a flawless, smooth, dimensional skin finish. I work with my brides for months leading up to their wedding date with skincare protocol, tips and recommendations to keep them glowing, vibrant and healthy from the inside out.

Question 12

How would you describe your style?

Accepted Answer

Emma and her team offer a modern, fresh approach to traditional bridal makeup. With a background in editorial and beauty makeup, we embrace the "less is more" aesthetic. We believe your wedding makeup should reflect your personality and style, but also feel timeless and understated. Each wedding we get to work on is an honor. We value and exhibit the highest level of customer service, attention and care to everyone that we serve. It's important to us that we keep the energy calm, warm and professional so you can be in the moment and enjoy your special day.

Question 13

What's it like to work with you?

Accepted Answer

We strive to keep the environment fun, laid-back and professional. Before your trial, we do lots of image sharing and consulting. I make personalized mood boards for each of my brides. After you secure your wedding date, I provide 24/7 correspondence, planning and scheduling leading up to your big day. We do periodic check-ins and I offer skincare and wellness tips along the way so you feel beautiful from the inside out.

Emma Strachman Makeup Artist

About Emma Strachman Makeup Artist