What is most important to you?
After deciding on the overall budget for the wedding, the next thing I suggest is for couples to choose the top three items or services that are most important to them (ex- photography, food and decor or entertainment, dress and open bar). Doing this can really help you get the wedding that you envision without overspending. The online spreadsheets for budgets are a great start but it's also important to remember that they are generic... not a "one size fits all". Don't feel that you need to stick to it completely- feel free to move things around and add money to what is important to you and take it away from items you don't place as much value on or maybe don't need.
So, what is behind the costs of all of these wedding services? The thing to remember is that you aren't just paying for the final product or the day of service. This is one of the questions I wanted to ask the vendors who are taking part in this series along with how long they have been in the industry, the amount of time they spend on each wedding, etc. What I really hope is that reading these answers will assist with all the couples who are planning their weddings and feeling the pressure of staying within their budget.
Next up is Jenny from Mink Makeup and Hair. Clients of mine have used Mink's services multiple times and I always get great feedback about them.
Mobile Hair Styling, Makeup Applications and Lash Extensions
How long have you been in business?
11 years
How many weddings do you book each year?
170-200 wedding bookings alone
What do you love about working on weddings?
We love how everything comes together! The dress, jewelry, makeup, hair, shoes, flowers.... so much to coordinate! It really is a great moment when see our Brides all done up and ready to meet their soul mate at the alter!
What is the average amount of hours that you put into each wedding?
The amount of time that goes into each wedding booking varies. This is due to the fact that each wedding is unique, the amount of added services (such as Bridesmaids and Mothers), multiple dates (2 day wedding events, engagement shoots, multiple trials), scheduling staff and so on. Time spent is somewhere between 10 hours (bride only booking with one trial) and 40 hours.
What factors go into/went into determining your prices?
Current going rate in the industry along with continued education, makeup and hair supplies, computer programs and other (website, advertising,studio/office space in Vancouver), merchant fees (Visa/Mastercard), touch-up kits and lashes (strip lashes included in packages $8-$40/pair) and of course Bridal Experience!!!
All of our stylists are professionally trained make up artists and hairstylists. On average schooling can range from $8000 to $18,000. An experienced artist will have a fully stocked kit and could be valued anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000!!!
Any extra comments on pricing for weddings?
Weddings can be pricey but if you book early you may be able to take advantage of special offers from the artists you choose. We do offer early booking bonuses and can work with small or limited budgets! Mink also has 3 different packages to offer brides and we will work with the Bride to find a Mink stylist who is a PERFECT FIT for her personality, vision, budget, and for the kind of experience she wants created for her.
The thing that Jenny said that really jumped out at me is the cost of the kits that each artist has. That is a lot of money that they have to put up beforehand in order to be effective. I think about how much money I can spend at Sephora or MAC and I'm only trying to buy makeup for my one type of skin, coloring and style. Imagine having to have everything on hand for all skin colors and types?! Having an artist that has all these in their kits is sooooo important! You don't want to be walking down the aisle looking orange or a weird color because your makeup artist wasn't prepared for you and couldn't match your skin color. Not what you want any day let alone your wedding day!
Coming up next in a few days, I talk to Jane, owner of Budget Blooms. Watch for it on the blog soon!
As always, if you have any questions, email me or leave a comment!
Happy planning,
Sara