Frequently Asked Questions
How will I be matched with the Makeup & Hair Artist?
We recommend sending us a photo or pinterest link of the desired look and we will set you up with the artist who best matches your esthetic. Each of the Artists are hand selected based on their natural talent and extensive industry experience. The team is able to create any of the looks that you see for makeup and hair on the Instagram, website and other social media. The owner Carolyn has trained each of the artists in specific techniques for all day perfection for makeup and hair.
Your work is AMAZING. When should I book my wedding day?
After you set your wedding date, we suggest that you book your makeup and hair artist immediately. Our clients usually book us 6 to 9 months to ensure that they have their bridal beauty team secured. A deposit of 30% is required to reserve our service(s) for your wedding date. Popular wedding dates in May, June, Sept and October book up very quickly.
What is the Trial Run appointment and is it necessary?
A trial run is recommended but not mandatory to ensure that you are very comfortable with the look for your wedding day. We want you to feel your absolute best and this appointment would be spent consulting with you and designing the look. Our artist will spend 2 hours with you to bring out your best features and highlight your natural beauty.
For your trial run session, there will be a full makeup application and hairstyle.
What do I need to prepare for the Trial Run session?
We recommend that you come to the trial run appointment with clean dry hair and a makeup free face. The professional artist will have all of the hair/makeup products and tools necessary to create the look.
We suggest that you bring the following items to the appointment: a few different images of makeup and hair looks, a photo of your wedding dress, any wedding accessories, and be ready to discuss with the artist the wedding theme, color, and overall feel you are going for.
Anything you share with us will help us design the perfect look for you!
What can I expect from the trial/ preview session if I rarely wear makeup?
Our artists want to enhance our bride’s natural beauty during the trial session. Please let the artist know your beauty preferences. If a normal every day look is a BB cream and chap stick the wedding day makeup will be a little different for you. We would first start off with a natural makeup look and build from there. We will also take pictures of you at the trial run appointment to show how you will look in pictures. Often if you do not wear any makeup you may feel a bit overwhelmed when you see your makeup professionally done for the first time. The initial trial may be an experimental session and a second second may be needed to finalize the desired look.
Do you provide airbrush makeup?
We do offer airbrush application. Airbrush is included in the brides services and the preview session upon request.
You may also add airbrush application for an additional $35 to any of the additional makeup services being provided.
What brand of makeup products do you use?
All of the products we use are of the best professional quality. We mix and match the most suitable products from various brands, such as Makeup Forever, NARS, Smashbox, Benefit, MAC, Charlotte Tilsbury, Chanel
Please inform our artists of any skin/ allergy condition(s) prior to application.
Will I need more than natural makeup for photos?
The esthetic of the team at Modern Bridal Studio is very natural to the soft glam range. The Artist will work with you based on your preferences to customize a look that makes you feel your best and looks flawless in photos. We will first start off with natural makeup. You may request for your artist to make any adjustments on the makeup during application.
We will also take pictures of you at the studio to show how you will look in pictures.
How is the wedding day timeline created?
The typical time frame will be approximately 4-6 hours per artist on the wedding day. The bride will be scheduled for two hours for makeup and hair. Each additional makeup or hair service will range from 30-45 minutes per service depending on the artist.
We will create a schedule for you at the time of contracting the team for your event day. You are able to adjust this timeline for all artists, one hour earlier or one hour later based on the changing needs of the day. We will need all timeline change requests submitted 30-45 days before the event date to guarantee that we are able to fully adjust the artists schedule.
We ask that you fill in the names in the slots provided on the timeline to make sure everyone knows when they are scheduled. We also ask that the scheduled person arrives 15 minutes before their slot to keep the day running smoothly and on time.
Will I need TOUCHUP service for my wedding?
Our touchup service is available upon request and there are a few different options to choose from starting at $150 an hour to a $350 flat rate.
The artist stays after the makeup and hair services are complete and goes with the group to the photo shoot portion and reception venue for any needed touch ups. The artist is usually set up in a small room in the venue and is waiting incase touch up services are needed. $150 an hour and the time starts 30 minutes after the finish time for the bridal party.
The artist will come back after the photos and will be scheduled for 1 hour to touch up the bride and anyone else who may need their look freshened up. This would include powder, lip color, bobbi pins, recurling any pieces that have fallen, hairspray etc. This option is also good for the bride who would like to change the look up for the reception. This service would be $350.
Do you offer any services for the groom?
Men's grooming is $150 for the groom and $75 for additional groomsmen. We will cover the groom’s blemishes, dark circles, bronzer or whatever may be needed to enhance the natural look.
The makeup will be nearly invisible to the eye. Blow drying or hair styling for the men is included as well.
Do you offer any other services besides weddings?
Yes we do!
We do engagement and photo shoots, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and black tie events.
We offer custom hair extensions starting at $150+
What is the cancelation policy for trial, special occasion, engagement session, or makeup and hair services?
All of our stylists are very in demand and have a very busy schedule. We greatly appreciate that you let us know in advance if you would like to reschedule your appointment. You will be charged the full service rate if you cancel your appointment within 24 hours of the appointment time or if you are a “no show.”
On Location - a few things to note
The services will be at your location, this would include the trial run + the event day.
The rate includes local travel in the following areas:
Washington DC, National Harbor, Chantilly VA, Alexandria, Arlington, Tysons
Additional travel fees may apply per Artist depending on the event or trial location.
as of 2020, We no longer have a physical studio in Old Town Alexandria.