Glam Squad 101: Your guide to finding the best fit for the big day
Flawless hair and makeup is the finishing touch to your bridal look — and no real “recipe” for bridal bliss is complete without it. For worry-free beauty on one of the most memorable (and quite possibly, most stressful) days of your life, it’s wise to leave the task of making hair and makeup magic to the professionals. And a glam squad is just what the wedding planner ordered!
Master makeup artist, bride-to-be, and owner of JK Winn & Company, Jordan Winn, gave us the skinny on glam squads to help you find the best fit for your big day.
What exactly is a glam squad, and how is it different from a regular hair stylist or makeup artist?
A Glam squad is a group of stylists who work together regularly. They all know each other’s strengths and can provide flawless beauty services within a swift and effective timeline. They know how to make sure the chaos and pressure do not affect anyone’s mood. They are used to being on-the-go, so they are excellent at setting up in small areas, have an exquisite kit of goodies, and work with the space provided. Glam squads that specialize in wedding beauty understand that a wedding day beauty stylist is more than just someone who does your hair and makeup.
photo by Anna Kerns
Very important! Look for a variety of different tones, types, looks, hair color, skin color, etc., in the portfolio. More importantly, look for someone who resembles you and don’t hesitate to ask for more examples. There are only so many spaces on a websites for images. Check out social media and such so you can see behind the scenes and other current looks they are providing clients. An active social media presence is a good sign that the squad is active and passionate about showcasing their work.
Should a reputable glam squad offer to do a trial run with me before my wedding?Yes, and that trial should be with the exact artist that you would be working with on your big day. It will most likely bring your artist and you closer, help her understand your vision, and cut down on anxiety. Also, you can use the trial run as an excuse to get all glammed up and do something fun such as a boudoir shoot or a fancy dinner out with the fiancé!
photo by Pearl Grain
What should I bring to my glam squad consultation to ensure they will be able to turn my hair and makeup dreams into reality?Bring all of your pictures and Pinterest pins, your veil and hair accessories, and a picture of your dress. Additionally, wear a shirt similar to the color of your dress and with a neckline similar to your dress so that you can get a good idea of how everything will look. Ideas of what you truly dislike are also very helpful.
Should I wash my hair before my trial? And what about moisturizer? To wear or not to wear?This may sound crazy, but YES for facial moisturizer and NO for hair washing! Hair is best one day old. Wash your hair the morning of the day before your trial. Only put a little product in it — or none at all if at all possible. Blow dry it or air dry (whatever is normal for you), but do not flat iron hair! It will “steam” the hair shut, and make it impossible for it to receive any more heat styling, and this could affect your final result tremendously.
A successful trial will give you:
- An overall look for the wedding day with some variations
- A chance to try different lip colors
- An opportunity to decide on and finalize hair accessories, (with or without veil, etc.)
- A connection with your artist (this is very important) and an opportunity to establish comfortable communication with her
- A chance to go over day-of scheduling
There should be some clear clause in your contract that outlines what would happen in the event of an artist being unable to make it to your wedding. It should outline if there would be a replacement artist or not, and should state whether you would get a refund of any kind should this happen. If this clause does not exist in the contract, don’t be afraid to ask for it.
