Dan's Papers - May 23, 2008 - Raving Beauty by Janet Flora

You have the dress, the location, the invitations are sent, and after pouring over portfolios of photographers, you've chosen one to capture the moments of your wedding day. But if you want those photos to be picture perfect, make sure to book the right makeup artist and hairstylist before saying, I do.

John Olavarria (A.K.A., John O), personal hair and makeup artist to CNBC's Erin Burnett, also specializes in bridal makeup and hair and has worked with celebrity wedding planners like Fete and Francesca Events. John O says, "When choosing someone specializing in bridal beauty it's best to get personal recommendations."

If you don't have a wedding planner, or the photographer does not endorse a particular artist, John O suggests asking friends who have had their hair and makeup done professionally and have been pleased and looked gorgeous. But even with those recommendations he cautions: "Before meeting the artist go the their Web site. Not only do you get to see their work, but can read their bio, and see their client list." If you like what you see on the Web site have a conversation with the artist about specific concerns. If it's a destination wedding, is the person willing to travel? Or similarly if the artist is based in the city and your wedding is the Hamptons will you need to supply transportation and accommodations? And if you've allocated a particular dollar amount for this service find out if this person's fees are within your budget.

Even if all the above criteria are met, John O says, "The moment of truth is the trial run before the wedding, and never agree to use someone without first having that person work on you."

For the trial session, bring lots of magazine photos to visually express how you want to look. But go with an open mind. If you're thinking of wearing your hair down and your wedding is on the beach, consider suggestions from the expert about what will work best outdoors.

The trial session is something to have fun with and experiment with different colors and looks, while building a rapport and trust with the person who will be working on you. Then let the artist worry about your hair and makeup, that's what you're paying them for. And do expect to pay for the trial session as well as the day of the wedding. John O says, "Trial sessions range from $350 for make-up, and from $500-$750 for hair and makeup. You can spend less. But less expensive usually means less experience and fewer credentials.

Once you're happy with the beauty specialist there are still a lot of details to arrange. One is payment. John O suggests agreeing on a day rate. The actual rate depends on how long you want the artist to be at the event. Do you want the person to just do your hair and makeup and leave? Or do you want them to stay to the end of the ceremony and do touch-ups? Or as John O says, "On many of my destination weddings I stay for the entire event. I have had many brides who want to change into couture and then I create a new look."

Unlike John O, not every artist does both hair and makeup. And depending on your hair, or your personal style, or if you're wearing a headpiece, you might not need a hairstylist, but no bride should forgo professional makeup. "After all," as John O says, "your grandchildren will be looking at these pictures one day and how can you put a price on that?"

Janet Flora writes lifestyle and beauty features, and is a former contributor to Make-up Artist and Health magazines. A creative writing teacher and fiction writer, she spends her time in New York and Sag Harbor. Thoughts? Questions? jflora@nyc.rr.com