Most brides don't realize the havoc that can be caused by a little tube of mascara on their wedding day. Or that wearing something blue on such a day is fine as long as it's not your eyeshadow.

The only way to avoid such catastrophes, and wedding photographs that make you wince for the next 30 years, is to hire a professional Make-up Artist. Brides go to great lengths to ensure their hair is perfect for the day with salon time booked months in advance, yet they often scrimp on their make-up.

Sure, you do a great job of your own make-up everyday but can you do a the same under pressure? Shaking nervous hands, bombarding questions or that salon appointment that runs you late, can make even the calmest Bride lose her cool. The same for the "I'll do your make-up" Bridesmaids who also have to do their own. Remember time is of the essence pre-ceremony. So save the friendship and hire a professional.

However before booking a Make-up Artist there are a few tips that will save you from disappointment.

Firstly find the right one, because like hairdressers, not all Make-up Artists are equal. Word of mouth is the best way. Ask a friend who's recently got married who they used and ask to see their wedding photos. If the wedding photos don't look great, look elsewhere. Make-up Artists advertise in bridal magazines, newspapers or through salons and spas. Always ask to see their photographic portfolio, it's proof of their work.

Ensure that the Make-up Artist comes to you - where you're getting dressed. Your make-up should be the last thing that gets done before putting on your dress. It's an important part of your wedding day preparation and needs to be in a calm environment not a salon or department store.

Request a practice run from the Make-up Artist before your big day, some include this in their fees, others charge extra. It's better to decide on what style and shades of make-up you'll wear while you're calm. It also gives you a chance to see how much time you'll need to allocate.

Wear a similar colored top to your wedding dress during your practice make-up or if you're wearing white wrap a white towel around your shoulders. Brides-to-be often think their practice make-up is too heavy because they're in casual clothes and without their hair done.

The importance of a practice run is vital. It allows you to see the work of the Make-up Artist you've employed. Better to find out whether you like their style before the big day than an hour before you're going to walk down the aisle.

It also gives you the opportunity to test and discuss exactly what make-up will be used. Will it be the Make-Up Artists', will it be yours or a bit of both. If a certain cosmetic is going to make you break out or give you an allergy, find out before the first click of the camera.

For this reason many brides like to use their own make-up especially their mascara but this is where that little applicator aptly named 'wand' can create magic or havoc. If it's likely you will be shedding a tear or two, use a waterproof mascara. Remember the only time Panda eyes look good is on Pandas.

The same for false eyelashes. If you're not used to them test them out and wear them before the wedding day. The glue may make your eyes puffy or it may not hold. A fallen falsie will always look like a caterpillar crawling across your cheek.

Employing a Make-up Artist may seem like a cost you can do without, especially if Aunt Sally's already volunteered but if you want to look really celebrity stunning use a professional. Even if you have to cut costs elsewhere, for instance take a tier off of your wedding cake it will guarantee you won't have tears every time you see your wedding photos.

Learn more about this author, Belinda Youlten.
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