FAQs

How much do you charge?

I have a full PDF Pricing & Service Guide that you can get here! The guide goes into detail about all the services we offer, pricing, and package options. Pricing starts at $500 for the bride.

Where are you located?

I am based in the Middletown/Greenville, NY area. I service the entire Hudson Valley & Catskills and work in NY, NJ, CT, MA, PA, and beyond.

What is different about your services versus other makeup artists?

I wanted to combine my spa background with my makeup services and craft a bridal experience that was luxurious and memorable. The Bride’s makeup service begins with a facial- including cleanse, exfoliation, mask, massage, and finishing products that not only relax you but perfectly prep the skin for makeup. For hair bookings, a wash (dependent on hair texture and style), scalp massage, and blow out are included in the Bride’s service. For attendants, the makeup/hair assistants will perform mini versions of the prepping experience before the makeup application/hair styling with the lead artist.

Does your team service multiple weddings a day? Will I work with Cait?

While Blackthorn Bridal is a team, we operate a little differently- we aren’t a beauty team in the traditional sense. Instead of booking multiple jobs in one day, we only work one wedding a day- and often, a weekend. I prefer to focus solely on my Bride, instead of worrying about or needing to be available for other artists on other jobs.

Do you do destination weddings? How much do they cost?

My entire team is available for destination weddings. A custom package will be drawn up for you, but when inquiring for destination weddings, be prepared to have this information: location, hotel information (all inclusive?), ceremony/reception location, number of services day of, pre or post wedding services desired, etc. Things you can expect to be billed for, dependent on location: flights, taxis or rental car, luggage, accommodations, per diem, services, day rates for travel or days required to stay.

How far in advance do I need to book?

Ignore The Knot and every other wedding guide when they say to book 2 months before the wedding: they’re rubbish! We take a limited number of bookings per year, so the sooner you can book, the better. No matter what artist or company you go with, that’s especially true for the HV/Catskills region and for weddings post-COVID. I always recommend at least 6 months in advance, but 12-18 is even better. If your wedding is sooner than that, though, reach out anyway!

How do I book?

First, finish reading the FAQ page. Then go to my WEDDING SERVICES page and download the pricing guide. Read through that, fill out the questionnaire that’s linked in the guide to receive confirmation that your date is open, and schedule a complimentary consultation phone call! I schedule this phone call with each and every client that I have to learn more about them, their date, and give them the opportunity to ask whatever questions I didn’t cover. After that, I can send you a contract and invoice to secure your date. For planners- the initial consultation phone call can be done with your client, however, after booking I can direct most communication to you if need be.

Do you have a minimum?

Our minimum is simply the Bride, whether the booking is for makeup, or makeup + hair services. We want to take care of our Brides, whether they’re getting ready alone to relax or to share the experience with a bridal party/family! For additional artists or stylists brought in (for shortened timelines or larger bridal parties, for example) there is a per-stylist minimum of 3 services.

Do you have a holiday fee?

A holiday fee (20%) is added to Easter, 4th of July weekend, Thanksgiving weekend, and New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day bookings. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day bookings are handled on a case by case basis depending on time/location of event, and all team members may not be available (50% fee for Christmas weekend bookings.)

Can my bridal party pay separately?

We bill only one person for services. 50% of the bill is due upon booking, and the remaining 50% is due 4 weeks before the date of the event. Many brides will have their bridal party pay her instead.

Can you come to us?

Absolutely- we only work on location for wedding services, wherever that location may be.

Do you do hair?

Do I, Cait, do hair? Nope! But my hairstylists do. Quite wonderfully, in fact! Blackthorn Bridal offers on location makeup services and hair services. (Pssst- hair services can ONLY be booked in conjunction with makeup services!)

How many people do you bring with you?

I bring an assistant artist with me to every booking. For a typical full day booking, it’s the 2 of us, and we can service the bride and up to 6 attendants. If hair is booked as well, then its 4 of us- 2 leads, 2 assistants. For larger parties or expedited timelines, I’ll bring on more lead artists to accommodate the whole group.

How many people can you do?

Unless there is a shortened getting ready time, my assistant and I can do up to the bride + 6 attendants. This is for hair or makeup! For larger parties, than I’ll bring on extra artists/stylists as necessary. There really is no maximum for makeup/hair services so long as the budget and the space is there!

Do you make a schedule/how does the day run?

I do! I have a downloaded schedule that either you (the bride!), your planner, or I can fill in with attendant names. As far as how the day runs, we arrive 20 minutes before the first appointment to set up. I arrive with a printed out schedule to make it easier to keep track of attendants (if you have a party) and get to work!

Bride’s appointments are typically 90-120 minutes each for hair and makeup and are handled solely by the lead artists. During the preview, we determine just how much time we need and adjust the day of schedule based on that.

Attendants are serviced by both the lead artists and the assistants. Depending on their look, attendants can expect to be in the chair for a total of 60 minutes. Because lead artists and the assistants work at the same time, attendants often have their appointment times split up- the assistant often preps the skin a while before the makeup appointment itself. It’s important that attendants remain onsite and in the getting ready space until their services are completed before wandering off!

Once the scheduled end time arrives, I’ll make sure everyone has had a final touch up before breaking down my kit and heading out.

If you book makeup with Blackthorn Bridal and hair with another company, we ask for their contact information so that I can coordinate the schedule with hair. I will also contact your photographer and/or planner to ensure that all parties are on the same page.

Wait, you contact who now?

Yep. I contact your photographer and/or planner to coordinate schedules and make sure our start and end times work with the flow of events!

Do you work with LGBTQ+ couples?

Of course! Special arrangements can be made if both partners will be receiving services and don’t want to see each other the morning of. When crafting the schedule, I’ll make note of any preferred pronouns.

Can you work on deeper skin tones?

Every team member must know how to work with a diverse range of skintones/hair textures. It’s important that all clients feel comfortable and look beautiful. If concerned, POC are more than welcome to bring their own products to their appointments, but I promise it’s not necessary!

Is your kit cruelty free?

Yes and no. As of 2018, MANY of the new products I bring into my kit are at a minimum cruelty free, and I try to keep as many of my items vegan friendly as well. However, there are definitely some brands that aren’t cruelty free, so if you have a preference, let me know! Other artists on my team, and my hairstylists, may or may not carry cruelty free items.

Do I have to have a preview?

I require all of my Brides to have a preview. It gives us a no-pressure environment to design and execute the perfect look for your wedding. It also allows us to try out different looks or to document the look as we make changes/add drama/etc. During the preview, I mark what I used on you and take a ton of photos to make sure we can recreate the look exactly on the day of. Brides document how the makeup wears throughout the day/evening of the preview so we can test the integrity of the makeup and make any skin prep changes necessary! Trials are booked 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. only to ensure you get a full day’s wear out of the makeup.

Can I have a preview before I book?

Of course! However, having your preview DOES NOT secure your date. Dates are only secured when the contract is filled out and signed and the 50% invoice is paid. So you may miss out on your date if you want until after your trial to decide!

When should I have my preview?

My preferred timeframe to book the preview is around 2 months before the wedding. Often, your skin’s condition and tone will remain fairly similar to the day of, and often most details are finalized (colors, florals, etc), but it’s not so close that you might stress about it. Brides with skincare concerns or questions about beauty treatments can schedule a complimentary virtual consultation about 3-6 months before the wedding!

However, how and when you have your preview is really up to you. Some brides prefer their preview as soon as they book, some wait until two weeks before the wedding. There are brides who want a preview when they book, and then another closer to the date. We try our hardest to accommodate our bride’s requests.

Timeline recommendations are the same for hair, and you can definitely schedule a virtual consultation for your hair too- your stylist can make recommendations on cuts and color based on the style you want to try for your hair preview, if booked.

Can my mom/maid of honor/friend have a preview?

YES! Many moms/grandmas/picky friends chose to have a preview too, and they’re more than welcome to schedule theirs at the same time as yours if you’d like.

Do you airbrush?

We do not offer airbrushing services- however! The difference between airbrushing vs traditional application is simply artist preference. Both airbrush and liquid foundations can have the same bases- silicone. I prefer hand applying foundation in thin, sheer layers until reaching the desired opacity; this means your skin will still look like skin and last longer while still giving an ‘airbrushed’ appearance. Nowadays, a lot of people conflate airbrushing with photoshop when it all comes down to technique.

Do you offer tattoo coverage?

I do not offer tattoo coverage but will help find an artist for you if you need one!

Do you do eyes/lips/etc only?

The only solo service we offer is eyelash application. Otherwise, all services are full priced, whether complete or not.

Do your stylists install hair extensions?

They install clip ins the day of; but full, permanent extension installs (beading, sewing, gluing, etc) require a separate appointment prior to the wedding.

Can they make recommendations on hair accessories?

Yes! After looking at your vision board (if you don’t have one- don’t worry, I’ll send you one to fill out!) they can make recommendations based on your hair texture, color, and desired style, if you’d like help choosing a piece(s).

What do I need to provide?

Really, your pretty face is basically it. I’ll need a big enough space to set up, and natural lighting and tables are always a plus. But if you can’t provide any of those, don’t worry. I keep my own folding table, makeup chair, and professional quality makeup light in my car at all times incase we need my full set up- as do the rest of my team.

What brands do you use?

Oh man, what a question! I use a ton of different brands for different products. Everything is tested for longevity and comfort! Some of the brands I carry include, but are not limited to; Viseart Paris, Charlotte Tilbury, By Terry, Face Atelier, Lorac, Tarte, Danessa Myricks, RCMA, Limelife, ABH, and more.

Can you use my makeup?

I can. Is it my preferred thing to do? Not always, only because I know the products I use are tried and true and tested to last the whole wedding; however, if there are products that you or your attendants really want to use, I can! Just bring me a new, unopened product. Please remember that I can’t guarantee the longevity of the product if I don’t supply it!

Will my makeup last all day/night?

I use products meant to hydrate, control oil, and stay waterproof. I apply in thin layers and build, combine cremes and powders, and set with a setting spray designed for 16 hour production days. After your preview makeup, and making any tweaks to the skin-prep/products used, your makeup should last the day well into the night so long as you remain diligent about not touching your face!

Can you stay for makeup/hair touch ups?

We most definitely can! Except for lips, touch ups are rarely necessary, however I know that many of my brides want the peace of mind of having their artist nearby- and honestly, a lot just love the experience of being doted on and touched up throughout the night! Some brides choose a second lip color for after the ceremony, or sometimes a complete look change. Because of this, at Blackthorn Bridal, we never book more than 1 wedding a day, and are available for additional touch ups hours when requested.

Can you do my makeup/hair for other wedding-related events?

Blackthorn Bridal is available for any occasion- personal appointments, mitzvahs, balls/galas, private events, etc but especially for other wedding related events, whether it’s makeup or makeup and hair. We can design a package that includes as many wedding related events as you’d like- bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinner, engagement/bridal showers, photos, etc, or they can be booked separately when the time comes.

Can the grooms party receive services too?

They can! Makeup or hairstyling services. We do not offer barbering services, though, so if the lads are looking for a bead trim/clean up service, that’s not us. But blow outs, styling, full makeup applications or grooming for men are all services we provide. When booking, we’ll coordinate services and locations, if the parties are remaining separate.

What about COVID?

Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like COVID is going away any time soon, but we do know about it and can plan for it. COVID cancellations are subject to our regular cancellation policy; forfeit of the 50% retainer and, depending on date of cancellation (if its within 30 days of the event), the final payment is due, regardless of wedding party size/restrictions/etc. However, if the state mandates no weddings or no makeup services be performed, then clients get 1 postponement/reschedule for their services, penalty free, or she can cancel her services and use the initial payment for other services/events when makeup is permitted.

Do you sanitize your makeup/hair kits?

Sanitation has ALWAYS been a vital part of my makeup services/my team’s hair services. All of us continue to wear masks while working, test before jobs, and sanitize our kits according to the standards set by the Board of Cosmetology. For more details, go to my COVID page here.

How far in advance should I get beauty treatments done?

Depending on the treatment, you’ll ideally start several months in advance, with your last appointment 1-2 weeks before the wedding. I highly, HIGHLY recommend that you don’t get anything that you’ve never done before done 4 weeks before the wedding. Click HERE for a free download on my recommended beauty services timeline.

ANOTHER Q?

Did I miss something here? If you have anymore questions, don’t hesitate to schedule a phone call or email me. I’ll get back within 24 hours of your email during the week, and within 48 hours on the weekend (just incase we have a wedding and all!)