FAQs
How far in advance should I book my Hair & Makeup for my wedding?
If you really want to hire a certain Makeup & Hair artist you should look to book them up to a year or more before the wedding, especially if you're getting married in the summer on a Saturday. Usually, booking 6-9 months in advance is adequate time. Sometimes even last minute bookings can be accommodated depending on the group size and scheduling. In the winter months brides usually have a little more flexibility in their timing. However, Winter weddings are becoming a lot more common and there is no longer a "wedding season" anymore so if you definitely want a certain artist it's best to book them in as far advance as possible.
Do you offer any "off season" discounts?
Toronto Beauty Group does not offer "off season" discounts. As mentioned above, there really is no "off season" anymore when it comes to weddings and although there may not be as many weddings as in the summer months, they are increasingly common. Also, weddings are just one area of Jessica's work. She also provides her services for work in commercials, advertising and fashion shoots.
If I don't get false eyelashes will it cost less?
No, this is just an added "bonus" we like to include with all our makeup applications. Forgoing lashes doesn't change the price. We believe even the most natural false lash can really add something to the makeup. It's the best way to create a bit of attention at the eyes without the overuse of eye shadow. In fact EVERY bride featured on this website is wearing some sort of false lash whether it be a full strip, individual lashes or lash extensions. With the proper application and lash choice for your features, no one has to know you're wearing false lashes. We believe when you look your best we look our best and to us, that includes false lashes!
Can I see a Wedding Price List?
Sure check out ALL the Wedding Prices and Packages HERE!
Is there a minimum number of people required to secure a booking?
During wedding season - April - Oct, yes there is a 2 person, 4-5 services minimum required. However, depending on scheduling, exceptions can be made. Other days of the week are also subject to availability. Just ask. During off season months the minimum is subject to the approval of the artist. Some exceptions can be made but there are no guarantees.
Do you do Sunday Weddings? Early Mornings?
Yes, Toronto Beauty Group books Sunday weddings. Yes, we offer early morning appts. there may be additional early morning fees depending on the start time and artists needed for the booking.
What is Airbrush Makeup? Is it better?
Airbrush makeup is makeup sprayed onto the skin using an airbrush instead of being applied with sponges, brushes, fingers, or other methods. It is very popular in High Definition Film/TV work because it doesn't settle into fine lines or pores like traditional liquid or powder foundation can. In recent years it has also been gaining popularity among brides who wants the look of a flawless face without the feeling of wearing heavy foundation or makeup. Airbrush makeup has a long lasting finish, is water resistant and can last from 12-24 hours making it an ideal choice for brides on their wedding day.
Like anything in makeup airbrush is at the end of the day just another technique and depending on who is applying it it can be good or it can be bad. For some it may be the perfect choice on their wedding day because they may have a lot of acne scarring or think they may cry a lot while for others they may not feel it necessary. Not all artists offer airbrush so please notify Jessica before the trial if that is a requirement. No matter what the choice - Airbrush or Traditional foundation application Jessica and her team promise a base that will be even, glowing and look great for the entire day and evening!
I just want a really natural makeup look, does that cost less?
No, it is the same price for a "natural" makeup look as it is for something more "dramatic". In actuality most people are surprised how much makeup goes into that "natural" look. In fact, it's actually harder to make someone still stand out and eye catching in pictures but also retain a natural makeup look. A sign of a talented makeup artist is how well they can apply a "natural" makeup effect. Also it's important to remember you are not just paying for the product the artist is using but also their time, skill and experience.
Are there any travel fees?
Typically there are no travel fees for areas in downtown Toronto. There may be travel fees for areas outside of downtown Toronto - this may include areas in Etobicoke, Scarborough and North York . Contact Jessica to find out the specific fees. Clients are responsible for parking costs at hotels/venues for any artists traveling by car.
Do I have to get a trial?
A trial is highly recommended but it really is up to you the client. Although, if a bride forgoes a trial she has to understand that everything might not be exactly "perfect" on the wedding day and although we will always try to accommodate changes there may not be time in the schedule.
It is also important to remember a trial is just that. It's a chance to try out your potential wedding look and see how it holds up for the day or if there are any adjustments in style or colours that need to be made. It is important not only for you the bride but also for the artist as well because it gives them a chance to see your facial features in person and assess and evaluate what is best. Wedding days can be very stressful but having your hair and makeup look already decided on can take a lot of the stress and guesswork out of the wedding day, allowing you to relax and enjoy your time with your friends and family.
Also, it's a chance for both you and the artist to get to know one another and make sure your styles, ideas and personalities mesh well. The makeup and hair artist is probably the first vendor you're going to interact with on your wedding day. You want to make sure you hire someone that you like, isn't going to stress you out and you feel confident in.
How far in advance should I book my trial?
This really depends if you feel comfortable signing a wedding day contract, including a deposit, before or after the trial. A wedding booking is not secure until a signed contract and deposit have been received. If you want to do a trial before you make a final wedding day booking, then it is best to schedule a trial as soon as possible to make sure that your wedding date doesn't get booked. If you want to put the wedding day deposit down first, but wait for a later date for the trial, it is recommended that the trial be scheduled between 1-3 months before the wedding.
Why does the trial cost so much?
In a lot of ways the trial is more work for the artist than the actual wedding day. This is a time where you adjust and figure out exactly what you’re looking for on the day. It is important to come in with an idea of what you want before hand so Jessica and her team can help you refine your ideas and bring them to life. Makeup & Hair trials are booked in 2-3 hr blocks and Just Makeup or Just Hair trials are booked in 1-1.5 hr blocks.
Where will my trial take place?
Most trials unless previously arranged take place at Jessica's home studio which is centrally located right near King/Spadina. The studio is accessible by subway with the closest stop being St. Andrew station. Also accessible via the 510 or 504 streetcar.
All wedding day bookings are done on location - whether it be a hotel, home or some other pre-arranged location.
Can I book a trial on a Saturday?
Unfortunately, weekend trials cannot be accommodated because this is the most busy day of the week for wedding bookings. Sometimes Sunday trials can be accommodated but usually trials are scheduled during the weekdays/evenings.
What forms of payment are accepted?
For the deposit and/or trial fees, cash, Interac e-transfer or credit card (in person only) are the preferred methods. On the day of the wedding the remaining balance is due in cash or credit card. Please note there may be a processing fee of 2.4% on credit card transactions. Please have the remaining balance collected prior to the end of the completion of the Makeup & Hair services. The last thing you want to do is worry about the stress of collecting money from everyone right before it`s time for you to get into your wedding dress.
How much is the retainer fee?
Depending on how close the booking is to the actual wedding day, the initial retainer can be anywhere from 25-50%. With an additional 25% due 2 months before the wedding (if only 25% was given in the initial retainer). The remaining 50% is due on the wedding day if Jessica is personally handling the wedding. If her staff are handling the wedding all final payments are due 24 hrs prior to the wedding. The retainer is for ALL services rendered on the wedding day (not just the bride).
Am I suppose to tip on the wedding day?
That really is a personal thing. While it is always nice to receive tips as a sign of appreciation on the wedding day it is in no way expected or necessary.
What makeup do you use?
All artists with Toronto Beauty Group carry a wide assortment of professional quality brands and products in our kits. To see a full list of brands please visit What's In Jessica's Kit
How should my bridal party and I prepare for the wedding day?
It is important to always be ready to sit down for one's services at their scheduled time. For makeup that means having a clean face. For hair, please have it product free (the only exception is any de-frizz products for curly hair as long as they don't make the hair crunchy or a volumizing mousse for fine hair clients) and dry (unless you are getting a blowout in which case having it damp is okay). Curly hair MUST be blown out smooth prior to the appointment if a client wants an updo or down style that requires smooth hair different than their natural texture. If your hair is on the fine side and it tends to get greasy easily, please have it washed and dried that day. If your hair is coarser or drier, washing it the day before is fine. Please wear button down shirts or robes for easy changing. Please have all ironing/steaming done the day before or if that morning in a separate room. We will need a large table space and chairs preferably near natural light and outlets for set up. Proper prep helps the day run smooth and on time for the bridal party and artists and results in the best possible outcome for everyone involved.
Is there anything you need for set up at the house/hotel the day of the wedding?
Somewhere near natural light is always best (kitchens or dining rooms are often good). The room also has to have outlets and/or an extension cord to plug styling appliances into if doing hair. A table and chairs are also required for set up. Please no coffee tables - too low to the ground. Think kitchen or dining room table. For makeup, a higher style chair or bar stool is nice if available but not absolutely necessary. For hair, a regular chair is fine, preferably one with a lower back.
How long does each person take to get ready?
This depends on the person and style selections but a good rule of thumb is 1.5 hours for both Hair & Makeup. 30-45 minutes for Makeup and 45-60 minutes for Hair. Of course, there are exceptions to this with some people taking less time and some people taking more.
Can you handle large bookings or groups? Do you bring additional help?
Usually anything beyond 6-7 services - Hair and/or Makeup, associates will be provided. There are no additional fees for these additional associates and will be procured at the discretion of the head artist.
If a bride requires all services to be completed in a condensed time frame or would prefer to start later in the morning, additional associate(s) may be required to meet the clients' accelerated scheduling needs. In this case, additional associates' fees may apply.