FAQs

How much do you charge?

Ready to dive into Blackthorn Bridal’s full PDF Pricing & Service Guide? It’s packed with all the details on services, pricing, and package options – just waiting for you to explore!

Where are you located?

I'm based in the heart of Orange County, NY, and I’m thrilled to serve the entire Hudson Valley & Catskills, Westchester, the Berkshires, and pretty much anywhere you need me to go!

What is different about your services versus other makeup artists?

My goal was to blend my spa background with my makeup artistry to create a bridal experience that’s both luxurious and unforgettable. The Bride’s makeup service starts with a relaxing facial—featuring a cleanse, hot towels, a soothing massage, and finishing products that not only help you unwind but also perfectly prep your skin for flawless makeup. For the bridal party, my assistant offers mini versions of this indulgent prep before the lead artist works their magic on the makeup.

Do you service multiple weddings a day? Will I work with Cait?

I don't take on multiple weddings in a day. I believe in giving my full attention to one couple, ensuring I'm completely dedicated to your special day. I prefer to focus solely on you, without the distraction of juggling other clients, so you can feel confident that I’m fully there for you!

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

Absolutely! :) I do offer destination weddings and will create a custom package tailored to your needs. When inquiring about a destination wedding, please be ready to provide details like the location, hotel info (is it all-inclusive?), ceremony/reception venues, the number of services needed on the day, and any pre or post-wedding services you’d like. Keep in mind that additional costs may include flights, transportation (taxis or rental car), luggage, accommodations, per diem, and travel-related day rates. We'll work together to ensure everything is covered!

How far in advance do I need to book?

Forget what you’ve heard from The Knot and other wedding guides about booking just two months in advance—that’s simply not realistic! We take a limited number of bookings each year, so the earlier you can reserve your spot, the better. This is especially true in the Hudson Valley/Catskills region and for post-COVID weddings. I recommend booking at least 6 months ahead, but ideally, 9-12 months is even better. If your wedding is coming up sooner, don’t worry—reach out anyway, and we’ll see what we can do!

How do I book?

First things first—finish reading through the FAQ page. Then, head over to the inquiry page and fill out the questionnaire linked in the guide to confirm that your date is available and to schedule a complimentary consultation call! I personally schedule a phone call with every client to learn more about you, your big day, and to answer any lingering questions. After that, I’ll send over a contract and invoice to officially lock in your date. For planners, the initial consultation call can include your client, but after booking, I can direct most communication to you if needed!

Do you have a minimum?

Yes, we do have a minimum base package, which is $1300 for the bride and attendants or bride and touch-ups. If you have a larger party, no worries! I can bring in additional makeup artists to ensure everyone is fancied up in no time

Do you have a holiday fee?

Yes, there is a holiday fee of 20% for bookings on Easter, 4th of July weekend, Thanksgiving weekend, and New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day. For Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, I handle bookings on a case-by-case basis, depending on the time and location of the event. Please note that not all team members may be available, and a 50% fee applies for Christmas weekend bookings.

Can my bridal party pay separately?

We bill a single person for all services. A 50% deposit is due upon booking, with the remaining balance due two weeks before the event. Many brides choose to collect payments from their bridal party directly, which works perfectly!

Can you come to us?

Absolutely! I provide on-location wedding services, no matter where your special day takes place.

Do you do hair?

I don’t offer hairstyling services, but don’t worry! My pricing guide includes recommendations for some fantastic stylists who will help complete your look.

How many people do you bring with you?

I always bring an assistant artist with me to every booking. For a typical full-day event, it’s just the two of us, and we can service the bride and up to five attendants. For larger parties or tighter timelines, I’ll bring on additional lead artists to make sure everyone is taken care of!

How many people can you do?

Unless there’s a tight timeline, my assistant and I can handle the bride and up to five attendants. For larger parties, I’ll bring in additional artists and stylists as needed. There’s really no maximum number of services as long as the space and budget allow!

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

Yep, I absolutely make a schedule! I have a downloadable one that either you (the bride!), your planner, or I can fill in with the names of your attendants. As for how the day flows, we arrive 30 minutes before the first appointment to set up, and I’ll have a printed schedule in hand to keep everything on track—especially if you have a larger party!

The bride’s appointment typically lasts 90 minutes, handled exclusively by the lead artist. During your preview, we’ll figure out exactly how much time we need and adjust the day-of schedule accordingly. Attendants are serviced by both the lead artist and assistants, as needed.

Once the scheduled end time arrives, I’ll make sure everyone gets a final touch-up. Plus, I stay on for an additional hour of touch-ups to ensure everyone stays fresh and flawless as you head into the wedding day!

I’ll also ask for your hairstylist’s contact info so I can sync up with their schedule, and I’ll reach out to your photographer or planner to ensure everyone’s on the same page!

Wait, you contact who now?

Yep, that's right! I reach out to your photographer and/or planner to coordinate schedules and ensure our start and end times align smoothly with the flow of your events!

Do you work with LGBTQ+ couples?

Absolutely! I’m happy to work with LGBTQ+ couples. If both partners will be receiving services and prefer not to see each other before the ceremony, we can make special arrangements. I’ll also make sure to note any pronouns when crafting the schedule to ensure everything runs smoothly!

Can you work on deeper skin tones?

Absolutely! Every team member is trained to work with a diverse range of skin tones because it’s important that all clients feel comfortable and look stunning. If you’re concerned, clients are always welcome to bring their own products, but I promise it’s not necessary—I've got you covered!

Is your kit cruelty free?

Yes and no. Since 2018, most of the new products I add to my kit are cruelty-free, and I strive to keep it as vegan-friendly as possible. However, there are a few brands I use that aren’t cruelty-free. If you have a preference, just let me know, and I’ll make sure to accommodate!

Do I have to have a preview?

I do require all of my brides to have a preview. It’s a relaxed, no-pressure session where we can design and perfect the look for your wedding day. It’s also the perfect opportunity to experiment with different styles, make adjustments, or add a little extra drama! During the preview, I document everything I use, take plenty of photos, and ensure we can recreate the exact look on the big day. I also ask brides to track how the makeup wears throughout the day/evening to test its longevity and make any necessary changes to skin prep. Previews are booked from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. so you can get a full day’s wear out of the makeup!

Can I have a preview before I book?

Of course! You can absolutely have a preview before booking. However, please note that the preview itself doesn't secure your date. Your date is only reserved once the contract is signed and the 50% deposit is paid. So, if you wait until after your trial to decide, you might miss out on your preferred date!

When should I have my preview?

My preferred timeframe for booking a preview is about two months before the wedding. By then, your skin’s condition and tone are likely to be close to what they’ll be on the big day, and most of your details (like colors and florals) are usually finalized. It’s also not so close to the wedding that it could cause any stress.

That said, when you have your preview is totally up to you! Some brides prefer to do it as soon as they book, while others wait until two weeks before the wedding. There are even some who choose to have a preview when they book and another closer to the date. We do our best to accommodate each bride’s preferences.

If you’d like, I can also coordinate with your hairstylist to schedule the trial at the same time. Jennifer Victoria Beauty and Sara Julianna Beauty are two fantastic stylists I recommend!

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

Absolutely! Many moms, grandmas, and particular friends love to have a preview too, and they’re more than welcome to schedule theirs alongside yours if you'd like!

Do you airbrush?

We don’t offer airbrush services, but here’s the thing—airbrush vs. traditional application is mostly a matter of artist preference. Both methods can use the same foundation base, like silicone. Personally, I prefer to hand-apply foundation in thin, sheer layers until we reach the perfect coverage. This technique ensures your skin still looks like skin, lasts longer, and gives that smooth, ‘airbrushed’ finish. These days, many people confuse airbrushing with the look of Photoshop, but in the end, it’s all about technique!

What do I need to provide?

Honestly, all I really need is your beautiful face! I’ll need enough space to set up, and natural lighting and tables are always a bonus. But don’t stress if those aren’t available—I keep a folding table, makeup chair, and professional-quality makeup light in my car at all times, just in case we need my full setup!

What brands do you use?

Oh, what a fun question! I use a wide range of brands for different products, all tested for longevity and comfort. Some of the brands in my kit include (but aren’t limited to) Viseart Paris, Charlotte Tilbury, By Terry, Face Atelier, Lorac, Tarte, Danessa Myricks, RCMA, Limelife, ABH, and more. It's all about choosing the best for each look!

Can you use my makeup?

Sure, you can bring your own makeup! While it’s not my preferred option—since I know the products I use are tried, tested, and guaranteed to last all day—if there’s something specific you or your attendants really want to use, feel free to bring it along. Just make sure it’s a new, unopened product. Keep in mind, though, I can’t guarantee the longevity of products I don’t supply!

Will my makeup last all day/night?

Absolutely! I use products specifically designed to hydrate, control oil, and stay waterproof. I apply in thin layers, building coverage and combining creams and powders, then set everything with a setting spray made for long-lasting wear (think 16-hour production days!). After your preview, I’ll make any necessary tweaks to the skin prep and products, so your makeup should last from the ceremony well into the night—just be sure to resist the urge to touch your face!

Can you stay for makeup touch ups?

Yes, absolutely! One hour of touch-ups is included in my base package. While I don’t believe touch-ups are always necessary, many brides love having their artist nearby to ensure their makeup stays picture-perfect all night—and for a little emotional support, too! Some brides even opt for a second lip color after the ceremony or a makeup change for their reception dress. It’s all about keeping you looking flawless and feeling your best throughout the day!

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

Absolutely! Blackthorn Bridal is available for all kinds of events—personal appointments, mitzvahs, balls, galas, private events, and more—but especially for wedding-related occasions. I can create a custom package that covers as many wedding events as you’d like, including bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, engagement/bridal showers, photo shoots, and more. Alternatively, they can be booked separately whenever the time comes!

Can the grooms party receive services too?

Of course! Grooms and other attendants can receive full makeup applications or more simplified grooming services. When booking, we’ll coordinate services and locations, especially if the parties are staying separate before the ceremony!

What about COVID?

Unfortunately, it looks like COVID isn’t going away anytime soon, but we’ve learned how to plan around it. Cancellations due to COVID (or any future pandemics) are subject to our regular cancellation policy, which includes forfeiting the 50% retainer. Depending on the cancellation date (if it's within 30 days of the event), the final payment will also be due, regardless of wedding party size or restrictions. However, if the state mandates no weddings or no makeup services, clients are entitled to one free postponement or reschedule. Alternatively, they can cancel their services and apply the initial payment to other services/events once makeup is permitted.

Do you sanitize your makeup kit?

Sanitation has always been a top priority in my makeup services. My team and I strictly follow state guidelines and sanitize our kits according to the standards set by the Board of Cosmetology. For more information, feel free to visit my COVID page here.

How far in advance should I get beauty treatments done?

For the best results, it’s ideal to schedule beauty treatments several months in advance, with your final appointment happening 1-2 weeks before the wedding. I highly, HIGHLY recommend avoiding any new treatments you’ve never tried before within 4 weeks of the big day. To help you plan, I offer a downloadable PDF guide for brides that covers all the details on booking beauty treatments and prepping for your wedding day!

ANOTHER Q?

Did I miss anything? If you have any more questions, feel free to schedule a phone call or shoot me an email. I’ll respond within 24 hours during the week and within 48 hours on weekends (just in case I’m busy at a wedding!)