Questions, answered.
Everything brides, bridesmaids and brands tend to ask before they book. Anything missing? Send it with your booking request and it'll be answered in the reply.
Dates, deposits
and timing.
Peak season (May–September) books nine to twelve months ahead. If your date is closer than that, ask anyway — cancellations happen.
How far in advance should I book?
Bridal dates go 9–12 months ahead, especially May to September. Occasion and editorial bookings are usually fine with 2–4 weeks' notice, but earlier is always safer.
How do I secure my date?
Send a booking request, we'll confirm availability and a quote within a working day, and a £50 deposit then holds the date. Dates are pencilled free for seven days while you decide.
What is your cancellation policy?
Deposits are non-refundable but transferable to a new date once, subject to availability. Balances are due one week before the wedding; occasion bookings are paid on the day.
Do you travel to me on the day?
Yes. Wedding-morning makeup is done on location so nobody is rushing across town. Travel is included within 20 miles of the studio; further afield is quoted per booking.
Calm mornings,
by design.
A schedule is sent the week before: who sits when, what time Elara arrives and when the bride needs to be in the chair.
How long does each person take?
Roughly 60–75 minutes for the bride and 45 minutes per bridal party member. With six or more faces an assistant artist joins so the morning still runs to time.
What time do you arrive?
Usually two to three hours before the ready-by time, depending on party size. Ready-by times before 7am carry a £25 early-start fee.
Will my makeup last all day?
That's the point of the prep. Long-wear base, set and sealed, with a lip touch-up kit left with the bride. Clients regularly report sixteen hours with no touch-ups — including tears.
Do you do hair as well?
Not personally, but Elara works alongside two trusted bridal hair stylists and can arrange a joint booking so timings line up.
Real skin,
real light.
Every product in the kit is professional, photo-safe and tested across skin tones and types. Sensitive skin is welcome — just say so.
Is a trial included with bridal makeup?
Every bridal package includes a two-hour trial. We test skin prep, tones and longevity so the wedding morning holds no surprises.
What products do you use?
Professional, photo-safe formulas chosen for your skin type — no SPF flashback, no heavy silicone layers. The kit is cruelty-free and sanitised between every face.
I have sensitive or acne-prone skin. Can you still work with it?
Yes. Mention it when you book and bring anything you're currently using to the trial. Prep is adjusted for reactive skin, and nothing goes on that hasn't been patch-tested first.
Do you use false lashes?
Only if you want them. Individual lashes are a £15 add-on and are applied to look like yours, only better. Strip lashes are available for editorial looks.