Hair and makeup covers the trial, the products chosen for longevity through the day, and the timing of a morning that usually has several people to prepare, not one.
Hair and makeup covers a trial appointment, the styling and makeup done on the morning of the wedding, and often touch-ups arranged for later in the day. A single artist or a small team may work on the wedding party as well as the person getting married, which changes the timing far more than the styling itself.
Nearly every wedding involves it in some form, whether a full team working through a large wedding party or a single artist attending to one or two people. A very small, informal wedding may need only a trial and a shorter morning appointment.
This guide treats hair and makeup as its own professional category. Verified listings appear once their published information has been checked; where none is verified yet, the guidance below stands on its own.
Verified listings
Nothing listed here yet.
Where to go next
Gavin would rather leave a page empty than fill it with names he cannot stand behind, and checking a business properly takes time, so these pages fill slowly.
In the meantime, the guidance above is the part that helps: how to choose, what to ask, and what usually goes wrong. If you want a name, Gavin will tell you who he has worked alongside, and why.
Ask how the trial translates to the actual day before you judge it only on how it looks in trial photographs. A trial done in a quiet studio months ahead needs to survive a longer, hotter, more emotional day than the trial itself ever tests.
Time the morning honestly, not optimistically
Ask exactly how long each person takes, then add time for the inevitable delay, rather than trusting an optimistic total. A morning that runs late affects every supplier booked after it, from the photographer to the ceremony start time itself, so the hair and makeup schedule tends to set the pace for the whole day.
Choose products for how they hold through your specific day, not only how they look at the trial. Humidity, heat and, for many, tears during the ceremony all test longevity differently, and an artist experienced with South African conditions should be able to speak to this directly rather than only to the finished look.
What to ask
How many people need to be styled, and how long is allocated to each?
What time does the team need to arrive to finish comfortably before photographs begin?
Is the trial included in the price, and how close to the wedding is it scheduled?
What products are used, and how do they hold up through heat, humidity or tears?
Is a touch-up kit left behind, or is an artist available later in the day for touch-ups?
What happens if the morning runs behind schedule?
Is travel to the venue included, or charged separately?
Contracts and logistics
A deposit secures the date and the team, with the balance usually due on the day itself or shortly before it, and cancellation terms are typically scaled against notice given, since the date is held against other bookings. Travel to the venue, if not included in the base price, is usually charged separately and should be confirmed alongside the total headcount being styled.
Timing is the recurring problem in this category more than any other: the morning schedule needs to be built backwards from the ceremony time, with real buffer for delays, and shared with the couple, the photographer and the venue rather than kept only with the hair and makeup team. Confirm in writing exactly how many people are covered in the quoted price, since an unplanned extra person on the morning is the most common source of a dispute.
Checklist
Confirm the headcount and time allocated per person in writing
Build real buffer time into the morning schedule, not an optimistic one
Confirm whether the trial is included and schedule it with enough lead time
Ask about product longevity for heat, humidity and tears specifically
Arrange a touch-up kit or later touch-up appointment for the day
Share the finished morning schedule with the photographer and venue
Confirm whether travel to the venue is included in the price
How far in advance should a hair and makeup trial be booked?
A trial is commonly done a few months ahead of the wedding, close enough that hair length and skin condition are representative of the day but early enough to allow a second trial if the first one needs adjustment. Popular artists for the busier wedding months often book out well ahead, so confirm availability for both the trial and the wedding date at the same time.
How long should be allowed for hair and makeup on the morning of the wedding?
It depends entirely on the headcount and the complexity of each style, so ask the artist for a real time estimate per person rather than a single total for the group. Build in extra time beyond that estimate, since a morning with several people rarely runs exactly to plan, and a late start here tends to push back everything scheduled after it.
Do hair and makeup products hold up in South African heat and humidity?
It varies by product and by region: a formula chosen for a dry Highveld summer is not necessarily the right one for a humid coastal wedding, and both need to survive a long day that may include tears during the ceremony. An artist who works regularly in your region should already choose products with this in mind, so ask directly what they use and why.
Earrings, a necklace or a bracelet all need to survive the same morning as hair and makeup. Send a message with your plans and Gavin will tell you what tends to work.
“I decided to get engaged while my lovely girlfriend went to the UK for a short trip and I used the time to get a ring made while she was away. Gavin and his team gave me great advice and freedom. They helped me create and design my own ring, and taught me so much about the choices I have. They made the whole process a fantastic experience and I will totally send my friends back for the one on one experience.”
“Gavin and his firm were recommended to us by a mutual friend. From the very first contact, Gavin conducted himself in a very friendly but professional manner. Gavin clearly demonstrated the love and understanding of his business. His attention to detail and willingness to listen to our needs was very reassuring. We are extremely pleased with the design, quality of our jewellery and the superb service. It was certainly one of the best shopping experiences we have had. Our friends have found Gavin amazing and are very impressed with their purchases. On purchasing diamonds, we highly recommend others to contact Gavin. We certainly look forward to doing business with his company for years to come.”
“My experience with Gavin was nothing less than exceptional. He provided excellent customer service, quality diamonds, and competitive prices. He was very knowledgeable and an excellent teacher. I learned everything I needed to know before purchasing the right diamond. I would recommend him and his company to anyone considering the purchase of a precious stone.”
“Great experience dealing with Gavin. I have had many good experiences dealing with Gavin. The jewellery and stones are breathtaking and very reasonable in price. The service we received was so efficient and good advice was given to us when choosing specific stones. We look forward to many more dealings with Gavin.”
“My experience with Gavin goes back some years. Not only have I and my wife been advised and purchased from the company; we have, in addition, successfully referred a number of our friends to Gavin. His knowledge, service and flexibility have ensured that we consult them on any occasion where we are thinking of purchasing jewellery.”
“Gavin Ruschin has been my preferred supplier of diamonds and designer jewellery for the past five years. During this period of knowing Gavin, I feel extremely privileged to have a supplier of such character and integrity servicing me personally, my company The BLD Group and our clients. Gavin has through excellent service become one of the most credible suppliers on our books. His honesty, unconditional professional service, excellent pricing and pleasant manner have earned him the respect and reputation of the highest degree amongst my clients, which include professional sportsmen and sportswomen, leading business people and politicians.”
“I decided to get engaged while my lovely girlfriend went to the UK for a short trip and I used the time to get a ring made while she was away. Gavin and his team gave me great advice and freedom. They helped me create and design my own ring, and taught me so much about the choices I have. They made the whole process a fantastic experience and I will totally send my friends back for the one on one experience.”
“Gavin and his firm were recommended to us by a mutual friend. From the very first contact, Gavin conducted himself in a very friendly but professional manner. Gavin clearly demonstrated the love and understanding of his business. His attention to detail and willingness to listen to our needs was very reassuring. We are extremely pleased with the design, quality of our jewellery and the superb service. It was certainly one of the best shopping experiences we have had. Our friends have found Gavin amazing and are very impressed with their purchases. On purchasing diamonds, we highly recommend others to contact Gavin. We certainly look forward to doing business with his company for years to come.”
“My experience with Gavin was nothing less than exceptional. He provided excellent customer service, quality diamonds, and competitive prices. He was very knowledgeable and an excellent teacher. I learned everything I needed to know before purchasing the right diamond. I would recommend him and his company to anyone considering the purchase of a precious stone.”
“Great experience dealing with Gavin. I have had many good experiences dealing with Gavin. The jewellery and stones are breathtaking and very reasonable in price. The service we received was so efficient and good advice was given to us when choosing specific stones. We look forward to many more dealings with Gavin.”
“My experience with Gavin goes back some years. Not only have I and my wife been advised and purchased from the company; we have, in addition, successfully referred a number of our friends to Gavin. His knowledge, service and flexibility have ensured that we consult them on any occasion where we are thinking of purchasing jewellery.”
“Gavin Ruschin has been my preferred supplier of diamonds and designer jewellery for the past five years. During this period of knowing Gavin, I feel extremely privileged to have a supplier of such character and integrity servicing me personally, my company The BLD Group and our clients. Gavin has through excellent service become one of the most credible suppliers on our books. His honesty, unconditional professional service, excellent pricing and pleasant manner have earned him the respect and reputation of the highest degree amongst my clients, which include professional sportsmen and sportswomen, leading business people and politicians.”
