The Magic Behind the Makeup: A Wedding Planner’s Deep Dive with Erica Bogart, Owner of Bogart Beauty

As your wedding planner, I’m here to guide you through every step of planning and creating your dream wedding day. So, let’s talk about something that can truly elevate your confidence and complete your bridal look: your wedding day makeup.

You want to feel beautiful, radiant, comfortable, and most importantly, look like you on your wedding day. This isn’t the time for experimenting with bold new trends or relying on a friend who loves makeup. It is one of the most important days of your life, so I highly recommend that you hire an experienced,  professional makeup artist.

Makeup by @Bogart Beauty Photo by @Haley James

Why Entrust Your Bridal Beauty to a Pro – here are the reasons why:

• Expertise in Longevity: A professional makeup artist uses high-quality, long-wearing products and keeps up with the most recent techniques to ensure your look stays flawless from your getting ready photos to your newlywed grand exit. 
• Photography-Ready Finish: An expert makeup artist understands how makeup looks on camera, using strategic highlighting and contouring to enhance your features naturally.
• Stress-Free Pampering: Your wedding morning should an enjoyable time with your wedding party. Having a professional apply your makeup gives you time to relax and get pampered.
• Customized Look: A good makeup artist will work with you to understand your style and your wedding aesthetic. They will create a look that compliments you and enhances your natural beauty.
• Hygiene and Professionalism: Reputable, experienced artists adhere to strict hygiene standards. They use clean tools and professional products.

So, how do you find your perfect makeup artist? Here are my top tips:

• Start Your Search Early: Just like other vendors, the most talented makeup artists book up quickly, especially during peak wedding season (Spring and Fall). I recommend you begin your search as soon as you have a wedding date set.
• Portfolios: Look at their Instagram and website. Do you love their style? Do they have experience working with different skin tones and types? Pay attention to the overall aesthetic of their work. Are you saying to yourself, yes, that is what I want to look like!
• Read Reviews and Testimonials: What have other brides had to say about their experience? Did they find that they were punctual, friendly, and delivered on their promises?
• Schedule a Trial: This is a must! A makeup trial allows you to see how the artist can create your desired look and ensure you feel completely comfortable with them. Bring inspiration photos to show the makeup artist and ask for their opinion, too.
• Ask About Products and Allergies: If you have any skin sensitivities or preferences regarding makeup brands, be sure to discuss this during your trial.
• Inquire About Logistics: Understand their pricing, travel fees (if applicable), and how many people they can accommodate in your timeframe. And ask if they have any early arrival fees, you don’t want any unexpected financial surprises on your wedding day! 

Photo by Brandon Andrews Photography

I recently sat down with Erica Bogart, owner and founder of Bogart Beauty in Atlanta, to have my makeup professionally done for my business brand video. I was amazed by her professional artistry, upbeat energy and enthusiam for her profession. She made me feel calm and relaxed during the process. Being under hot lights and cameras in my face, I wanted to make sure I had the correct makeup that would last and look good. Erica did an amazing job, and I loved it!

The experience with Erica made me want to sit down with her again, but this time to ask her questions about her insights about her wedding makeup artistry. My goal is to provide my clients with the information they need to make the best choices for their wedding day. So here are the questions I asked Erica in the hope she will shine some light into the world of wedding day makeup for you!

1. When did you start your business?

I got my start in beauty over 20 years ago at the MAC counter as part of the opening team at Bloomingdale’s Lenox in Atlanta as my college job (fun fact, I have a degree in marketing and PR). From there, I freelanced with Dolce & Gabbana and Laura Mercier at Neiman Marcus and Saks, before transitioning into TV, commercial, and bridal work. I officially launched my business once I saw how much I loved connecting with women and making them feel confident in real life—not just on set.

2. Why did you start your business?

I’ve always been obsessed with glowing skin and helping women feel like the most elevated version of themselves. Starting my own business allowed me to create a luxury experience that’s more than just makeup—it’s about energy, connection, and making my clients feel at ease from the first email to the final touch-up.

3. What do you love about your business?

It’s the people for me. I get to be part of the most important days in someone’s life—weddings, branding moments, milestones. I love helping women feel radiant and confident, and it’s an honor to witness those little in-between moments: the happy tears, the deep breaths before the ceremony, the laughter. That’s the magic.

4. What should brides know to prepare for their wedding day makeup?

Start with good skincare and skin protocols! I recommend seeing an esthetician and prepping for the big day! I have created a skin guide for my brides to let them know when to get what. Hydrated, healthy skin is key to a flawless look that lasts. I always recommend a hydrafacial and dermaplaning the week of & sticking to products you know work for you the month before the wedding—no last-minute facials or new skincare—and getting plenty of sleep and water the week of. And always eat breakfast, even if you’re nervous!

5. When should a bride book you for her trial and for her wedding?

As soon as you have your date and venue locked in, reach out! I book up early, especially for destination weddings and peak seasons. I usually recommend scheduling your bridal preview 2–3 months before the big day—close enough that your vibe is dialed in, but early enough to make adjustments if needed.

6. How many weddings do you book a year?

I have started to take on a limited number of weddings each year to ensure every client gets my full attention and energy. Burnout isn’t sexy! My brides aren’t just booking makeup—they’re booking a whole experience, and I like to keep that boutique and personalized.

7. How long does it take to complete the bride’s makeup on the wedding day?

I usually reserve 90 minutes for the bride. That gives us time for skin prep, application, and adjustments, without rushing. I want my brides to feel relaxed and pampered—not like they’re just being checked off a list.

8. What is the most important advice you can give brides about wedding day makeup?

Trust your artist. You hired us for a reason, and we want you to look and feel amazing. Your wedding day is not the time to try something trendy or drastically different—go for an elevated version of you. That’s the kind of timeless beauty that photographs best.

9. What sets you apart from others in the makeup industry?

My focus is on radiant, glowing skin and a calming, luxury experience from start to finish. I’ve worked with every skin tone, every culture, and in every kind of environment—on-camera, destination weddings, corporate clients—you name it. But what my clients always say is that I bring good energy, I’m their hype girl, and I make them feel comfortable and confident.

10. Anything else that you think is important for brides to know?

Don’t underestimate how important it is to vibe with your glam team. We’re with you in those intimate, emotional hours before you say “I do.” Make sure you feel seen, supported, and celebrated. That energy sets the tone for the whole day.

11. Where can brides find you, and how can they contact you?

You can find my work on Instagram @bogartbeauty or visit my website at www.ericabogart.com to learn more or submit an inquiry through my contact form. I’d love to chat with you about your big day!

Don’t underestimate the power of hiring a professional makeup artist to create your beautiful look for your wedding day. You will wear your gorgeous dress, your hair will be styled, and your face with glow! With an experienced, professional makeup artist, you’re investing in feeling confident, beautiful, and picture-perfect as you say “I do” to your soulmate.

I hope you have found this information helpful as you search for your makeup artist for your wedding day! Need more help? Contact me at Gloria at Hello@gloriaschulzevents.com or reach out to Erica, whom I highly recommend!

Makeup by @Bogart Beauty, Photo by @Felix Photo and Film