FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & BOOKING POLICIES
PREVIEWS
Is a bridal glam preview the same as a trial?
Not exactly. While similar, a bridal glam preview is more than just a trial—it’s a collaborative session designed to give you a full preview of your wedding day look. Unlike a traditional trial, which is often about testing out the artist, the preview is for finalizing details with your chosen artist. We’ll take our time to explore what tones best suit your skin tone and preferences, assess how the makeup wears on your skin, and make any necessary adjustments ahead of time. It’s a great opportunity to ensure everything is perfected before your big day.
How should I prepare for my bridal preview and wedding day?
Proper skin prep is essential for achieving a flawless, long-wearing makeup finish. Before your appointment, I recommend cleansing, toning, exfoliating, and moisturizing to create a smooth base. Makeup enhances your skin’s natural texture, so it’s best to avoid dry or flaky skin, which can cause unwanted texture and affect the final result.
If you have any ongoing skin concerns, I strongly suggest consulting with an esthetician ahead of time to create a skincare plan. Please note that makeup does not cover fine lines, wrinkles, acne, pores, or other texture—it works best when applied to well-prepped skin.
Additional tips:
Please groom your brows and remove any unwanted facial hair, as this helps the makeup apply more evenly.
Avoid new skincare treatments or facials within 14 days of your preview or wedding day to prevent unexpected reactions.
If you're planning a lash lift, please consult with me first, as it may interfere with the application of faux lashes.
Avoid dermaplaning exactly 7 days before the wedding, as freshly exfoliated skin can sometimes cause foundation to sit unevenly or not adhere properly. For best results, schedule the treatment about 10 to 12 days prior to allow your skin to rebalance and ensure flawless makeup application.
Following these guidelines will help ensure the best possible results on your special day!
Are previews required?
Bridal makeup previews are optional but strongly encouraged to ensure the most seamless and stress-free experience on your wedding day.
A preview gives us the opportunity to refine your bridal look in advance, align with your vision, test for product compatibility, and make any adjustments ahead of time. It also allows you to feel confident and relaxed, knowing exactly how your makeup will look and wear throughout the day.
While not required, many brides find the trial session invaluable in bringing their beauty vision to life.
Why do I have to sign a contract before my preview?
I like to reassure my clients that signing a contract is not "soul binding," but rather a way to confirm your commitment to booking my services and to provide me with important details about your wedding. If you choose to change direction after signing, you are welcome to cancel, but please note that a cancellation must be made at least 120 days prior to your wedding date to avoid being responsible for the full service amount outlined in the contract. This policy ensures both parties are protected and that I can continue to offer the best possible service to all my clients.
How long does a preview take?
A preview typically takes 2 hours to complete.
When are you available for previews?
Previews are conducted at my private studio in Benicia, CA, and are available by appointment Monday through Thursday. Due to my wedding commitments, weekend appointments are unavailable from May through October. However, limited weekend dates are offered during the off-season, from November to April.
Can I book a bridal makeup preview (trial) on a weekend?
Bridal preview appointments are available Monday through Thursday. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are reserved exclusively for wedding bookings. We recommend scheduling your preview early to secure your preferred weekday time.
How far in advance should I book my preview?
It’s best to schedule your preview 2 months before your wedding day. This timing helps ensure that the look we create is still fresh in both of our minds as we approach your big day, making any last-minute adjustments easier to implement.
Can you travel to me for my bridal preview appointment?
Unfortunately, I do not travel on-location for bridal previews, and this policy is firm with no exceptions. All previews are held at my private studio in Benicia, CA.
Can my mom or bridesmaid get a bridal preview?
Bridal previews are exclusively available for the bride. On the wedding day, all members of the bridal party, including mothers, will receive a soft, elegant look to ensure a cohesive and harmonious theme.
If you have any specific concerns or requests regarding the look for any bridal party members, please feel free to email me. We can discuss the details and create a tailored game plan to meet everyone's needs.
What is your signature bridal makeup style?
My signature bridal makeup is a soft glam look featuring medium to full coverage, luminous skin, and softly defined features—perfect for a timeless, elevated glow. Soft glam is not a natural or minimal look—it’s still a full face of makeup designed for longevity and to photograph beautifully. My style is best suited for those who appreciate the look of makeup. If you prefer a barely-there or no-makeup feel, my approach may not be the right fit.
WEDDING DAY
Can I get ready at my venue's bridal suite?
Yes, as long as you have early access to the suite to accommodate a makeup start time of 7:00 AM or earlier. If your venue has strict access hours and cannot allow early entry, you’ll need to get ready off-site—either at a nearby hotel or house rental. Please note: makeup start times are based on your desired finish time, not the venue’s availability.
Can I add or remove people/services after I sign my contract?
Once the contract is signed, I don’t allow any adjustments to the services count. This helps ensure that everything is properly planned and secured for your wedding day. If you have any changes in mind, it's best to finalize them before the contract is signed.
How many services can you take on your own?
I work independently and can accommodate up to 6 people per booking on my own. For groups of 6 or more, I’m happy to provide trusted referrals for additional artists, but clients are responsible for booking them separately.
What is the service minimum?
All weekend bookings require a minimum of 4 services (1 bride & 3 others) or the dollar equivalent.
If you're looking to book fewer than 4 services, feel free to inquire within 30 days of your event date to check for any remaining availability.
How will the day go?
I will arrive early to set up my work area and would greatly appreciate being near a large window with a table to set up my kit. As we’ll be on a tight schedule, I will be doing soft, natural looks for your bridal party and guests to streamline the process. This ensures that we stay on track, as anything bold or intricate (like dramatic smokey eyes or intricate winged liner) would take more time and is not within my typical style.
I also recommend scheduling the bride second-to-last for makeup, and not last, to avoid any rushed feelings during her appointment.
If you’d like me to stay for bridal touch-ups after your first look or ceremony, I’ll be ready to jump in immediately after the last contracted service is finished. There won’t be any gaps or breaks, and I’ll remain by your side to assist with any shine, lip touch-ups, or quick fixes throughout your photos.
BOOKING
What is required to book?
To reserve your wedding date, I require a non-refundable retainer and a signed contract. This ensures that your date is officially secured and allows me to begin preparations for your special day.
When is the final payment due for my wedding day?
The final payment for your wedding day is due 14 days prior to your original event date. You will receive a reminder with instructions on how to pay online. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out!
Do I need to know my firm number of services at booking?
Yes, I will need to know your firm number of services at the time of booking. Please keep in mind that I do not allow any adjustments to the service count once the contract is signed, so it's important to finalize those details upfront.
Do you have an assistant?
I work independently and can accommodate up to 6 people per booking. For groups of 8 or more, I’m happy to provide trusted artist referrals. Please note that clients are responsible for coordinating and booking any additional artists directly.
What brands of product do you carry in your kit?
I carry an assortment of luxury and professional products in my kit to ensure the best results for your look. Some of the brands I use include Armani, MAC, Tarte, Too Faced, Makeup Forever, Tom Ford, Dior, Makeup by Mario, Rare Beauty, Kosas, Fenty, Hourglass, NARS, Charlotte Tilbury, and Benefit, among others. I carefully select each product to suit your skin type and desired look, ensuring long-lasting, flawless results. Let me know if you have any questions about the products or brands I use!
How do I know if you’re the right artist for me?
If you're laid-back, trust me to bring your vision to life, and love full soft glam that enhances your natural beauty—then we’ll be a perfect match.
I work best with clients who allow me to fully relax and do what I do best, without micromanaging. That’s truly when the magic happens—and it’s how you end up looking like one of the gorgeous brides you see in my portfolio and on my Instagram.
If you value professional, stress-free energy on your wedding day and want someone who truly cares about your comfort and confidence, I might just be your girl.
What happens if you're unable to work my event or wedding date?
I completely understand how hard it can be to trust someone with such an important day—and the thought of your artist canceling can be stressful.
Here’s the truth: it would take a serious emergency (we’re talking hospital-level) for me to ever miss a bride’s wedding. I’m fully committed to showing up and being there for you, no matter what.
In the rare event that something truly out of my control were to happen, I would do everything in my power to find you an incredible replacement. With over 10 years in the industry, I have a strong network of talented artists I can call on. While I can’t guarantee availability, it’s very likely I’d be able to connect you with someone I fully trust to take care of you.
You're never just another client to me—your experience matters, and I take that responsibility seriously.
I’ve never liked wearing makeup and I’m scared you’ll make me look “cakey”. What’s your process when creating a client’s makeup look?
I totally get it—getting your makeup professionally done can feel intimidating, especially if you’re someone who doesn’t wear much day-to-day. But here’s the truth: you should be obsessed with how your artist does skin. If you’re worried about looking cakey or not feeling like yourself, pay attention to how they handle complexion.
When I apply foundation, I work in thin, light layers, building coverage gradually and only where needed. This keeps the makeup breathable and skin-like while still achieving a polished, long-wearing finish.
In order for your makeup to be photo-ready and last all day, I do use a combination of liquids, creams, and powders. Layering products is key to that flawless, durable look—but it can also emphasize your skin’s natural texture like pores, fine lines, acne, or dryness. That’s why consistent skincare is non-negotiable.
To get the best results, I recommend following a daily skincare routine:
✔️ Cleanse
✔️ Tone
✔️ Hydrate
✔️ Exfoliate once a week
Monthly facials and dermaplaning are also great tools to help prep your skin and keep it smooth and glowing. The better shape your skin is in, the better your makeup will look and wear.
I’ll make sure your makeup looks flawless on my end—but it’s a team effort. You bring the skincare, I’ll bring the glam.
What is it like working with you, and what can I expect?
Working with me feels relaxed, fun, and fully supported. I bring a kind, calming energy to every session while staying organized and on top of the details that matter—especially on a day as important as your wedding.
I value clear communication, transparency, and healthy boundaries, so you’ll always know what to expect. My clients trust me to bring their vision to life without hovering over every detail—and that’s where I truly thrive. When I’m given the creative freedom to do what I do best, the results speak for themselves.
If you’re looking for someone who’s professional but laid-back, detailed but easygoing, and genuinely cares about your experience from start to finish—we’ll be a great fit.
BOOKING POLICIES
BOOKING CONFIRMATION
A signed contract and a non-refundable retainer are required to officially reserve your wedding date. Stefanie Weinapple Makeup cannot hold or guarantee any date without both the completed agreement and retainer payment.
PAYMENTS
Payments may be made via Venmo, Zelle, or invoice. The remaining balance must be paid in full by the deadline specified in the contract, prior to the event date. Partial or delayed payments will not be accepted. Full payment is required in advance to finalize and proceed with services.
TRAVEL FEES
Travel fees will be clearly outlined in your personalized proposal and are calculated based on the event location and travel distance.
EARLY START FEES
Appointments requiring a start time before 6:00 AM are subject to an additional early start fee. Specific details regarding early morning charges are provided in the pricing brochure.
TRIAL POLICY
A trial session is highly recommended to ensure your ideal bridal look, though it is not required. For the best experience, it is advised to schedule the trial approximately four months prior to the wedding date. Trial appointments are available exclusively to brides who have secured their wedding date by submitting both a signed contract and a non-refundable retainer.
CANCELLATION POLICY
All retainers are non-refundable. In the event of a cancellation after the contract has been signed, full payment may still be required, in accordance with the terms outlined in the agreement.
NO REFUND POLICY
All payments made for services, including retainers, deposits, and final balances, are non-refundable. Once payment is received, it is considered fully earned and non-recoverable under any circumstances, including but not limited to cancellations, changes in event details, dissatisfaction with services, or no-shows.
By booking and making payment, the Client acknowledges and agrees to this no refund policy in full.
ZERO ABUSE POLICY
Stefanie Weinapple Makeup maintains a zero-tolerance policy for abuse of any kind. This includes, but is not limited to, verbal harassment, aggressive behavior, intimidation, discrimination, or any form of disrespect toward the Artist or any members of the team.
Any abusive or inappropriate behavior—whether in person, over the phone, via email, or through messaging—will result in the immediate termination of services. In such cases, all payments made will be forfeited, and any outstanding balance will remain due in full.
This policy is in place to ensure a safe, respectful, and professional environment for both clients and artists. By booking services, the Client agrees to uphold this standard of conduct.
CLIENT EXPECTATIONS AND PORTFOLIO REVIEW
The Client agrees to have reasonable expectations regarding the makeup application and understands that certain natural skin characteristics—such as creasing, fine lines, acne bumps, scars, and overall skin texture—are normal and cannot be fully concealed by makeup.
Prior to booking, the Client is encouraged to thoroughly review Stefanie Weinapple’s portfolio to ensure that their desired bridal look aligns with Stefanie’s artistic style and techniques. By proceeding with the booking, the Client acknowledges and accepts the Artist’s style and the inherent limitations of makeup application on natural skin features.