Expert Q&A with Lauren Shea: Your Guide to Luxury Destination Wedding Hair & Makeup
On-location beauty for a tropical "I do" — luxury destination wedding hair and makeup by Lauren Shea, captured in Maui, Hawaii. Expert bridal styling that holds up to heat, humidity, and unforgettable moments. Now booking for weddings in Maui, Santorini, Cabo, and beyond. Captured by Taylor Lynn Photography
Planning a luxury destination wedding? From the Amalfi Coast to Maui, Paris to Palm Beach, your hair and makeup choices matter just as much as your dress and venue. Celebrity hair and makeup artist Lauren Shea shares her top insights to help you look and feel flawless no matter where in the world you say “I do.”
1. How do I choose the right hair and makeup artist for my destination wedding?
Look for an artist with experience in destination weddings, a versatile portfolio, and the ability to travel and experience working in different locations across the world. Read reviews, ask for published work, and ensure they understand different lighting, climates, and timelines. As someone who’s styled brides from the dry climate in Colorado to humid beaches of Hawaii and Mexico, I always tailor each look to the location and event vision.
2. When should I book my wedding hair and makeup?
For luxury weddings, secure your artist 9–12 months in advance, especially if you're getting married in peak seasons or high-demand locations like Italy, Cabo, or the South of France. Top artists book quickly, especially for destination dates that require travel and accommodations.
3. Why does luxury wedding hair and makeup cost more?
It’s not just the glam—it’s the experience, expertise, and service. Destination weddings require travel days, kit packing for different climates, early call times, and all-day touch-up or event coverage. I bring editorial-level tools and techniques, calm professionalism, and a luxury standard from start to finish.
4. What are the best hair and makeup tips for humid climates?
For tropical or coastal weddings like in Hawaii or Mexico, I recommend:
Lightweight, humidity-resistant skincare
Water resistant primers, foundation, and setting sprays.
Textured hair styles that embrace natural volume or wave
Anti-frizz, humidity resistant products and strategic pinning to hold the look all day
With the right prep, I design looks that last from ocean breeze to final dance.
5. What should I wear to my hair and makeup preview?
Wear a top in a similar neckline and color to your wedding dress, ideally white or ivory. Bring inspiration photos, and arrive with clean, dry hair and moisturized skin. A preview is about testing products, shapes, and comfort so we can perfect your final bridal look. Also have your skin color and hair color as similar to what it will be for the wedding day as possible. Make sure you have any wedding hair accessories and all in hand as well like hair clips, veils etc.
6. Is wedding hair and makeup worth it?
Absolutely. Professional hair and makeup is about so much more than just looking beautiful—it’s about feeling confident, comfortable, and camera-ready from morning until the last dance. You’ll be photographed in every kind of lighting and environment, and a skilled artist ensures your look holds up flawlessly.
With over 16 years of experience and more than 300 weddings across the world, I bring expert technique, calm presence, and a deep understanding of what it takes to create a look you’ll love in real life and in your photos. These images last a lifetime—your beauty should, too.
7. What are the typical prices for luxury destination wedding hair and makeup?
Rates vary by location, artist experience, and scope. For full-day luxury coverage—including bride services, travel, and touch-ups—pricing typically ranges from $1,000–$3,000+. Custom quotes reflect travel logistics, assistants needed, how many days or events or services requested, and guest services. I provide tailored packages for weddings across Europe, the Unites States, the Caribbean, and more.
Ready to look your best anywhere in the world?
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