My point is, many of us know what we want in a wedding before knowing what we want in a man. Perhaps you have daydreamed whether having a grand celebration is better than a simple one. You’ve picked flowers and considered possible color motifs and giveaways. Your heart may be set on a particular engagement ring. But when it comes to one thing, you haven’t got a clue: test make up.

What’s included in the package? What should I do if I don’t like the make up? Am I supposed to give a tip after shelling out enough to buy ten pairs of shoes? Relax. Three of the best bridal make up artists give their opinions on the subject: Butch Coo, a favorite among chinita brides; Peddy Acebo, a popular choice in beauty commercials; and Jigs Mayuga, chief make up artist of Loreal Paris. Here are what they have to say:

Do discuss money outright. Discuss the price of test make up as well. Inform the make up artist right away when and where your wedding will be. There’s no point going further if he is booked.

Don’t assume anything. Ask what is included in the package. For instance, P15000 may be for the bride’s hair and make up alone. It may be a package for three. Or it may cover only the make up for three pax, hair not included. Find out if retouching is part of the package. If the artist suggests minor treatments like eyebrow bleaching or threading, ask if these are complimentary or not.

Do request for a consultation and check out his portfolio. There’s usually no fee for this but confirm first when you speak with him or his agent over the phone. You may opt to save time by going straight to test make up and get a more comprehensive discussion on the subject.

Don’t sign a contract immediately, unless you’re really satisfied with the work. When you have the time and resources, scout a couple more make up artists then decide whose work you love best. Once you’re happy, book them before someone else does. If your date falls on peak months such as June and December, better to book 3-6 months in advance. A 50% down payment upon contract signing is standard.

Do set ample time for your test make up. This usually lasts one to two hours but it’s best to ask your make up artist when setting a schedule.

Don’t bring the whole barangay. Everybody will have an opinion and you’ll end up more confused than ever. Plus it spoils the surprise. Bring one friend whose taste you trust. If you can help it, keep your bridal look from the groom.

Do wear a shade closest to your dress. White is never just white. As the toothpaste ad goes, there’s ecru, off-white, cream, and mother of pearl.

Don’t go to the make up session with make up on.

Do brief properly. Be clear with what you want and don’t want. Clarify your make up vocabulary, what’s light make up for you may not be what the artist has in mind. Better yet, bring hair and make up pegs. Show your bride book if you have one, this compilation of your gown sketch, color and cloth swatches, jewelry and hair ornament options will give the artist a clearer idea of what your personality is and what you wish to achieve.

Don’t be fickle. The make up artist and you will have a detailed discussion on which direction to take. When he’s nearly finished with your face, don’t change directions and ask for something drastically different. Unless you want the headlines of tomorrow’s paper to read: "Isang babaeng naka-make up lumulutang sa Pasig River." Seriously, you could be the charged a separate fee for this.

Do be realistic. Collaborate with your make up artist on what will work for you. Surely you cannot expect to have exactly the same hair and make up as Julia Roberts when you don’t have her, well, exact hair and face.

Don’t be shy. Nobody says you can’t comment and give suggestions. It’s your face and your wedding. Are you uncomfortable with your eye make up? Do you want to try different lip colors? Do you feel your hairstyle isn’t flattering and wish to try something different? Speak up! Your make up artist and hairdresser will be more than happy to revise. That’s why it’s called a test.

Do road test your new look. Schedule the test with your pre-nuptial photo session to see how it registers on camera. Go to an event with similar weather conditions and lighting to observe how well it holds in real life. For instance, some foundations turn grayish when you’re acidic; or a nicely blowdried hair may turn to Magic Curls Barbie the moment it kisses humidity.

Don’t forget to bring a camera. Take a snapshot of every change of hair or lip color so you can scrutinize later which makes you most gorgeous.

Do have a facial done one week before your wedding. But any peeling treatments must be done at least a month ahead, hair treatments two weeks prior, and nails a day or two before. Coax your fiancé to have his nails professionally cleaned too. Ideally, dark eyebrows are bleached a week before D-Day. You’ll look younger and more feminine.

Don’t do anything drastic. Never experiment with self-tanning lotions a few days before getting hitched (you may look closer to an orange zebra than a golden goddess). If you always had jet black hair, this isn’t the time to fulfill your blonde ambition. Speaking of hair, please tell your hairdresser this is for your wedding. Same goes for the groom. Withdraw this vital information and he may end up with a dorky crew cut in pictures that will be passed on to your children’s children.

Do update your make up artist and wedding hairstylist on how you look 2-4 weeks prior to the ceremony. Inform them when you’ve gotten a tan, if your skin is breaking out, or if you’ve gotten a new hairstyle or color. Email or MMS your most recent pix if possible.

Don’t take salty food a week before the march. Not only will it make you bloat, it will make your under eyes puffy.

Do be discreet. Counting cash on your wedding day seems awkward, if not too Pera o Bayong-ish. Put payment in an envelope and hand it to the artist either before or after doing your make up. Tipping is not expected but (if you’re feeling generous) appreciated. Assistants are usually given a couple of violet bills each.

Don’t underestimate the power of niceness and charm.

For make up package inquiries you may call: Butch Coo (0927)4864568; Peddy Acebo (0917)6279120; Jigs Mayuga (0918)9067644. Photos courtesy of Wedding Essentials Magazine.