Hair & Makeup Artist - Melinda Tanner
- Business: BOHO Byron Organic Hair Origin
- Location: Byron Bay, New South Wales
- Experience: 10 Years
- Profile: BOHO Byron Organic Hair Origin
- Website: boho.hair
1. Introduction: What's your story?
Hi, I’m Melinda, founder and lead stylist at BOHO Byron Bay. My journey into the world of hair and beauty began over 25 years ago, fueled by a lifelong passion for creativity and helping people feel their absolute best. Growing up, I was always the person friends and family turned to for everything from glamorous updos for special events to simple trims at the kitchen table. Little did I know then that those early moments of creativity would lay the foundation for my dream career.
After completing my formal training and gaining hands-on experience at some incredible salons, I realized that what truly excited me was working with brides and creating unforgettable hair and makeup looks for life’s most special occasions. There’s something so magical about being part of someone’s big day—helping them feel confident, radiant, and ready to step into the spotlight. That’s when I decided to specialise in wedding hair and makeup, combining my technical skills with my love for connecting with people during such an important time in their lives.
At BOHO, we strive to offer a boutique experience tailored to each bride’s unique style and vision. Whether it’s creating soft, romantic waves for a beachside ceremony or a polished updo for a classic ballroom wedding, we pride ourselves on delivering looks that not only photograph beautifully but also last through all the hugs, tears, and dancing.
When I’m not in the salon or on location with a bridal party, you’ll likely find me experimenting with new styles and techniques, teaching my team the latest trends, or simply enjoying downtime with my family and friends. For me, hair and beauty aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re about connection, confidence, and celebrating life’s beautiful moments.
2. What's your experience as a bridal hair & makeup artist? How many brides are in there in your portfolio?
With over a three decades of experience in the hair and beauty industry, I’ve had the absolute privilege of working with hundreds of brides to create their dream wedding day looks. Specialising in bridal hair and makeup has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career—I genuinely love being part of such a monumental day in someone’s life.
To date, I’ve styled and glammed over 300 brides, not to mention countless bridal party members and mothers of the bride or groom. Each wedding is unique, and every bride brings her own style, personality, and vision, which keeps my work fresh and inspiring. From intimate beachside elopements to grand, luxurious ceremonies, I’ve had the opportunity to work across a variety of settings and styles, and I cherish the diversity of experiences that weddings bring.
My experience goes beyond just styling hair or applying makeup—I understand the nuances of a wedding day, from time management during the busy morning prep to creating a calming environment for nervous brides. I’ve honed my skills to not only craft looks that are timeless and stunning but also to ensure that they last through the day’s laughter, tears, and dancing.
Each bride I’ve worked with holds a special place in my portfolio. It’s not just about the final look—it’s about the journey we take together to bring her vision to life. For me, it’s about building trust, ensuring comfort, and delivering a style that reflects her personality and enhances her natural beauty. It’s an honor I never take for granted, and every experience reinforces why I love what I do.
3. What are the different packages that you offer and which one is your most popular package?
At BOHO, we understand that every bride’s vision and needs are unique, which is why we’ve created a range of bridal hair and makeup packages to suit different styles, preferences, and budgets. Our goal is to make your wedding day preparation as seamless and enjoyable as possible while delivering a look that leaves you feeling radiant and confident.
Our Packages:
Blissful Bride Package – Perfect for brides who want a stunning wedding day look without extras. This package includes:
Professional bridal hair styling
Full bridal makeup with premium products
False lashes (optional)
A pre-wedding consultation to discuss your vision
Starting from $400
Golden Glow Package – Our most popular package! This includes everything from the Blissful Bride Package, plus:
A full hair and makeup trial prior to the big day
Personalized touch-up kit (lip color, setting spray, etc.)
Hair accessories or veil placement on the wedding day
Starting from $750
Ultimate Bridal Experience – For the bride who wants the full VIP treatment. This package includes everything from the Golden Glow Package, plus:
Additional hairstyling or makeup for an event (e.g., rehearsal dinner or engagement shoot)
Full-service touch-ups before the ceremony or photoshoot
On-site support throughout your wedding morning to ensure perfection
Starting from $1000
Additional Services & Add-Ons:
Bridesmaids and bridal party hair and makeup services are available as an add-on to any package.
Flower girl hairstyling is offered at a discounted rate, we also offer discounted rates for guests of your wedding.
Our Golden Glow Package is by far the most popular among brides, as it offers the perfect balance of essentials and extras. Brides love the trial session—it’s a wonderful opportunity to perfect the look and enjoy a little pampering before the big day.
No matter which package you choose, you’ll receive the same level of care and attention to detail. We’re here to make sure you feel relaxed, radiant, and ready to say, “I do!” If you’re unsure which package best suits your needs, we’re happy to discuss your vision and recommend the perfect fit.
4. Do you have a team of assistants or will you be the only artist that day? What will happen if you're sick or have an emergency on the wedding day?
Your wedding day is as important to us as it is to you, and we pride ourselves on creating a calm, enjoyable, and seamless experience while making sure you and your bridal party look absolutely stunning.
On the big day, I, Melinda, will be your lead artist and stylist, bringing years of expertise and passion to the job. Depending on the size of your bridal party, I may also bring along a trusted assistant or team member to ensure everyone is ready on time. Every member of my team is highly trained and fully aligned with our salon’s standards of excellence, so you can rest assured that you’re in capable hands.
We start the day by arriving early to set up and get settled. We’ll follow the schedule we’ve planned out during your trial or consultation, beginning with your bridal party and finishing with you to ensure your look is fresh for your big moment. I’ll make sure the atmosphere is relaxed, fun, and stress-free—wedding mornings are meant to be enjoyed!
While emergencies are rare, we understand that life can be unpredictable, and we’ve taken steps to ensure you’ll never be left in the lurch. In the unlikely event that I’m unable to attend due to illness or an emergency, I have a network of trusted, experienced stylists who can step in and deliver the same high standard of service. These professionals have been thoroughly vetted and are familiar with the styles, techniques, and expectations of our bridal clients.
We also always come prepared with backup tools and products to handle any unexpected situations on the day. Whether it’s last-minute touch-ups or adapting to a change in weather, we’ve got it covered. Our goal is to ensure everything runs smoothly so you can relax, sip champagne, and focus on enjoying every moment with your loved ones.
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we’re committed to making it as magical and stress-free as possible. Let us take care of the details while you get ready to walk down the aisle looking and feeling your absolute best.
5. Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover?
We love the excitement and charm of weddings in all kinds of beautiful locations, which is why we’re happy to offer our services for both local and destination weddings. Whether your big day is set in a romantic countryside venue, on a picturesque beach, or even in a stunning destination halfway around the world, we’re ready to be there with you to make your vision come to life.
Travel Within the Region
For weddings within BOHO’s local area and the surrounding areas of Byron Bay, Ballina & Lismore , there is no additional travel fee. If your venue is further afield, we do charge a small travel fee beyond the 30 km range. This covers transportation costs and ensures we arrive on time and ready to help you and your bridal party get wedding-day ready.
Destination Weddings
If your dream wedding takes you beyond a few hours’ drive, we’re more than happy to travel by plane, train, or car to be part of your special day. Destination wedding services typically include additional costs for flights, accommodation (if required), and transportation to and from the venue. We provide a detailed breakdown of these costs during your initial consultation so there are no surprises.
On-Site Convenience
Regardless of location, our team will arrive on-site fully equipped with everything needed to create your flawless bridal look. For destination weddings, we always bring backup tools and products to ensure we’re prepared for any challenges, such as humidity, wind, or last-minute adjustments.
Traveling for weddings is one of our favorite parts of this job—it’s always inspiring to see new locations and create looks that perfectly match the unique vibe of the venue. Whether you’re exchanging vows under a canopy of stars or in a quaint countryside chapel, we’ll be there to help make your day as magical as possible.
Feel free to get in touch to discuss your wedding location, and we’ll work with you to create a plan that fits seamlessly with your day. Wherever your love story takes you, we’ll be right there to help you look and feel absolutely stunning.
6. Can the bride book a wedding makeup trial appointment and will you also do a trial before the wedding?
Absolutely! A wedding makeup trial is not just an option—it’s something we highly recommend for every bride to ensure you feel completely confident and excited about your look on the big day. Your wedding is one of the most memorable days of your life, and the trial is the perfect opportunity to fine-tune every detail and bring your vision to life.
What Happens During a Trial?
During your trial, we’ll sit down together for an in-depth consultation to discuss your wedding day vision, your dress, your venue, and even the colour palette of your flowers and décor. All of these details help us craft a look that complements the overall theme and reflects your personal style. Whether you’re dreaming of a soft, romantic look, something bold and glamorous, or a timeless classic style, this is the time to explore your options.
A trial is an important part of the process in order to make sure you are comfortable with your chosen hairstyle. It is also a good time to test out how well your hair holds in the selected style and will give us a good idea on what products and pins are needed to secure your desired look. Some brides also like to try on their dress after the trial to give them an idea of how it will all come together. It also allows for us to explore different ideas, ie a down style or boho updo or perhaps a timeless sleek upstyle.
When Should You Book Your Trial?
We recommend scheduling your trial 4–6 weeks before the wedding. This allows enough time to make adjustments if needed and ensures your look is fresh in our minds as we prepare for the big day. If you’re having an engagement shoot, bridal shower, or another event in the lead-up to your wedding, the trial can also be timed to coincide with that day so you can see how the look photographs and wears.
Trial Appointments: What to Expect
Trials are typically 2 - 2.5 hours if doing both hair and makeup together
They include a full makeup application and hair styling along with a detailed discussion about your preferences.
We encourage brides to bring inspiration photos, mood boards, or even pictures of their dress and accessories.
Why Is a Trial Important?
A trial ensures there are no surprises on your wedding day. You’ll have complete peace of mind knowing that your hair and makeup is exactly as you envisioned, and it helps us create a timeline for your wedding morning so everything runs smoothly. Plus, it’s a great chance for us to get to know each other—you’ll feel even more comfortable and relaxed when the big day arrives!
Your wedding day is all about you, and the trial is one of the first steps to making sure you feel absolutely stunning. Let’s work together to create a look that’s uniquely yours!
7. What beauty products do you use and would you be open to the bride using her own make-up?
At BOHO, we pride ourselves on using only the highest quality beauty products to ensure your look is not only flawless but also long-lasting and comfortable. Your wedding day is filled with precious moments, laughter, and maybe even a few tears, so we carefully select products that stand up to the emotions and excitement of the day while enhancing your natural beauty.
The Products We Use
We work with a combination of professional-grade and luxury makeup brands, chosen for their superior performance and skin-friendly formulations. Brands such as Giorgio Armani, Charlotte Tilbury , Nars, Chanel & Dior are staples in our kit, along with trusted tools and setting products that ensure your makeup stays fresh and picture-perfect from the aisle to the dance floor. We also prioritize products that photograph beautifully, ensuring your makeup looks flawless under natural light, flash photography, and everything in between.
For sensitive skin or specific skin types, we always have options on hand to suit your unique needs. If you have particular allergies or skin sensitivities, let us know during your consultation, and we’ll make sure to use products that are compatible with your skin.
Can You Use Your Own Makeup?
Yes, absolutely! We understand that some brides have their own favorite products or items that hold sentimental value. If you’d like to incorporate your own makeup, whether it’s a specific lipstick shade, foundation, or a product you know works best for your skin, we are happy to work with it. Just let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.
For brides who prefer to use their own foundation due to skin sensitivities or a specific formula they trust, we can easily incorporate it into the look without compromising on the overall finish. We’re all about flexibility and making sure you feel comfortable with every product we use.
Why Professional Products Matter
While we’re open to including your own makeup, we recommend using professional-grade products for key elements like primer, setting spray, and long-wear items (e.g., eyeliner, mascara, and foundation). These products are specifically designed to handle long hours, changes in temperature, and the demands of wedding day emotions. Our goal is to ensure your look stays flawless and fresh throughout the day, so we use products we trust to perform in any situation.
A Collaborative Approach
Your makeup should feel like you, and we love collaborating to achieve a look that fits your vision. Whether it’s our trusted kit or incorporating your personal favorites, we’ll work together to create a stunning, long-lasting style that you’ll feel confident and beautiful wearing.
8. How can you make the bride's wedding makeup last and look good in photos?
At BOHO, we understand that wedding makeup needs to do two very important things: look stunning in real life and photograph beautifully. Beyond that, it needs to last from the moment you say “I do” until the final dance of the night. Our expertise lies in creating timeless, camera-ready makeup looks that enhance your natural beauty while standing up to hours of emotions, kisses, and celebrations.
A Flawless Base: The Foundation of Longevity
The key to long-lasting makeup starts with preparation. Before we apply a single product, we focus on creating the perfect canvas. This involves prepping your skin with professional-grade primers tailored to your skin type. If your skin tends to be oily, we’ll use mattifying products to control shine; if it’s dry, we’ll use hydrating primers to keep everything smooth and luminous.
We then layer products strategically—building up thin layers of foundation, concealer, and setting powder to create a look that’s both weightless and durable. By layering and setting each step, we ensure your makeup stays fresh without caking or creasing throughout the day.
Waterproof and Long-Wear Products for Reliability
For a day as emotional as your wedding, we only use long-wearing, waterproof products for key areas like eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick. This ensures your makeup can handle happy tears, kisses, and even unexpected weather changes. Our kit is stocked with industry-trusted brands that are designed for durability, so you can focus on enjoying your day instead of worrying about touch-ups.
Perfect for Photography
Makeup for photography requires special attention to detail. Harsh lighting and flash photography can sometimes wash out features or highlight flaws, so we use HD foundations and powders that are specifically formulated for high-resolution cameras.
We focus on enhancing your natural features with soft contouring, highlighting, and blush placement to give your face dimension and ensure you glow in every shot. We also avoid products with excessive shimmer, which can reflect too much light in photos, opting instead for luminous, natural finishes that look radiant without being overpowering.
Locking It All In
Once the look is complete, we use a professional-grade setting spray to lock everything into place. This final step ensures your makeup remains flawless throughout the day, no matter how much dancing, hugging, or celebrating you do. For outdoor weddings, we also adjust our techniques to account for factors like heat, humidity, or wind.
Tips for Touch-Ups
While we take every precaution to make sure your makeup lasts, we also recommend keeping a small touch-up kit on hand for peace of mind. We’ll provide you with a touch-up lipstick and a few blotting papers to keep your lips fresh and your skin shine-free. For brides with larger bridal parties, we also offer on-site touch-up services to keep everyone looking their best all day long.
By combining years of experience, the best products, and techniques tailored specifically to your needs, we ensure that you’ll feel confident and beautiful in person and in every single photo. It’s all about creating a look that lasts as long as the memories you’re making!
9. How long will makeup take on the day and how long will you be staying for on the day?
The timing on your wedding day is crucial, and at BOHO, we take great care to ensure everything runs smoothly and stays on schedule. Makeup application on your wedding day is all about creating a relaxed and enjoyable experience while giving you the perfect look for your big moment. Here's how we approach timing and duration to keep things stress-free and seamless.
How Long Does Makeup Take?
On average, makeup for the bride takes approximately 60–90 minutes. This includes skin preparation, makeup application, and final touch-ups to ensure every detail is flawless. For bridesmaids and other members of the bridal party, makeup typically takes about 45–60 minutes per person, depending on the complexity of the look.
If there are multiple people in your bridal party, we’ll create a detailed schedule ahead of time to ensure everyone is ready on time without feeling rushed. We always allocate a little extra time for unexpected delays, so you can relax and enjoy the process.
When Do We Start?
The start time will depend on the size of your bridal party and the time of your ceremony or first-look photos. Typically, we’ll work backward from the time you need to be fully ready and build a schedule that ensures everyone is finished with plenty of time to spare for dressing, photos, and any pre-ceremony moments.
For larger parties, I may bring an assistant or additional artists to help streamline the process and keep everything on track.
How Long Will I Stay?
I will stay with you until your makeup is completely finished and you’re 100% happy with the final result. Before I leave, I’ll ensure everyone’s makeup is touched up and photo-ready, especially if there’s been any delay or extra time needed to finish other wedding-day preparations.
For brides who want additional support, I offer optional add-on services to stay through your ceremony, photo sessions, or even the reception for on-the-go touch-ups. This can be particularly helpful if you have a long day planned, or if you’d like a quick refresh before evening festivities.
A Relaxed and Enjoyable Experience
On your wedding day, my goal is to create a calm, fun, and stress-free environment while ensuring you and your bridal party look and feel incredible. We’ll work closely together to make sure everything is perfectly timed so you can relax, soak in the excitement, and enjoy every moment of this unforgettable day.
10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?
At BOHO, we understand that wedding plans can change unexpectedly. While we always strive to be as flexible as possible, it’s important to have a clear cancellation and refund policy to ensure fairness to both our clients and our business. Here’s what you can expect in the case of changes or cancellations:
Cancellation Policy
If for any reason you need to cancel your wedding hair and makeup services, we ask that you notify us as soon as possible. Cancellations made within 30 days of the wedding date will result in a 50% cancellation fee of the total booking value. Unfortunately, if the cancellation occurs within 14 days of the wedding date, the full balance will be forfeited as we may have already reserved time and resources for your booking.
If you cancel your booking with more than 30 days notice, there is no cancellation fee, and we will refund the full amount paid.
Rescheduling Policy
We understand that life can throw curveballs, and sometimes weddings need to be rescheduled. If you need to change the date of your wedding, we will do our best to accommodate the new date, provided that we have availability. In such cases, a rescheduling fee may apply depending on the specifics of the situation. If we’re unable to accommodate the new date, our standard cancellation policy will apply.
Refunds
Refunds for services are not typically issued once services have been rendered. If a service has been completed but you're not fully satisfied with your makeup look, we will gladly offer a touch-up or correction as needed to meet your expectations. If there’s an issue with the service, please bring it to our attention as soon as possible so that we can resolve it for you.
Emergency or Illness Policy
In the event that we are unable to attend due to illness, personal emergency, or any unforeseen circumstance, we will make every effort to provide a suitable replacement artist. If a replacement cannot be arranged, we will refund the full deposit or payment made.
We highly recommend that all clients confirm their bookings and final details at least two weeks before the wedding date to minimize any potential issues. We also ask that clients provide as much notice as possible if there are any changes to the booking details, such as additional people added to the party or changes to the schedule. This helps us to prepare accordingly and ensure the best possible service.
We want your wedding day to be as smooth and stress-free as possible, and we will always do our best to accommodate your needs and ensure you have a fantastic experience with us. If you have any questions or concerns regarding our policy, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
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