Table of Contents
Makeup artists sign fewer contracts than any other wedding profession — and absorb more last-minute chaos because of it: surprise family faces at dawn, "we moved the muhurat" texts, cancelled weddings with advances already spent on kit restocks. A one-page contract fixes almost all of it. Here's what an MUA contract needs, clause by clause, in plain language you can adapt.
Why MUAs Specifically Need Paper
The bridal booking has structural features that breed disputes: it's booked months ahead (memories drift), spans multiple events (scope blurs), involves the bride's whole family (decision-makers multiply), and happens at hours when renegotiation is impossible (nobody arbitrates at 4:30 am). A contract converts every predictable flashpoint into a pre-answered question. Our general contract guide covers fundamentals; below is the MUA-specific layer.
Clause 1: Events, Looks, and Times — The Scope Table
The heart of the document. One row per event:
| Event | Date | Venue | Ready-by time | Look | Faces |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mehendi | 12 Nov | Residence | 11 am | Fresh/minimal | Bride + 2 |
| Wedding | 14 Nov | Resort | 8:30 am | Traditional HD | Bride + 4 |
| Reception | 14 Nov | Resort | 7 pm | Glam | Bride + 2 |
Anything outside the table is an add-on at stated rates. This single table eliminates the two classic disputes: "we thought sangeet was included" and "it's just two more aunties."
Clause 2: Family and Additional Faces
State the per-face rate for additions ("additional party faces at ₹4,000 each, subject to time availability") and — crucially — the cutoff: "faces beyond those contracted must be confirmed 48 hours prior; day-of additions are accommodated at the artist's discretion." You've now converted dawn negotiations into a menu.
Clause 3: Trial Terms
Whether the trial is included, its price if standalone, whether that price adjusts against booking, and what a trial includes (one look; revisions during the session, not repeat sessions). Full policy design in our trial policies guide.
Clause 4: Payments — Advance, Balance, and Timing
The standard structure: 30–50% non-refundable advance to block dates (call it a retainer; it's earned when you refuse other brides for that date), balance due before the first event — never after. Note GST treatment if registered (18% on beauty services), and paper each payment properly: receipt for the advance, invoice for the package.
Clause 5: Cancellation and Postponement
Mirror the industry-standard scale: advance forfeited on any cancellation; within 30 days of the event, a portion of the balance is also due (you've turned away a season date). One free postponement with 45+ days notice if you're available on the new date. Full framework in the cancellation policy guide — it translates directly to makeup.
Clause 6: Timing, Delays, and Early Starts
- Early-morning surcharge stated (e.g., 15% for start times before 6 am)
- "Artist's schedule permits X minutes of delay; delays beyond this may reduce services deliverable before ready-by time" — the bride's cousin's blow-dry cannot consume the bride's slot
- Your own punctuality commitment, and the backup plan if you have an emergency (a named substitute standard: you arrange a comparable artist and refund any difference)
Clause 7: Hygiene, Allergies, and Liability
The bride discloses known allergies/sensitivities; patch tests offered for reactive products; your sanitization standards stated (they're a selling point in writing). Liability capped at fees paid — standard and fair.
Clause 8: Portfolio and Social Media
Permission to photograph and post the finished looks, with a privacy opt-out available (price it — you're giving up marketing material). Include the timing courtesy: no posting before the bride's own reveal if she requests.
Getting It Signed Without Awkwardness
Frame it as professionalism, because it is: "I'll send the booking confirmation — it lists every event, look, and timing so nothing gets missed, plus the payment schedule. Once you sign and the advance is in, your dates are locked." Send a link she can sign on her phone; e-signatures are valid in India under the IT Act. Brightdesk's contract templates let you send, sign, and store this digitally — attached to the booking, next to the advance receipt, where it belongs.
One page. Ten minutes to set up as a template. It will save you its weight in 4 am arguments every season.