Is a bridal makeup deposit refundable?

For bookings made remotely, the client usually has 14 days to cancel for a full refund. After that, a reasonable booking fee can be non-refundable if your agreement says so clearly.

Do I need a solicitor to write my makeup contract?

Not to start with, but having a solicitor or trade body review your template, especially the cancellation terms, is a small cost compared with a dispute.

Bridal Makeup Artist Contract, Deposits & Policies (UK)

Video lesson for members · 13:10

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In this video: A US artist walks through her bridal contract; UK consumer rules differ, as this lesson explains

In this lesson

Why every bridal booking needs a written agreement and a booking fee
The working policies to decide first
What the agreement must cover
Booking fees and cancellations under UK consumer law
Taking payments, plus a fill-in agreement template

Bridal bookings are made months, often more than a year, ahead. For all that time you’re turning other brides away from that date. Without a written agreement and a booking fee, a bride can quietly book someone else and you only find out the week of the wedding. The agreement protects her too: it’s her guarantee that you’ll turn up, on time, with the services she chose.