I went to a bridal fashion show the other night. Let me tell you, there is lots of money to be made in the industry. Here I found brides-to-be, young models (who were actually volunteers), and proud parents of the modeling children. There were bridal magazines, DJs, and caterers. It was a fun event, followed by some yummy sangria with friends. Here’s what I learned.

From wedding dresses to tuxes to bridal party attire, wardrobe stylists have got it made. There are so many styles to choose from and the trained eye of a wardrobe stylist is perfect to help a bride pick out that fancy white dress.

Beauty is key, as I’ve been told by many-a-bride and cosmetology professional. More and more brides are enlisting bridal beauty services before the big day. From simple hair and makeup applications to botox and a freshening chemical peel, brides aim to look their best on the most important day of her life. Read more about that in Here Comes the Bride… and a Lucrative Beauty Career.

And what about event planning? As women take on more jobs as CEOs and Presidents of companies, they are finding it difficult to plan their weddings because of time constraints. So event planning is the perfect place to have someone help you along the way and hopefully dial down the wedding stress just a little.

Even automotive technicians can get into the wedding action if they want to work on those all-important bridal limos. No bride wants her chariot to break down on the way to her prince charming.

The bridal beauty industry is a booming one. And a lot of these professionals tend to be self-employed, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means flexibility and a variety of opportunities. If you’re interested in cosmetology, but aren’t sure just what to try your hand at, then consider a career in bridal beauty services. Marry your passion for beauty with a lucrative career, as others walk down the aisle to happiness.

-Amanda Fornecker

Makeup has never done much for me, but I think that’s because I’m not doing it right. Makeup should enhance and conceal, highlight and reveal. But makeup on its own is relatively powerless. In the hands of an amateur like me, makeup can’t realize its full potential (but it can definitely do a lot of damage!). In the hands of a professional makeup artist, however, makeup can be transformative.

I am continually amazed when I see before and after shots of people on the pages of a magazine. I’m amazed at the way makeup artists can present attractive but flawed people as picture-perfect. It’s their job, of course, but it’s incredible nonetheless.

Makeup artistry isn’t just about making people pretty, though. A professional makeup artist has to interpret the makeup requirements of clients and produce a creative and technically accurate visual representation. That means using their artistry to make people appear tan, sallow, old, young, fat, skinny, or anything in between.

Plus, makeup artists have a great opportunity to blend their passion for beauty with their love for entertainment and events to work on photography, film, TV, and runway makeup.

Most makeup artistry is focused on making people look as attractive or believable as possible, but photography, TV, and runway makeup is also highly stylized. Television makeup artists in particular must contend with the challenges of high-definition TV, whose sharp resolution requires a new level of coverage to minimize flaws. After all, are we really ready to see all the wrinkles and pock marks on our favorite stars’ faces?

And who knew that makeup artistry could be such an in-demand career? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of makeup artists is projected to increase a whopping 40 percent from 2006 to 2016. That’s way faster than the average occupational increase, which is about 10 percent.

Of course, those who participate in formal training leading to a certificate or diploma in makeup artistry or a degree in cosmetology are ahead of the employment game. Professional makeup artist programs offer theoretical and practical makeup courses pertaining to different styles of makeup, history, and tools and their care. Makeup artist training can provide a practical understanding of lighting, the photographic process, colors, continuity, and the impact of makeup processes on the skin.

So it stands to reason that the more you learn, the better prepared you’ll be to make a name for yourself in the beauty and entertainment biz. Maybe you can even make a difference on a makeup-challenged person like me!

-Robyn Tellefsen