You know that feeling when a big event is coming up and suddenly you’re overwhelmed with all the beauty prep? I’ve been there more times than I can count! Last year, my cousin’s wedding was approaching, and I was frantically calling around Indianapolis trying to find someone who could handle both my hair and makeup without breaking the bank. What a nightmare that was!
Finding the right beauty package for your special occasion shouldn’t be stressful—it should be part of the excitement! Whether you’re preparing for a wedding, prom, graduation, or important business event, having professionals take care of your look can make all the difference between feeling anxious and feeling fabulous.
That’s where Basil Beauty and Barber Shop comes in! Located at 4911 West 38th Street in Indianapolis, this hidden gem has become my go-to recommendation for friends and family looking for comprehensive beauty services. I discovered them after my disastrous self-applied prom makeup back in the day (let’s just say blue eyeshadow and I had a regrettable relationship).
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about special occasion beauty packages in Indianapolis, with a special focus on the exceptional services offered at Basil Beauty and Barber Shop. From what to look for in a beauty package to specific options for different events, I’ve got you covered!
What to Look for in Special Occasion Beauty Packages
When I first started booking beauty services for special events, I had no clue what to ask for or what to expect. Talk about going in blind! After some disappointing experiences (including a hairstyle that collapsed before the appetizers were served at my friend’s wedding), I’ve learned what truly matters when selecting a beauty package.
First and foremost, look for comprehensive service offerings. The best packages include everything you need—hair, makeup, nails, and sometimes even lash applications or brow styling. Basil Beauty and Barber Shop excels here, offering true head-to-toe services that eliminate the need to run between multiple locations on your big day. Trust me, the last thing you want is to be sitting in traffic between your hair appointment and makeup appointment!
Customization is absolutely critical. Every special occasion has its own vibe, and your beauty look should reflect that. A good salon will offer packages that can be tailored to your specific event. For instance, a corporate event might call for subtle elegance, while a prom look might incorporate more dramatic elements. When I visited Basil for my sister’s wedding, they customized each bridesmaid’s look while maintaining a cohesive theme—a skill that’s harder to find than you might think!
The experience level of the stylists and makeup artists can make or break your special day look. Don’t be afraid to ask about their backgrounds and specialties. The team at Basil Beauty has stylists with various expertise, from bridal specialists to those who excel at creating Instagram-worthy prom looks. I once made the mistake of not checking credentials and ended up with a hairstylist who had never done wedding hair before. My updo literally fell apart during the first dance—not a mistake I’ll make twice!
Product quality matters more than you might realize. High-quality products ensure your look lasts throughout your event and photographs beautifully. When I had my makeup done at Basil, I was impressed that they used premium brands that didn’t irritate my sensitive skin, and my makeup stayed flawless through hours of dancing and happy tears. Ask about the products used and whether they’re appropriate for your skin type and concerns.
Value doesn’t always mean the cheapest option. Consider what’s included in the package price and whether add-ons might end up costing you more in the long run. Some places I’ve tried had attractive base prices but then charged extra for literally everything—even hairspray! Basil Beauty provides detailed pricing upfront, so you know exactly what you’re getting without surprise charges when you’re already in the chair.
Location convenience is another factor that’s easy to overlook until you’re rushing around on the big day. Basil’s West 38th Street location is centrally positioned for easy access from multiple Indianapolis neighborhoods. I’ve made the mistake of booking with a salon that was a 45-minute drive away—talk about adding unnecessary stress to the day!
Don’t forget to check cancellation policies too. Life happens, and events sometimes get rescheduled. Knowing what flexibility you have can save both money and headaches. I learned this lesson the hard way when a family event was postponed due to illness, and I lost my entire deposit at a salon with a strict policy.
Top Special Occasion Beauty Packages at Basil Beauty and Barber Shop
After trying numerous salons around Indianapolis over the years, I keep coming back to Basil Beauty and Barber Shop for their exceptional special occasion packages. Their offerings have seriously saved me from many beauty emergencies!
The Bridal Bliss package at Basil Beauty is hands-down my favorite recommendation for brides in Indianapolis. This comprehensive package includes a pre-wedding consultation, trial run for both hair and makeup, day-of styling and makeup application, and even a touch-up kit to keep you looking flawless through the reception. When my best friend used this package, her makeup lasted from her 10 AM ceremony straight through to the last dance at midnight—impressive stuff!
Their wedding party packages are equally thoughtful, with options for bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and groom, and even flower girls. They offer staggered scheduling so everyone is ready on time (a logistical miracle I’ve rarely seen executed so well). Plus, they serve complimentary mimosas and light refreshments, which makes the getting-ready portion of the day feel special rather than stressful.
For proms and graduations, Basil offers the Spotlight Ready package, which has saved many teenagers (including my niece) from beauty disasters. It includes a trendy hairstyle, photo-ready makeup, and even a quick lesson on touch-ups. What I love most is how they balance current trends with timeless elements, so those prom photos won’t be embarrassing five years later (unlike my own, which I’ve conveniently “lost”).
The Anniversary Glow package is perfect for milestone celebrations. My husband surprised me with this for our 10th anniversary, and I felt absolutely pampered with a styling session, makeup application, and a quick shoulder massage to help me relax before our celebration. It was the perfect way to feel special without the extensive prep time of a wedding-day package.
For business events and professional photos, their Executive Image package is a game-changer. Before my last major presentation, I booked this service and received a professional but flattering hairstyle and natural-looking makeup that photographed beautifully under harsh conference lighting. Their makeup artists understand how to create looks that translate well both in person and on camera—a specialized skill I’ve found lacking at other salons.
What really sets Basil Beauty apart is their willingness to create custom packages. When I needed something special for a television appearance, they designed a service specifically addressing the unique requirements of HD cameras. They even did a test under similar lighting to ensure the results would work well.
Group packages at Basil offer excellent value, with discounts for parties of four or more. This makes them ideal for wedding parties, prom groups, or corporate teams preparing for important events. They’re able to accommodate groups efficiently without sacrificing quality—a balance many salons struggle to achieve.
Wedding Beauty Packages: The Complete Guide
Planning my sister’s wedding beauty timeline taught me more about preparation than I ever thought possible! Wedding beauty isn’t just about the big day—it’s about creating a plan that starts months before you walk down the aisle.
The ideal wedding beauty journey at Basil Beauty starts 6-9 months before your wedding with an initial consultation. This is when you’ll discuss your vision, share inspiration photos, and get professional advice on what might work best with your dress style, venue, and personal features. I made the mistake of skipping this step for a friend’s wedding and regretted not having the stylist’s input on what would photograph well with her backless dress.
About 3-4 months before the wedding, Basil recommends a hair and skin prep consultation. They’ll suggest treatments or products to ensure your hair and skin are in optimal condition for the big day. When my cousin followed their recommendation for a series of gentle exfoliating treatments, her skin literally glowed on her wedding day in a way makeup alone couldn’t achieve.
The trial session, usually scheduled 1-2 months before the wedding, is absolutely crucial. This is your opportunity to test your complete look and make adjustments. I remember my sister’s trial revealed that her chosen updo, while beautiful, wasn’t secure enough for her outdoor ceremony. The stylists at Basil worked with her to modify the style without compromising her vision, and it held perfectly through hours of lakeside wind on the actual day.
For the wedding day itself, Basil’s bridal packages include careful scheduling based on your ceremony time. They factor in photography sessions and travel time, ensuring you’re ready without feeling rushed. Their bridal coordinator will work with you to create a beauty timeline for your entire party, which takes an enormous stress off your shoulders.
One thing I particularly appreciate about Basil’s wedding packages is their attention to longevity. They use techniques and products specifically designed to withstand tears, hugs, dancing, and weather challenges. They even offer reception touch-up services for brides who want that extra assurance of looking perfect from first look to last dance.
Post-wedding services are something many brides don’t think about, but Basil includes recommendations for transitioning from wedding-day glamour back to your regular routine. This might include how to safely remove extensions or complex styles, or product recommendations to maintain your hair’s health after styling.
During my friend Jennifer’s wedding planning, she was worried about her sensitive skin reacting to makeup during an all-day wear. The team at Basil conducted a patch test weeks before her wedding to identify products that wouldn’t cause irritation, then created a custom kit that worked perfectly for her. That level of care and personalization is why I keep recommending them to every bride-to-be I know.
Prom and Graduation Beauty Packages: Look Your Best for the Big Day
Oh, prom! I still cringe when I remember attempting to do my own hair and makeup, resulting in something that looked more appropriate for Halloween than a formal dance. If only Basil Beauty had been around during my high school days!
For today’s prom-goers and graduates, Basil offers packages that strike the perfect balance between trendy and timeless. Their Prom Perfect package includes hair styling, makeup application, and even false lash options if desired. What I appreciate most is how they consult with young clients about their dresses, colors, and personal style before suggesting looks. This collaborative approach ensures teens feel like themselves—just more glamorous versions!
Current trends in prom styling lean toward more natural-looking hair with personalized details. The stylists at Basil can create everything from elegant updos to beachy waves, incorporating braids, twists, or accessories that complement your overall look. When my niece went to her prom last year, her Basil stylist added subtle blue accents to match her dress without going overboard—it was sophisticated rather than costume-like.
For makeup, Basil’s artists know how to create looks that are age-appropriate while still feeling special. They’re skilled at techniques that photograph beautifully (crucial for all those prom pictures!) without appearing heavy in person. They excel at the “natural glam” approach that’s so popular now, giving young clients a luminous complexion, defined eyes, and long-lasting lip color that won’t transfer onto dates during slow dances!
Group bookings are especially popular for prom, and Basil Beauty offers great incentives for friends who book together. Not only do they provide discounted rates, but they also make the pre-prom preparation part of the celebration itself. They’ll arrange your appointments so friends can be together, play your music choices, and even allow you to bring in snacks to share. It turns beauty prep into another memorable part of the big day experience.
For graduations, which often involve outdoor ceremonies in unpredictable weather, Basil offers specialized packages focused on longevity and humidity resistance. They’ve mastered techniques for creating styles that withstand both mortarboard hats and Indiana’s notoriously fickle spring weather. Their Graduation Glow package includes a consultation to discuss the unique challenges of your ceremony location, followed by styling that’s specifically engineered to last from pre-ceremony photos through family celebrations afterward.
Budget-friendly options are always a consideration for students, and Basil offers special student rates for prom and graduation packages when booked with a valid school ID. They also have “essential” versions of their packages that focus on the most important elements while keeping costs manageable. I wish I’d known about these options when helping my younger brother budget for his girlfriend’s prom corsage and beauty services—it would have saved him from choosing between the two!
The long-lasting techniques employed by Basil’s team are particularly valuable for these youthful celebrations, which often involve hours of dancing, hugging, and photo-taking. They use setting sprays, primers, and techniques specifically designed to keep everything in place, even through tearful graduation speeches or energetic prom dance floors.
Beauty Packages for Professional Events and Photoshoots
My first professional headshot was a disaster—I did my own makeup without understanding how it would translate on camera, and ended up looking both washed out and somehow overdone at the same time. After that experience, I’ve always turned to professionals for important photo sessions, and Basil Beauty has become my secret weapon.
For corporate events, Basil offers beautifully restrained styling that conveys professionalism while still enhancing your natural features. Their Corporate Polish package focuses on creating a polished, confident appearance appropriate for business settings. The makeup artists understand the difference between everyday office makeup and what works for special events or presentations, where you might be under bright lights or being photographed.
When I had an unexpected TV interview opportunity, I panicked until I remembered Basil offers a Media Ready package specifically designed for on-camera appearances. The makeup artist used techniques that prevented shine under hot lights and created definition that looked natural both in person and on screen. They even considered the specific background I’d be filmed against when selecting colors. That level of specialized knowledge is why I won’t go anywhere else for media appearances now.
Professional headshot sessions require a unique approach to beauty, and Basil’s photographers actually recommend their services to clients. Their Headshot Perfection package creates a look that’s flattering in photographs while still looking authentic and approachable. When I updated my LinkedIn profile with photos after using this service, my connection requests literally doubled—proof that looking polished and professional really does make a difference!
For important meetings like job interviews or client presentations, Basil offers quick-turnaround appointments that can fit into busy schedules. Their Power Meeting package takes just 45 minutes but includes both hair touch-up and makeup application focused on creating a confident, competent appearance. I’ve used this service before major pitches, and the boost of confidence from knowing I look my best has genuinely helped my presentation skills.
What impresses me about Basil’s professional packages is their understanding of context. They consider the industry you work in, the specific event you’re attending, and even the impression you want to make. When I worked in a conservative financial firm, my stylist created a subtly elegant look appropriate for our formal client dinners. When I later switched to a creative agency, the same stylist adjusted her approach to reflect my new workplace culture—without me even having to ask.
For those in time crunches, Basil offers express services that can transform your look in as little as 30 minutes. These are perfect for those days when you have a sudden meeting or event right after work. I’ve literally run in during my lunch break for their Midday Refresh service and returned to the office looking noticeably more polished for an unexpected client meeting.
Photography-specific techniques are another area where Basil’s expertise shines. Their makeup artists understand how different lighting affects makeup appearance and can adjust accordingly. They know which products photograph well and which might cause flashback or other camera-specific issues. For anyone doing professional photos, this specialized knowledge is invaluable.
How to Book and Prepare for Your Special Occasion Beauty Package
Booking your special occasion beauty service requires more planning than a regular salon visit—something I learned the hard way when I couldn’t get an appointment for a friend’s wedding because I waited until the last minute. Based on my experiences with Basil Beauty, here’s what you need to know.
For weddings, book your consultation and services at least 6-9 months in advance, especially if your date falls during wedding season (May-October). Basil Beauty’s bridal packages are in high demand, particularly for Saturday appointments. I’ve seen friends scramble to find alternatives when their preferred stylists were booked, and it added unnecessary stress to their planning process.
Prom and graduation appointments should be secured 2-3 months ahead, with the busiest dates filling up quickly. Basil offers a notification system for prom season appointments, allowing you to get on their list as soon as dates become available. This saved my niece’s prom preparation when her original salon cancelled unexpectedly!
For professional events and photoshoots, Basil recommends booking 2-4 weeks in advance, though they do keep some availability for last-minute business needs. I’ve utilized their priority booking system for regular clients, which has been a lifesaver for impromptu media appearances.
The consultation process at Basil is thorough and essential for getting the results you want. Come prepared with inspiration photos showing styles you like, but be open to suggestions based on your hair type, face shape, and the specific event. During my sister’s bridal consultation, the stylist gently steered her away from a style that wouldn’t have worked with her fine hair and suggested a gorgeous alternative that actually held up better.
Preparing for your appointment properly can make a huge difference in results. For hair styling, Basil provides specific instructions about whether to arrive with clean or day-old hair, depending on your chosen style. Following these guidelines saves time and ensures better results—I learned this lesson when my updo wouldn’t hold because I’d used the wrong conditioner beforehand.
For makeup services, they recommend arriving with clean, moisturized skin. They’ll handle the rest, including primer and all other products. Their pre-appointment guide includes helpful suggestions like avoiding heavy face creams the day of your appointment and staying well-hydrated in the days leading up to your service.
Communication is key to getting exactly what you want. The more specific you can be about your preferences, the better your results will be. Bring examples of looks you like and, equally important, styles you don’t want. During my cousin’s wedding preparations, one bridesmaid brought photos of five different styles she called “natural makeup,” which helped the artist understand exactly what she meant by the term.
If you have allergies or sensitivities to beauty products, inform Basil during booking. They maintain detailed records of client sensitivities and can accommodate most special requirements. After a bad reaction to a makeup brand at another salon, I was relieved that Basil took my skin concerns seriously and selected products accordingly.
Basil’s cancellation policy requires 48 hours’ notice for standard appointments and special terms for wedding bookings. They’re more flexible than some salons I’ve tried, understanding that emergencies happen, but they do enforce their policy during peak seasons. It’s worth reading the details when you book.
Client Success Stories: Special Occasion Transformations
The proof of Basil Beauty’s expertise lies in their client transformations. I’ve witnessed several firsthand, including some truly remarkable before-and-after results!
My friend Melissa was perhaps the most dramatic wedding transformation I’ve seen. She normally wears minimal makeup and has naturally curly hair she usually keeps in a ponytail. For her wedding, the team at Basil created a romantic updo that showcased her natural texture while keeping it controlled and elegant. Her makeup enhanced her features while still looking authentically “her.” When her husband saw her during their first look, he actually teared up—while still being able to recognize the woman he fell in love with.
High school senior Zach had never had professional styling before his senior photos. He was nervous and self-conscious about a recent breakout when he arrived at Basil. Their stylist not only created a natural look that concealed his skin concerns but also showed him quick techniques he could use himself for everyday confidence. His mom later shared that his senior portrait session went from “dreaded obligation” to “confidence-building experience” thanks to the care he received.
For professional transformations, I always remember my colleague Janet’s experience. After years of being passed over for promotion, she invested in Basil’s Executive Image package before a major presentation to senior leadership. The subtle but significant improvement in her appearance translated to visibly increased confidence. Three weeks later, she received the promotion. While her skills were always there, the polished presentation helped her be seen differently by decision-makers.
One particularly touching story involves a mother-daughter duo who visited Basil before a milestone birthday celebration. The mother, in her 70s, had never had professional makeup done and was hesitant. The team created age-appropriate looks for both women that celebrated their features rather than trying to change them. The daughter later told me it was the first time her mother had truly seen herself as beautiful in decades.
Prom transformations are always fun, and I witnessed a group of four friends who came to Basil last year. One girl was particularly insecure about her acne scarring. The makeup artist took extra time with her, using techniques that evened her skin tone while still looking natural. The confidence boost was visible—in her prom photos, she’s beaming in a way her mom said she hadn’t seen in years.
Wedding parties who have used Basil’s group services consistently report how smoothly the day runs when everyone’s beauty needs are coordinated in one place. One bride told me the getting-ready portion of her day, which she had worried would be stressful, became one of her favorite wedding memories because of the positive, celebratory atmosphere the Basil team created.
These transformations aren’t just about looks—they’re about how people feel. The confidence that comes from knowing you look your best has a ripple effect on how you carry yourself, how you interact with others, and even how you remember special occasions. That’s the true magic of what Basil Beauty and Barber Shop offers to clients in Indianapolis.
Conclusion
Finding the best special occasion beauty package in Indianapolis doesn’t have to be overwhelming. After years of trial and error (and yes, some beauty disasters along the way!), I can confidently say that Basil Beauty and Barber Shop offers the perfect combination of skill, service, and value for any special event.
From weddings to proms, professional events to personal milestones, the team at Basil has consistently proven their ability to create looks that enhance natural beauty while meeting the specific demands of different occasions. Their comprehensive packages eliminate the stress of coordinating multiple appointments, allowing you to focus on enjoying your special day.
What sets Basil Beauty apart from other Indianapolis salons is their personalized approach. They truly listen to clients’ desires while providing expert guidance based on years of experience. They understand that beauty services for special occasions aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re about creating confidence during life’s most important moments.
Located conveniently at 4911 West 38th Street in Indianapolis, Basil Beauty and Barber Shop has established itself as a premier destination for special occasion beauty services. Their combination of technical skill, artistic vision, and genuine care for clients creates an experience that goes beyond typical salon services.
I encourage you to schedule a consultation well before your next special event. Experience for yourself why so many Indianapolis residents trust their most important occasions to the talented team at Basil Beauty and Barber Shop. Your future self (and your event photos!) will thank you.
What special occasion are you preparing for? Basil’s team is ready to help you look and feel your absolute best, creating a beauty experience as memorable as the event itself.
