Choosing your Bridal Stylist can be a daunting prospect.
Everyone knows someone, who could do it for you, there's plenty of horror stories of hair disasters and emergency's such as no show stylists or brides running hours late and then there's the financial implications as everyone will tell you "everything costs more for a wedding".
So how do you choose someone?
Where do you start?
Firstly think about the style you like, it might be up, down, sleek, messy, a bun, curls, boho braids or a bouncy blow dry, what ever it might be, when you have a potential stylist in mind, go and check out their social media. Look at their work, find examples of the types of styles you're wanting to try.
Read reviews - This is a great way to find out what other brides have experienced.
Look on Google, their Facebook business page, Instagram (most good stylists will highlight positive feedback) and ask for recommendations from others (local wedding pages ect).
Make contact with them, most stylist love a chat and its natural to have questions about your big day. A good stylist will make you feel at ease immediately. Ask about your hair type, length, texture, explain what you'd like. Ask about their process, hair trials, costs, payment schedules, deposits, assistants ect.. find out how they work on the day, do they stay till the ceremony or leave once your hair has been styled? Ask if they've previously worked at your venue, their level of experience, their insurance documents (this is a must - no insurance = Run away!) do they work with or can they recommend an MUA (makeup artist)
Can you meet them? - Lots of Bridal stylists attend wedding fayres and events, try and go along so you can talk in person. Do they make you feel comfortable?
If you like them and they tick all the boxes, then go ahead and book them for your wedding.
After confirming your booking remember to BOOK A TRIAL, this will be approximately 6-8 weeks before your wedding day. This might sound obvious, but your trial is about more than just perfecting your hair style. The stylist will need information about your wedding day, you'll discuss timings, themes, venue restrictions, set up information and running orders, allergies and your bridal party requirements. It is important to remember you're the boss so this is the time to tell your stylist of anything you don't want your bridesmaids to have.
Should I book a trial before I book my wedding? - You could do this, but your stylist may not be able to guarantee your date will remain available in the interim. Your trial is about more than just hair styling so even if you book a styling appointment before booking your wedding, you will also require a bridal trial nearer to your wedding date.
During your trial you want to feel relaxed and comfortable. Easy conversation should flow, you should be able to be honest about your likes and dislikes. Your stylist should be able to make recommendations and suggestions that will compliment your overall bridal style. At the end of your appointment you should feel 100% confident in the style produced and you should be looking forward to seeing your stylist again. Remember to take photos and videos!
Your wedding morning should be filled with precious memories. You want someone who will fit in seamlessly, read the room, work effectively, keep you calm and help reduce any potential stress. Whilst producing the hairstyle you love!
I personally only book 1 wedding a day, as I want to be able to give my brides my full attention with no distractions (this is why I have a minimum fee during peek season, because once I'm booked i'm yours right up until you walk into your ceremony).
I stay until you're ready to leave via your car / carriage or head into your ceremony (if you're staying at the venue).
My priority is to have you and your bridal party styled and ready 1 hour before you have to leave, this gives you plenty of time to get dressed have photos and enjoy a glass of something sparkly.
I work out and send you the mornings time schedule weeks ahead of your wedding day and do my upmost to remove any unnecessary stress.
Once your ready, i help with many other things, from tying bows, drying flowers (please remember to do this otherwise you'll have wet patches on your dress), doing up dresses & shoes ect.. I've also been known to instruct the bridal party on when to start getting dressed (the final few hours go quicker than you think). I'm told i'm a calming presence.
There are plenty of stylists out there, but not every stylist will fit with you, so don't settle!
Make sure you choose someone who instills confidence in your chosen style, makes you comfortable and who genuinely cares because that's the stylist who will go above and beyond to ensure you have a relaxed and enjoyable morning of wedding prep, look great and arrive head held high.
No bride wants to arrive at the aisle stressed!
Once you've made your mind up, don't hang around to book though. Some brides will book 2 years in advance and important or significant dates do go quick.
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