There’s nothing worse than stepping out of the salon with a botched haircut, but when it happens on your wedding day, it can be a downright disaster. Over seventy percent of women agree that their wedding day is the biggest “hair moment” of their life. Just like with any other caterer, it’s essential that you carefully vet your bridal stylist to ensure that you find someone who can help you make your vision come to life. Here are a few things to consider when searching for your perfect salon.
Consider Your Budget
For brides who don’t know where to begin in their search, your budget is a good place. You should consider how much of your wedding funds you want to donate to the beauty department. This can help you to narrow down your choices for which salons to research. Don’t worry if your beauty budget is relatively small – you can find talented bridal stylists that fall under just about any price range. Just keep in mind that you may have to pay more for certain services than others, such as coloring or perming.
Shop Around for Discounts
Even if you don’t allocate a big budget to your beauty goals, you may still be able to find high-end services for a reasonable price. Some stylists offer discounts or coupons through apps or specific websites such as Wedding411. You may also be able to get a discount as a first-time customer or for providing recommendations. Many beauty schools offer significant discounts on services given by cosmetologists-in-training.
Talk to Friends and Family
People you know may be able to recommend excellent stylists at affordable prices. It’s a good idea to ask around and see if anyone within your circle of friends knows a talented wedding stylist to create a look for you. If you belong to any bridal social groups, there’s a good chance that someone will be able to offer up a name or two.
Check Online Reviews
If your friends aren’t able to recommend a salon that you like, you may want to turn to the Internet for advice. Online reviews on sites can let you know which stylists are up to par, and which aren’t. You should also see if salons have a website to browse. Often, you can find pictures of past work to see if a particular stylist meshes with your vision. Check out Wedding411‘s Beauty & Health Partner’s Profiles. They offer reviews, photos, contact info and links to their website/social media.
Reach Out to Potential Candidates
You’ll be working closely with your stylist during the weeks leading up to your wedding, so it’s important to find someone who you feel you can trust. Your stylist should be able to understand your needs and translate them into a work of art on your wedding day. When you meet with potential candidates, either on the phone or in person, try to carefully assess whether the two of you are compatible on both a personal and a professional level. If you feel rushed, patronized, or undervalued as a client, then it’s probably time to move onto the next stylist.
Though it can take some work, it’s essential to find the right salon to cater for your wedding. With a little bit of research and some thrifty shopping, you can find a stylist that offers what you’re looking for within your price range. You’ll be happy that you took the effort to find the perfect match when you see the photos capturing your dream day.
Written By: Cassie Steele