I'll never forget the Saturday I got the frantic call from one of my regular salon clients: "We just got our hair done for my friends wedding, and it's hideous! Can you help us?" As it happens, I was at the salon doing inventory, so I said "of course-come over right away and I'll see what I can do." When they arrived I took one look and realized they were right. They looked like ballerinas with severely pulled back buns. With a few adjustments they were on their way to the ceremony. This situation was extreme, but it could have been avoided by following a few simple tips.
-Plan ahead with pictures of hair and makeup looks you like. Study them for what exactly you like about them. Is it the bangs? The height at the crown? The messier look of the style? Or perhaps it's the glowing skin, the neutral eye shadow, or the pearly lip gloss? Knowing what you do like will make it easier to explain what you don't like to the stylist who will be doing your hair and makeup for the big day.
-Let your stylist know if the wedding is outdoor or indoor, casual or formal, and the like. The more information they get from you, the better their plan can and will meet your needs.
-Brides, how do you want your 'maids to look? Hair up or down? Freestyle or controlled? Please see to it that they also have pictures of hair and makeup that they and you feel comfortable with. I can't stress this enough: Visuals are everything to stylists.
-Schedule a practice for your hairstyle and makeup. Remember, you image-your wedding day hair and makeup-will be seen by hundreds of people over your lifetime, and probably equally as many times by you and your spouse! Make the most of your practice sessions by bringing clear, concise ideas of what you want your hair and makeup to look like. Bring your head piece, veil, and photos of your dress to help your stylist judge the correct proportion of your 'do and suggest a flattering style.
-Again, consultation is what will make your look work. If your feel that something isn't right during practice, speak up right away! Don't wait until your stylist is shellacking your hair into place or putting the final touches on your makeup.
-The most important rule of all is to be on time for your salon appointments! Your tardiness will upset the stylist's schedule and only increase the stress level. Allow enough time in your day to arrive early; you'll find it much more relaxing.
Whatever you do with your 'do, for your own sake, put the same care and planning into your hair and makeup as you do into all the other little details of your celebration. Careful planning means a peaceful, stress-free start to the most magical day of your life, and gorgeous images of yourself by which to remember it all.
