*A contributing post by lead Hairstylist Victoria Kuzma.
Your hairstylist is one of the most important members of your wedding entourage, both on your big day and in the months leading up to it. We are one of your 3 professional image consultants for that date (the other 2 being the make-up artist and dress boutique clerk/dressmaker), and if you have chosen to go with mobile services instead of a salon, we are essentially part of your wedding party as you get ready for the day.
The first thing I have to say on this subject is that MANY hairstylists do not enjoy updos…in fact, I know of many who flatly refuse to book them! This attitude is based on a number of factors, but the only one worth mentioning is that they have simply not been trained to do them properly. Thus, the first thing you need to do is ask around or do a web search for stylists who are experienced with wedding parties. Look for a licensed hairstylist who demonstrates training and professionalism, and the hardest part is over!
I recommend you book a hairstylist who is versatile and up-to-date with their styling techniques. Make sure that they have an extensive portfolio of their actual work on real brides…not a book full of photo-shopped models and magazine ads!!! Look for multicultural experience as well as a variety of looks on different hair types. It’s a bonus if there are before-and-after shots of the looks so you can search for your hair type!
If you have chosen to book a salon for your party, make sure to take a few minutes to meet the stylists who will be working with you. All salons offer a brief free consultation so you can speak to the stylists about specific concerns, time limits, if a photographer will be present with you on the day of and so on. Make sure they are all on board and working as a team to get your party out on time. Discuss who will be styling whom, and if you have chosen a uniform hairstyle for your bridesmaids. Make sure that the salon has a portfolio of their wedding updos…or even better, that each hairstylist does.
If you have chosen a mobile hairstylist, there are a few things you need to know that run us above and beyond salon services. This is often why we cost a bit more for services! Give as much info in your initial email as possible – date, time, location of styling, location of wedding, number of people requiring services, and any specific concerns! The stylist will need this information in order to be able to accommodate YOU – and since mobile services book much faster than salons, it’s best if you book them a year in advance, 6 months minimum.
With mobile hairstylists, pay attention to details such as how long it takes for a response to your initial inquiry, how organized and updated is their website, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, how friendly and knowledgeable are they? Do they have a contract procedure to give you legal security that they will show up on your wedding day? Are they amenable to meeting you briefly in person to make sure they are someone you would welcome as a party member?
I must stress the importance of scheduling a separate trial hairstyle with your stylist! This gives them an opportunity to learn how your hair behaves and how they can tailor your ideal style to suit and enhance your facial features, dress and makeup. In fact, go right ahead and book your hair and makeup trial on the same date as a dress fitting so you can get the full effect. Show up at the trial with your veil, any hair jewelry and a stack of photos showing styles you like. The best hairstylists will tell you honestly which styles will work and which won’t! Wear the style all day so that you can tell the hairstylist on your wedding day if the curls fell out, if any volume dropped or if any small changes need to be made.
Those are the basics! Anyone wishing for more detailed advice is welcome to email me at hairstylist@victoriakuzma.com and I will tell you what I know or refer you to someone who can help. I wish you luck in choosing your hairstylist!
Vancouver Bridal Hub 
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