If you plan to do your own hair know this: Your wedding morning is NOT, I repeat, is not like any other day! You will be stressed even if you don't feel stressed. Stress for some makes them get quiet, for some emotional and for others kind of well, you know bridzilla. But a well planned thought out morning will make all the difference.
1. Practice, practice! Time your practice session and make a list of all of the tools and products you will need. If you are not going to be in your home, you will need to plan ahead of time and pack well.
2. If you are doing your hair at your home put everything in a basket and hide it away to bring out fresh and ready for your special day.
3. Schedule times for showers if the house is full of family and guests. (You matter most, allow yourself this indulgence.)
4. Make sure there is a mirror and a counter or table to work from. ( not a steamy slippery sink) Note: If there is a need for others to shower, set up a blow dry station outside of the bathroom so the time line stays on course.
5. Make sure there are proper outlets where ever it is you will be doing your own hair, if not bring a power bar and extension cord. Older inns and Bed & Breakfast's may not have as many outlets or one near good lighting.
6. Put all of your pretty under things on first and cover up with a button down shirt or robe. This way after hair and makeup are done, just slip into your gown!
Is a stylist traveling to you?
1. Give exact, adequate directions and phone numbers. Many times brides give the directions they follow and forget the stylist may be coming from the opposite side of the highway. Or make sure she has GPS.
2. Have a spot prepared and set up for the stylist to work. It can be a large bath room, a well lit dining room or kitchen. Put out hot pads or thick towels to protect surfaces from hot tools.
3. The stylist does not need a mirror to mimic her work environment but you will want one. But she does need good lighting.
4. Don't assume the stylist can do extra people last minute. Make sure everyone who is having their hair done is mentioned ahead of time and arrives promptly. If and only if all of the assigned people are done then ask if some one can be added in.
5. Be ready yourself. The worse thing for me was when brides were not ready for me upon my arrival as some stylist may have another wedding planned after yours. In planning your morning allow extra time for interruptions. They will occur.
Are you going to a salon?
1. Schedule your wedding day hair appointment at least eight weeks ahead or as soon as your date is open in the computer system.
2. Have a trial run practice session at least a month ahead and bring a picture of your dress and your headpiece with you to the salon. Bring a trusted friend to take photos of your hair styles in stages and from all sides once completed. This is worth the added cost to your bottom line, trust me.
3. Record your travel time from the salon to where you are getting dressed. Consider the day of week and if church will be letting out or if a holiday parade will be in the way on your wedding.
4. Add on extra time for getting dressed and make-up if the salon is not applying it.
5. Ask for more than one stylist to help with the wedding party. Three stylists for a party of six is the best bet for staying on schedule.
6. Schedule all nail appointments for the day before, this also saves time.
7. Don't expect to get your favorite stylist to do your wedding hair if you desire an intricate Up-do. This is a specialty service and best left for the salon's up-do expert or team.
8. Don't forget your veil. I can't tell you how many brides have. Put it in the car the night before or on the door you will be leaving from. Have the stylist show someone from the wedding party how to remove it for later in the day.
However you choose to start your wedding morning, start it well rested, well planned and beautiful!