Hairdressers At Weddings: Who To Invite And Why

When it comes to your wedding, there are a lot of things to plan and organise. One of the key vendors for your big day is your hairdresser. But what happens after they've finished styling your hair? Do you invite them to stay for the wedding or ask them to leave? Well, it depends. If your hairdresser is a friend or relative, it's common courtesy to invite them to the wedding. However, if they are a paid vendor or someone you don't know well, it's not necessary to extend an invitation. They will likely leave after completing the service unless you request and pay for them to stay, in which case you should also provide a vendor meal. Ultimately, the decision to invite your hairdresser is a personal one, and you can choose to include them as a guest or not, depending on your relationship and preferences.

Paid vendors will leave after completing the service unless you pay extra and provide a meal

When it comes to your wedding, there are many things to plan and organise, and one of the most important is your hair. It's natural to wonder if you should invite your hairdresser to the wedding as a guest or not. Here are some insights and suggestions to help you navigate this aspect of your wedding planning:

• Paid Vendors: If you have hired a professional hairdresser as a paid vendor, they will usually leave after completing the service unless you specifically request them to stay and provide an additional meal. It is common for paid vendors to charge extra for staying beyond their contracted service hours. Therefore, if you want your hairdresser to stay for touch-ups or to enjoy the celebration, be prepared to compensate them accordingly and include them in your meal count.
• Meal and Beverage Count: While you may not invite your hairdresser as a guest, it is considerate to include them in the meal and beverage count for the getting-ready portion of the day. This could include breakfast, lunch, or even mimosas while they are providing their services. This gesture ensures they are well taken care of during their time with you.
• Building a Connection: It's worth noting that some brides choose to include their hairdresser as a guest if they have developed a close relationship with them. This is more common when the hairdresser is a friend or relative, or if they have a longstanding relationship with the bride as their regular hairdresser. In such cases, the hairdresser may even be included in bridal party activities.
• Timely Services: Keep in mind that hairdressers often have busy schedules and multiple bookings, especially during wedding season. Unless you have specifically requested and arranged for their presence throughout the event, they will typically complete the requested services and move on to their next appointment.
• Advanced Planning: When hiring a wedding hairdresser, it is advisable to book them as early as possible, especially if you have a specific stylist in mind. Popular stylists can be booked up to one and a half to two years in advance, so timely planning is crucial to securing your desired vendor.
• On-Site Services: Discuss with your hairdresser whether they provide on-site services or if you need to travel to their salon or studio. This is an important logistical consideration, especially when planning your wedding day schedule and ensuring that you and your bridal party have ample time for hair and makeup.

In summary, unless you have a close personal relationship with your hairdresser or specifically request and compensate them to stay, paid vendors will typically leave after completing their services. It is considerate to include them in the meal and beverage count for the preparation portion of the day, ensuring they are well taken care of during their time with you.

You should budget at least $150 for your wedding hair

When it comes to your wedding, it's important to ensure that you look and feel your best. While your wedding dress may be the first thing that comes to mind when envisioning your big day, your hair is just as important. After all, it can elevate and transform your entire look.

The average cost of wedding hair in the United States is around $150 but can range from $100 to $350 or more, depending on various factors. This price typically includes the hair stylist's time and travel fees, especially if they are travelling to your wedding location or hotel. It is important to note that hair stylists usually charge by the hour, so the longer they work, the higher the cost will be. Therefore, if you are interested in an intricate hairstyle such as an updo, be prepared to pay more compared to a simpler blowout.

Additionally, the location of your wedding will also impact the cost. For example, getting your hair done in a city like New York will likely be more expensive than in a smaller town or rural area. If you are having a destination wedding, you may also need to factor in additional expenses such as airfare and lodging for your hairdresser.

To ensure that your hair looks perfect on your special day, it is recommended to book a hair trial beforehand. This will allow you to test out different styles and make any necessary adjustments. However, hair trials usually come with an extra cost, typically ranging from $50 to $200.

When budgeting for your wedding hair, don't forget to include a tip for your hair stylist. It is customary to tip between 15 to 25% of the total bill as a token of appreciation for their hard work and dedication to making you look flawless.

So, if you're wondering how much to budget for your wedding hair, the answer is at least $150. This will ensure that you have a dedicated hair stylist who can create the perfect hairstyle to complement your dress and enhance your overall bridal look.

Wedding stylists and regular stylists differ in their expertise and services

A wedding stylist's expertise lies in their ability to understand and execute the couple's vision for their wedding. They help create a cohesive look and feel for the event, ensuring that everything from the floral design, furniture, props, lighting, and table centrepieces work together harmoniously. Wedding stylists often work with florists or double as florists themselves to ensure that the decorative aspects of the wedding are perfectly coordinated. They may also offer additional services such as sourcing stationery, creating custom signage, table decor, favours, and aisle backdrops.

In contrast, a regular stylist may not have the same level of creative direction or event-specific experience. They typically focus on individual services, such as haircuts, colouring, and basic styling, rather than the overall design and aesthetic of an event. Regular stylists may offer occasional services for special occasions, but they are not specialised in creating a cohesive visual concept for an entire wedding.

Another difference is that wedding stylists often work with the couple from the early stages of planning, helping them choose a venue that aligns with their vision. They may also provide input on other aspects of the wedding, such as the choice of menu or the need for permits for a particular location. Regular stylists, on the other hand, typically provide their services on the day of the event and are not involved in the broader planning process.

In terms of pricing, wedding stylists usually charge based on their experience and skill level, with costs ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Regular stylists typically charge for individual services and may not offer package deals or take into account the same level of event-specific considerations in their pricing.

Wedding hair stylists should be tipped about 15-20% of the total cost of services

When it comes to your wedding, there are many things to consider—from the guest list to the food and, of course, your hair. While you may have a regular hairdresser, you might want to enlist the help of a professional wedding hair stylist to ensure your hair looks perfect on your big day. But what about tipping your wedding hair stylist?

When deciding how much to tip, consider the number of people involved. If multiple stylists worked on your bridal party, it is customary to tip each individual separately. However, this can add up quickly, so take the number of people into account when determining the tip amount. Additionally, check if gratuity is included in your contract or agreement. Some hair stylists may include it in their pricing, so you won't need to tip extra. It's always a good idea to double-check their policy on tipping before making your decision.

If you're on a tight budget, don't feel obligated to tip more than you can afford. Even small gestures of appreciation, such as offering a comfortable workspace or providing snacks and beverages, can go a long way. Ultimately, the amount you tip is up to you, and you should consider the quality of their work and the number of people involved. Whether you tip 15%, 20%, or something in between, your wedding hair stylist will surely appreciate your generosity.

You should hire your wedding hair stylist as soon as possible

Wedding planning can be a stressful task, with so many things to organise and often a tight timeline to do it in. One of the most important vendors to secure as soon as possible is your wedding hairstylist.

Chyenne Velez, owner and expert hairstylist at Lé Brunette & Co., advises that brides should reach out to their desired hairstylist as soon as they have a date, as the best stylists can be booked out one and a half to two years in advance. This is especially true if you have a specific bridal hairstylist in mind. You don't want to miss out on your first choice because you left it too late!

Booking your hairstylist early on will also give you time to ask all the important questions, such as whether they have a portfolio of their work, if they will bring their own products, and how they charge. You'll also be able to organise a trial run, which is essential to test out your wedding day look and ensure it lasts the whole day.

By hiring a professional, you can rest assured that your hair will look great from all angles and in photographs. You'll also have one less thing to worry about on the morning of your wedding, giving you more time to relax and enjoy the preparations.

So, if you've set a date, start looking for your wedding hairstylist as soon as possible. It's one task you won't want to put off!

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