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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Everything you need to know

If you can't find the answer to your question below, pop me an email or message on social media. I respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.

HOW DO I BOOK?

Simple, just pop an availability enquiry via the form linked here. I'll reply with a link to a booking form and details of where to pay deposit.

Due to the high volume of enquiries, bookings are taken strictly on a first come, first serve basis. I cannot reserve, hold over or mark dates as unavailable without full deposit & completed booking form.

HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE?

A full price list of all services can be found here. If you would like a breakdown including travel charges and or any extras simply indicate you'd like this on your enquiry form when checking availability. Prices are the same regardless of hair type, thickness, length, duration or type of styling required.

We do not offer discounts for finer hair in much the same way we don't charge extra for thicker or longer hair.

WHAT PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT?

I prefer bank transfer for payment of deposit  & wedding day fees. You can also pay wedding day balance via cash on the day. If this is the case please have this ready in a clearly marked envelope and give it your your stylist before services commence.
Paypal and card payments are available and carry a 3% fee of total amount.
All payment should be in cash sterling. The client is responsible for all fees/charges in sending.

HOW FAR DO YOU TRAVEL?

I'm based in Belfast, but travel all over Ireland and have been lucky enough to do a few weddings abroad also. Mileage is charged at 45pence per mile from BT14 to your location. For weddings which require a very early start time at a location hours away sometimes an overnight stay is necessary. Your stylist will indicate this when you enquire.

WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM/MAXIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO BOOK?

The minimum booking is the bridal package (3 people). The maximum is 8 (timing dependant) where a party has more than 8 persons I would suggest adding a 2nd stylist to the booking to keep timeline/schedule within a manageable parameter.

CAN YOU DO MY MAKEUP AS WELL ?

I do not offer makeup services at this time. However I have a close working relationship with By Kerri Bridal Makeup. I cannot recommend this lady highly enough, her work is just beautiful and she herself is one of the loveliest people I know. I can't think of anyone better suited to working with brides ( which is why I chose her for my own wedding day ) go check her out here.

 DO YOU SELL/PROVIDE EXTENSIONS?

Extensions can be a great way to add volume and length for some styles ( but not all, please ask. ) I don't provide or sell/extensions however I'm happy to work with them. Clip ins are best for my line of work as I can place them where needed. Micro loops  and permanent extensions etc can sometimes be difficult ( and painful ) to style around. 

Hair pieces must be 100% human hair in order to style. Synthetic products are not suitable.

If you'd like to buy extensions an accurate colour match is essential. Even two shades of difference is painfully obvious. 

My favourite brand is Milk & Blush. They have an excellent range, great quality and I don't know how they manage it online but their colour match service has been spot on so far.

DO YOU CHARGE EXTRA FOR BOOKINGS ON HOLIDAYS/WEEKENDS?

Quite simply, no. Prices are the same regardless of when the event takes place.

CAN I CHANGE MY BOOKING AFTER I'VE BOOKED?

If you're unsure of your numbers at the time of booking, simply book the bridal package and note that there may be additions at a later date in the message box. Your stylist will confirm final numbers at your trial. As long as the minimum is met you're fine.
Changes to location may affect timings etc so its important to include at least the general area you think you might be getting ready.
Changes to date are viewed as a cancellation and rebook and will be subject to new T&C and deposit.

I HAVE LESS PEOPLE THAN THE MINIMUM, CAN I STILL BOOK?

The Bridal Package includes brides trial and hair for three persons on the day. I have a strict one wedding per day policy so this is the minimum booking to block off a particular date. Plenty of brides book and pay the minimum with reduced numbers however I find that usually when wedding goers discover there's a hairstylist available they're only too happy to fill that space.
Another option is to swap out services. The package includes 4 total ( 1 trial, 3 on the day ) you could have 2 trials and 2 on the day , either having an extra trial yourself or for a member of your party.

WHAT IF I HAVE TO CANCEL OR REARRANGE?

You can cancel at any time, cancellations within 60 days of the booking will be charged a flat fee of the minimum booking. (£250) Cancellations outside of 60 days are exempt from further charges or fees. Deposits are non refundable.

You are more than welcome to rearrange to a new date however this will be subject to stylists availability. A further deposit is required to secure a new date.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE CAN I BOOK? DO YOU TAKE LAST MINUTE BOOKINGS?

I operate a diary 2 years in advance so right now I'm taking bookings for next year and the year after. I do around 150 weddings per year, 70% of those take place during peak times (May-Sept and all the Saturdays).
On the rare occasions I have availability I will absolutely take last minute bookings. Always ask! sometimes the dates I have free might surprise you. If I'm not available I can try and help you find someone who is.

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TRIALS

Everything you need to know 

WHEN SHOULD I HAVE MY TRIAL?

I usually suggest around 12 weeks before the wedding date. Its close enough to the wedding to ensure your hair is in a similar condition to the big day but also leaves plenty of time incase you change your mind and would like to visit again. In the event, you might want to cancel this is well outside the cancellation period so as to avoid charges or fees.

I'D LIKE A TRIAL BEFORE I BOOK. IS THIS POSSIBLE?

Every bridal booking needs to be secured with a deposit. This ensures your date is reserved for you. We cannot guarantee your date will still be available if you have your trial beforehand due to the high volume of enquiries.

DOES EVERYONE NEED TO HAVE A TRIAL?

I'm happy to do trials for any member of the party although it's certainly not something I deem essential. If however someone in your party is keen to have one, etc they are welcome to book in also. Additional trials are £50 per person for a 1 hour appointment

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? WHERE IS IT?

The Bridal Package includes brides trial. It allows up to two hours and you can use as much or as little of this as you personally deem necessary. A lot of brides try to schedule this for the same day as a dress fitting and/or makeup trial to get an idea of how everything works together. 
Additional trials are 60 minutes and £50 per person.
Trials take place at my home studio. The address is 575 Oldpark Road, Belfast, BT14 6QW. There is on street parking

IS YOUR HOME STUDIO DISABILITY FRIENDLY?

My home has several steps leading up to the door. If you, or anyone else in your party requires disabled access we can arrange a home visit. Just get in touch and we'll make arrangements to suit everyone.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING TRIAL?

The trial included in our package is much more comprehensive than additional ones. Your stylist will offer a full consultation discussing what styles you like, which might best compliment your hair type, dress, accessories etc. From there you can decide which ones you'd like to try. Some styles take much longer than others and your stylist will advise accordingly. We'll take photos of everything we do and can share these with you. If you have your accessories we can place those. 
We'll also have a brief discussion about the wedding morning, agree on final numbers and a timeline for that day.

CAN I BRING PEOPLE WITH ME?

I have limited space for spectators in my home studio. It can accommodate two guests ( as well as the bride ) Bringing someone along to help with the decision process is a great idea. I strongly suggest picking someone who knows you well and will offer support. A trial is supposed to be fun, and bickering with someone who's taste varies wildly from your own is not going to help and can be quite stressful. 
Children under 10 are not permitted in my workroom. While I appreciate it might not be convenient my insurance does not cover minors. Exceptions can not be made, if you have a child with you on trial day service will be refused and rescheduling will result in additional trial fees. (please don't do this, its horrifyingly embarrassing for all parties)

DO I NEED TO PREPARE OR BRING ANYTHING WITH ME?

  • All the pictures! I LOVE hair photos, they give me such a great insight to your personal style, likes and dislikes. 

  • If you plan on wearing extensions on the wedding day, I really do need them for trial also, otherwise your hair may potentially look very different.

  • Its a huge help to have your accessories ( veil, combs, bands etc) but not essential. If you have them please bring along. Or, if your holding off buying until you've decided on a style I can advise on size, shape etc

  • Contrary to popular belief, hair does not 'sit better' when it is dirty. Dry shampoos, leave in conditioners, sebum (grease) and dirt can have adverse effects when trying to create root lift and texture. Its not very pleasant for the stylist either. Please arrive with clean, fully dry hair. Either washed that morning or the night before.

WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND AFTER I HAVE MY TRIAL?

It happens more than you think. Sometimes the stye you fell in love with just doesn't look quite right with the dress. Or you decide on a different hair accessory which wont work with what you'd chosen. Just get in touch. More often than not, all it takes is a brief chat and some reassurance. If you're in any way worried you're more than welcome to book another session.

ANYTHING ELSE?

Yip. Be brutally honest. I cannot stress how important is it that you feel comfortable offering feedback to me. The goal is that you're happy with your chosen style, not me, or your chum or your fiancé. If you feel great, brilliant!

If you don't, it's no problem, we'll tweak or try another. I don't take anything personally or get upset when you change your mind. It really is a safe space where you get to "try all" . And no, I genuinely don't mind taking down a style I just finished to try another lol, I do it all day every day, its what I'm here for.

Absolutely stunning pics from #chrissemp

ON THE WEDDING DAY

WHAT TIME WILL YOU ARRIVE?

I'll discuss timeline with you at trial or prior to the wedding day. Working backwards from the time services need to be completed ,I'll calculate my arrival time based on the amount of people needing styled. I usually offer a 30 minute window of arrival e.g. between 8:30 & 9am . I can comfortably start at the later time but aim for the early. I take no chances when it comes to travel. Delays are not predictable so I find a 30 minute window gives everyone a more relaxed approach to timings. ( if I get stuck waiting for a bin lorry to move, I know your not hyperventilating because I'm 6 minutes 'late'! (true story) )

DO I NEED TO HAVE ANYTHING READY FOR YOU?

I don't need much, a power socket in a small area out of everyones way would be ideal. ( so not directly in front of the fridge/kettle please lol ) I also need about 2 square feet of counter/table/workspace on which to lay out my kit. A low surface, like a coffee table or end table is not suitable.
I arrive fully caffeinated but rarely turn down a top up ;)

SHOULD HAIR OR MAKEUP GO FIRST?

Some styles require a 'set', this is where we curl then secure/pin the curls for extra hold/longevity. I aim to do these first so the hair can set for as long as possible. for other styles it doesn't make much of a difference. Myself and makeup artist will communicate and work in tandem to ensure there's no work gaps for either of us throughout the morning.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

This depends on the amount of people and what they need done on the day. Timeline will be discussed and scheduled with you prior to the wedding day. I usually suggest leaving 45 minutes per person and aim to be completed all services one hour before you depart for ceremony. This allows adequate time, in a relaxed atmosphere for dressing, some photos and celebratory bubbly. If in doubt ask your photographer, they're a vital part of the day and will give you a realistic estimation of how much time you need.

WOULD YOU LIKE FOOD/DRINKS PROVIDED?

Its a very kind offer but I prefer to eat before I arrive so as not to impact your timeline on the morning. For very large parties/long mornings I'll schedule a break when I can grab a snack to keep me going. I will however accept a wee cuppa when offered.

CAN YOU DO EXTRA PEOPLE ON THE MORNING?

 I plan timelines carefully to ensure I get the best results in the time allotted. On the rare occasions I do have time to complete extra services i'll do what I can to help but please be understanding if its not something I can accommodate. I  have appointments booked most afternoons which I need to be home on time for.

Extra services charges (£50 per person) must be paid in cash sterling at the time of service.

WILL YOU HELP WITH MY VEIL ONCE I'M DRESSED?

If you'd like me to, certainly. It is a beautiful photo opportunity though and might be a more meaningful picture if placed by your mum or bridesmaid ? I try and show everyone in the party how and where veil goes in and how to safely remove/insert it incase needed throughout the day ( its usually very straightforward )

WHAT IF YOU CANCEL OR GET ILL ON THE DAY OF MY WEDDING?

It's something every business needs to have a plan in place for, and something most brides contemplate at some point during stressful planning.

If anything happens where I'm unable to fulfil a booking I will endeavour to find you a suitable replacement. I'm a member of Wedding Stylists NI, a group of over 30 mobile stylists who have a standing agreement to step in to help if any member is unable to work for any reason. I feel very privileged to have such a wonderful support network in place should anything happen. I even have a designated person to make arrangements for me if I'm unable to.

Or, if you'd prefer to make your own arrangements a full refund of all monies paid will be given. No further compensation will be offered.

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