Laurel Stratford Hair Stylist

An interesting question.

Most Brides I’ve worked with want to be a little late and as relaxed as possible.

So I had this very valid question the other day of ‘do you work alone or have another stylist with you, as at my sister’s wedding we were really late due to the hairstylist?’ The hard one for me was communicating that lateness isn’t part of how I operate for a wedding day as I mostly don’t work with another hairstylist.

For a long time now I work together with the other professionals involved in your wedding day to get you to the alter in a timely manner. I also like to get you there as relaxed as possible but we’ll talk about that later. As a group MUAs, hairstylists and photographers we are working with you on the day. We have hopefully chatted about what time your ceremony is being held, then we like to have you ready for that photographer an hour beforehand. This gives you time to get dressed, eat and have some family or group photos. By giving you this time it removes some of the time pressure helping relax you more.

I also like to chat with the MUA on or before the day about your run order. I like to work it so you as the Bride are my second to last person, handing you over the the MUA when I’ve completed your look. You may or may not be her second to last as well. I’ve found if you’re the very last being worked with it increases your anxiety levels, not helping to keep you relaxed.

It’s perfectly normal for the day to be one of ‘high emotion'(aka high octane, aka unstable behaviour). I expect tears, laughter, nervousness, general crazy behaviour to all present themselves during our prep time. It’s such a huge day and it’s had many hours of preparation in its lead up, so it’s to be expected. As part of my job I like to help smooth that underlying craziness. That might be small talk, connecting with all within your wedding party, chatting about silly stuff or just letting you all know you are normal. While I might add keeping the whole day rolling with styling everyone’s hair.

I love it to be really honest. I find it so satisfying when I leave knowing that my Bridal parties have felt not only pampered, cared for, with a few good laughs along the way but also loving what I’ve created for them.

On time…check

Relaxed(sort of)…Check

Job done

L 🙂

P.s What the images below of Angela & Derrick’s wedding don’t show you is that they had 8 Attendants each as well as numerous others who needed styling. For this wedding we had two Makeup Artists and two Hairdressers to get this group completed on time. It’s about using extra stylists when you need them, something that is worked out on a case by case situation. 🙂

relaxing with the girls

veil in next

Gorgeous

Good to go