Frequently Asked Questions
Booking Fees, Costs & Cancellations
- When making a booking do I need to pay a booking fee?
Yes, a booking fee (non-refundable) will be required at the point of booking. This will be £150 to secure your trial date and wedding date, prom or occasion and 20% when booking a trial. A booking is only confirmed once the booking fee has been received via banks transfer and confirmed.
- When do I need to pay in full?
For trials, prom, and special occasion appointments the remaining balance is payable on the day of your appointment. The booking fee will be deducted from the final amount payable. For wedding appointments, the remaining balance is payable 4 weeks before the wedding day by bank transfer or 48hrs after the trial, if the trail is booked within 4 weeks of the wedding date.
- What happens if I need to cancel my appointment?
For trials, prom, and special occasion appointments, where possible alternative appointments will be offered if possible, provided an appointment space is available. It is best to provide as much notice as possible. If you wish to cancel any appointments then the non-refundable booking fee will be retained. Should an appointment be cancelled within 6 weeks of the appointment then the full amount will be payable.
- Do you charge for travel?
Travel expenses may apply depending on the location. Travel is charged at £0.50 per mile from CO9 1JD at the point of quoting and be included within the final price and booking fee payable. Please note there is a small charge for a mid morning move if we are not able to get you ready at your venue.
- Why is there a difference in price for bride & special occasion/prom?
A much more tentative experience is required for weddings to elevate as much stress from the bride and wedding party as possible. Typically wedding days start quite early and require much more prep work to cater for large groups so more time is spent before the hair prep is even started. As well as this more time is allowed to accommodate slow starts, delays and adjustments such as waiting upon dress fittings before attaching veils and head pieces as well as final adjustments.
Trial Appointments
- What will happen at the trial appointment?
Trials take place in Halstead, CO9 in Essex in a relaxed environment, where ideas and looks can be discussed in detail. It’s always best to have some images or ideas of what you would like however with years of experience Marina will walk you through her own image gallery and help to inspire you to find the perfect look to suit your theme, dress, hair type and face shape. This is also a great opportunity to discuss your wedding day expectations, timings as well as requirements for bridesmaids or wedding party members. You should also have any accessories ready such as combs or veils that you may want to trail with your chosen hair style.
- How long does the trial typically take?
There is no time limit on the trail as its important to ensure that you are completely happy with your chosen hair style. Typically, you should allow 2-3 hours for your trial.
- Where does the trial appointment take place?
Typically, this takes place in Halstead, CO9 in Essex within a nice environment for you to enjoy and relax during the appointment. You may also wish to try your dress or accessories with the look. Alternative arrangements can be made if required.
- Can I book a trial appointment on a weekend?
Normally trial appointments take place Monday’s, Tuesday, Wednesday mornings or Friday afternoons and limited weekends. If you do require a weekend appointment it is important to book early as you can understand many weekends are reserved for wedding day appointments.
- Do I need to supply anything for the trial appointment?
The trial appointment is the perfect opportunity to bring any hair accessories such as veils or combs that you may wish to try with your final look. Its also great to bring along any images of the styles or ideas that you like the look of to discuss through for yourself and bridesmaids.
- Do I have to have a trial appointment?
Not every bride chooses to book a trial appointment prior to their wedding day, this is perfectly fine to do especially if you have clear idea of what you would like. Some additional time will be scheduled for the wedding day so that any necessary adjustments can be made to ensure the look is achieved. However, it is always best to take advantage of the 2-3 hours on a trial appointment to ensure you are completely happy and relaxed on your big day.
Dates and Availability
- How far in advance of the wedding date should I book?
Diaries begin to be booked up to 12-18 months in advance especially for weddings taking place between May and September, so it is always best to book as far in advance as possible. Most brides contact me 12-9 months prior to their wedding. However, some dates are more popular than others so that is not to say that you will not get an appointment for any last-minute weddings.
- Do you take bookings for weddings that take place during the week or on Public Holidays?
Most wedding dates can be accommodated for if booked as far in advance as possible.
- I need to change the date of my wedding; can I reschedule my appointment date?
Provided that as much notice as possible has been provided any reschedules will try to be accommodated provided that there are no other appointments for the new date.
Wedding Party
- What size wedding party can you cater for?
Most size wedding parties can be accommodated however additional hair stylists may be required if the wedding starts particularly early before 10am and the numbers exceed a bride and 5x bridesmaids. If the wedding starts later than 10am then more bridesmaids can be catered for by one stylist however this can all be discussed during the booking.
- I have an early wedding and several bridesmaids; What time will you need to start?
When there is a large bridal party, timings and schedules will be provided in advance to ensure that the morning runs smoothly. If required additional stylists or assistants can be available to help.
Hair Products and Styling
- What products & tools do you use?
Only professional, high end, salon quality products are used. Including Kenra styling spray to protect against heat damage, Schwarzkopf hair spray. All the products are tried, tested and trusted!
- I have quite short hair but am growing it out for the wedding, what do you suggest?
There are many beautiful wedding styles available for short or mid length hair, however if you would like a long hair style, then increase the time between your cuts to 3 months to ensure that you are not cutting off the length. A tidy up closer to the wedding can be done if required. I can also provide clip in hair extensions that work amazing to provide additional length or body. This can be arranged for an additional fee prior to the wedding or trial to ensure perfect colour match.
Wedding Day
- Where will my hair be prepared during my appointment?
This will take place in either your home, hotel or venue on the morning of your wedding. It is important that your wedding morning is calm, relaxed and enjoyable and that you walk down the aisle with confidence so planning where your prep will take place is very important.
- How long does it usually take for you to complete each person’s hair on the wedding day?
This really depends upon the styles chosen, accessories required and the number of alterations, touch ups and hair lengths. However, as a rough guide the following length of times can be used as an approximate guide.
Bride = 1.5 to 2hrs
Bridesmaids/ Mothers of the Brides = 1 to 1.5hrs
Flower Girls & Under 12’s = 20 to 30 minutes
If the designs that you require are more elaborate, e.g. require hair extensions, paddings then more time will be required for each person. During your trial or when booking an appointment this will all be discussed, and a schedule will be provided to you.
- Can I make changes to my booking/ appointment?
Notification should be given of any changes to the booking and trial as soon as possible. This includes changes to the number of bridesmaids or wedding party guests that require a stylist, location, dates and times.