Secure the hairdresser

Before you book the hairdresser yopu will need to have an idea of the actual hour the marriage will take place. You'll also need to advise how many other people, such as bridesmaids, will require a hair appointment (and possibly make-up too). This is crucial information. The more of you there are, the longer it is going to take for you to get ready. You also need to build-in any travelling time to the salon and allow yourself an extra hour in the day for emergency flexibility. The more there are in the bride's party, the later in the day we advise you to get married. You don't want to get up at the crack of dawn on what is going to be a very long day. If it's not possible to avoid an early ceremony, seek help and advise from the professionals assisting you. They'll recommend the quickest and easiest way to timetable your day. Do not underestimate this advice. In addition to the time needed to do the bride's hair, a stylist will need at least forty-five minutes for each blow dry. If there is a make-up artist, each person will also need forty-five minutes for their make-up to be applied. If anyone is wearing their hair up that could take even longer.

You also need to decide whether to go to the salon or ask your hairdresser to come to you. That's likely to be a financial decision. If your hairdresser is taken out of the salon, then the salon needs to be recompensed. You will also have to pay travelling time and expenses. Ask for a quote based upon how many people the hairdresser or hairdressers will have to work on, what sort of hair they have (long or short) and where you are located. Things normally don't flow as fast at home because you do not have the same structure and there are more distractions. The salon will need to allow plenty of time and this will be reflected in the price. And on no account spring an extra hairdo on your stylist on the day. They'll either have to refuse to do it, or compromise somewhere. So do not forget anyone!

Also ask yourself if it is really practical to ask your stylist to come to you. Is there enough space? Is it well lit? How many people will have to work in it? Are there suitable mirrors and enough powerpoints? If you are asking your hairdresser to come to a hotel room check that it is going to be big enough. Reserve a seperate room for your bridesmaids to get dressed in because they likely to be just as concerned about how they look as they are about you, and you need some quiet and calm space.

If you have the space and can afford the several hundred pounds it could cost you to have your hairdresser come to you, and possibly a make-up artist too, it will take a lot of pressure off you and totally takes the stress out of the day.

If such luxury is beyond your means, don't lose any sleep. The salon option can give you more flexibility. Sevral of you can have your hair, nails and make-up done at the same time allowing you to get in and out of the salon quickly. As well as being a lot cheaper it can be great fun.