We interviewed Kim Stahlheber of Eye Do STL recently and she gave us some great information about how to get your Wedding’s Worth when hiring a professional for hair and makeup for your wedding day.
WW- We stress to couples planning a wedding that organization is key in getting their Weddings Worth. Does it pay to be organized and detailed when it comes to hair and makeup?
WW-What are the common misconceptions about your industry and how are clients actually losing money/losing value by believing these misconceptions?
KS-Sometimes, the Bride may have a family member or friend that does hair and/or makeup. It is not always the best choice to use them to save money. If things don’t turn out perfect, feelings can get hurt or the Bride can wind up with a look that she doesn’t love. We recommend you hire a professional hair/makeup team, for your wedding day. The extra cost will be well worth it in the long run.
WW- In your industry, what are the “red flags” that make you hesitant to accept that lead as a client? (i.e. what are things they are doing without even knowing they are creating a bad vibe)?
KS-Sometimes “super organized” Brides… (you know, the brides that have absolutely every detail organized on a spreadsheet/timeline) It’s not that we don’t LOVE organization (because, believe me, we do!), but it’s really best to let the pros handle the timing in their expertise. I wouldn’t say this makes us hesitate to take on a client, but we definitely make sure to discuss how their “schedule of services,” is not what we recommend.
WW- What are the “red flags” that our listeners should look out for that can tip them off that a vendor they are considering may not really provide them with the best value for their dollar?
KS- ALWAYS follow your instinct. Make sure you sign a contract with your professionals. These contracts make sure you are all on the same page; they protect you (& them).
WW- Are there things that your clients do or say or ask for that drives you crazy?
KS-Our team is surrounded with positivity and appreciation towards our clients, and we associate ourselves with like-minded people, so we do not hear too many industry complaints. I will say that, every year there are a few “last minute brides” that we make a special effort to help out due to another person/company canceling on them. That is one thing I would have to say bothers us the most. As an industry professional, I know that there is a local network of professional hair and makeup artists that is HUGE, so there is absolutely no reason why a Bride should be left scrambling to find someone at the last minute – so if we are able to help out in any way, we will!
WW- People search for just the right look for their special day. Can they expect to look just like the inspiration photos they chose?
KS-Unfortunately they will not. Not because your hair stylist/makeup artist is lacking talent, but simply because… you are not that person – your hair type/texture/color is not the same, nor are your facial features. Every year (it seems) that we are all given the SAME inspiration photos by EVERY single client… Those styles are GREAT, but have trust and confidence in your makeup/hair artist. Allow them to customize that look to suit you, your style/personality and we know you will be so much happier with your overall services.
WW-Some people choose do their own hair and make up for their wedding day. Can you tell us why it is beneficial and allows people to get their Wedding’s Worth by hiring a professional to do it for them?
KS-Sure, your everyday makeup and hair looks amazing! That doesn’t mean you should do your own for your big day. Your wedding day will be one of the MOST photographed days of your life. You’ve likely spent THOUSANDS on your photographer. Make that investment count and hire a pro for your beauty services. The pros know how to make your hair + makeup look great and last ALL day. We can all remember seeing celebrities in magazines with VERY OBVIOUS flash black (when your makeup reflects the flash from professional cameras), you do NOT want that in your wedding photos. Professionals know what products to use to avoid this. The last thing we would want is for you to spend thousands on your photography, and regret not spending a LITTLE bit more to include professional makeup + hair.
WW-What should a client do to ensure they get the most out of their budget while working with someone in your industry?
KS-Our team strives to create a fun & relaxing, yet still professional, environment. You spend (approximately) the first 2-4 hours with your hair and makeup artist(s). That is a lot of time! Spend those hours enjoying your friends and family. Spend it reminiscing all of your special memories together as you prepare for one of the best days in your life! Hire the pros so you can save yourself both stress and time and enjoy those little moments. That time is invaluable.
WW-Are there any parts of the services you provide that clients say they don’t need to try to get a better deal? Should clients be wary of anyone who agrees to do that?
KS-The way we have our pricing structured, everything is individually priced. The reason we do this is to allow our clients to choose which services they really want. We also offer 2 packages. By choosing one of our packages, Brides will save about $50.
WW-If someone chooses to hire a “newbie” to do their hair and makeup for their wedding day, what are things they may need to watch for?
KS-A new stylist/makeup artist may not know the “tricks of the trade,” but in all reality, that may not be the worst thing… They may not know their service timing yet. Also, they may not have the ability to recreate desired looks or have all the supplies they may need. It takes time and experience to build your kit. If you choose a newbie, you may save money but you’ll need to be prepared to sacrifice time and possibly provide your own supplies or deal with limited choices.
WW- When you first meet someone that is interested in hiring you, what are things they are doing without even knowing that they are killing the good vibe?
KS-Sometimes “super organized” Brides… (you know, the brides that have absolutely every detail organized on a spreadsheet/timeline) It’s not that we don’t LOVE organization (because, believe me, we do!), but it’s really best to let the pros handle the timing in their expertise. I wouldn’t say this makes us hesitate to but we definitely make sure to discuss how their “schedule of services,” is not what we recommend.
WW- How do you interact with your clients prior to the day of the event?
KS-Typically we communicate with our clients via email. We will often email several times before the booking is confirmed. We have a superb system in place that allows us to coordinate ALL of the details “to a T.” We strive to go the “extra-mile” for ALL of our clients. Obviously, we all have our “favorite” clients, but our team’s goal is to make ALL of our clients feel as if they are the best!
WW- We stress to couples planning a wedding that organization is key in getting their Weddings Worth. Does it pay to be organized and detailed when it comes to hair and makeup?
This is NOT always true. In fact, it’s usually quite the opposite when it comes to your makeup + hair services. It’s not that we don’t LOVE organization (because, believe me, we do!), but some services take longer than others (depending on the desired style and hair type/texture). Sometimes a spreadsheet that puts services in order, or at specific times, actually causes makeup + hair services to run behind.
Thanks to Kim for her insight! We hope that this info will help you get your Wedding's Worth!
Thanks to Kim for her insight! We hope that this info will help you get your Wedding's Worth!
Ncie
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