BE Is For Bridal
Michael DeVellis

The bridal business is one of the most consistent and lucrative areas of the beauty industry. We all know that it’s a great way to bring in revenue, but few of us focus on the ways that strengthening our bridal business can help to reinforce existing client relationships as well as develop new ones. A wedding is one of the most important events of your client’s life. Create an exceptional bridal experience for your bridal clients from start to finish and you’ll reap the rewards of referral after referral and strengthened life-long client relationships. Start by following our The Powder Group’s Bridal Rules and you’re stepping off down the aisle on the right foot.

Be passionate – Be excited about the bridal process and creating a great experience for your client. Building your bridal business is about wanting to be a great bridal business.

Be concerned – Check in along the way and see how everything is going and if there’s anything you can do to help things along for your part of the process. Even things like whether the flowers ended up being the ones she mentioned to you or how the bridal party’s dresses worked out will show you are involved and that you care – and in the end might affect your work as well.

Be comprehensive – Explain all the options for services and ensure the client understands the factors that will help shape your work like photography concerns, time of day and where the photos will be taken.

Be patient – With all the decisions a bride must make in preparing for her wedding make the process of hair and makeup calm and enjoyable ones. Be open and willing to try different approaches and be enthusiastic about the process and clearly happy to make changes along the way.

Be consistent – in all areas of the experience you are creating from pricing to personality, be sure the client is always getting the same amazing service from the start of the experience right through to the wedding day – and even follow up with a great thank you note.

Be connected – Remember the details that the client has discussed with you. Make notes and keep a file of all the details.

Be flexible – Offer different suggestions for her look and if she doesn’t seem happy with her hair or makeup on the day of the wedding, suggest a change.

Be prepared – Be prepared for anything including emergencies. Have on hand items like breath mints, eye drops, and even safety pins and bandages.

Be realistic – The day may be running late, you should not be rushing for another appointment and you must be ready and waiting for the bride when she is ready for you. Don’t overbook yourself and even offer an extended stay rate to the bride if you’re working on-site.

Be generous – with your time with your energy and with your products. Provide touch up items like lip color and blotting papers.

Be attentive – Give incredible service, create an amazing experience, it will keep the bride coming back and ensure strong recommendations.

Be thorough – Discuss everything from the location of the wedding, to the lighting, the size of the bridal party to rates for other members of the bridal party and payment terms.

Be professional –Be punctual for all interactions. Prepare an agreement or contract with the bride outlining all the details, terms, fees, deposit and cancellation policy.

Be suggestive – Be sure to bring up packages that include other beauty services, engagement photo, group rates, even grooming for the groom.

Be proficient – Most importantly, know the key factors in strong bridal hair and makeup looks. Understand that there’s a difference in doing great work and doing great bridal. Be able to explain to your client why you are choosing the products and techniques that you’re using, offer suggestions based on your experience as to timing of the makeup and hair on the day of the event, and suggest tips to keep her looking gorgeous all the way through to the honeymoon.