Frequently Asked Questions...
FAQ
Q. Are you only a wedding hairdresser or do you style regular hair styles?
A. Having built my name as an award winning wedding hairdresser has meant that a lot of people don’t realise that I also cut, colour and style hair for regular clients. All my day to day styling takes place at ‘The Secret Salon’, the luxury destination hairdressing salon in the Stroud area!
Q. So do you take on new day to day clients at the salon?
A. YES! Do get in touch and I would be very happy to arrange an appointment for you at ‘The Secret Salon’.
Q. How do I book you for my wedding?
A. Please go to the 'Contact Chris' page and fill in the form with your wedding details and I will get back to you within 24-48 hours (in the height of wedding season please allow up to 4 days for a reply)If I am
available then you can book me by paying a non-refundable £100 deposit. (this is NOT refundable under any circumstances and cannot be transferred to another date)
Q. How far in advance do I need to book you for a wedding?
A. Give me as much notice as possible, I take around 40 weddings a year and once I reach a limit I close my diary to any more wedding bookings. Generally I find brides book around 9 months to a year ahead….. get in touch!!
Q. How many people do you style at a wedding?
A. This depends at what time of year your wedding is to be held….There is a minimum booking requirement of FOUR people (Bride plus 3 others). The MAXIMUM number of people I can style at a wedding depends on the time of your wedding ceremony, please contact me to check.
Q. Are you happy to travel a long distance to style my hair for my wedding?
A. Yes, Absolutely! Although I am a bridal wedding hairstylist in the Cotswolds and Gloucestershire predominantly, I also travel across the UK and internationally to style hair for weddings. If I travel far or internationally there are travel and accommodation charges which I will inform you of before you book me.
Q. How far ahead of the wedding do I need to have a trial run session?
A. A trial run is generally 6-8 weeks before the wedding but this can be earlier or later to suit you.
Q. Is it essential to have a trial run session?
A. Yes, for both your and my peace of mind I insist on a trial run session for every wedding booking. This only needs to be for the bride but I am happy to offer trials for Mums or bridesmaids too. A trial run allows me to assess your hair type and make sure it will work with the style that you want for your big day.
Q. Do I need to provide or do anything for a trial session?
A. What I suggest is that you have a good think about what sort of style you want. Bring along photos of styles that you like, photos of your dress and any accessories such as tiara and veil. Your hair can be washed that day but it needs to be DRY for when you arrive to the trial run session.
Q. What does a trial Run session involve?
A. A trial run appointment is up to 2 hours and held at ‘The Secret Salon’ the luxury destination salon for Fordham Hair Design near Stroud. This is an informal relaxed appointment, enjoy a tea, coffee or even a glass of prosecco whilst we discuss the theme of your wedding, look at images of your dress and hairstyles that you like then I style and create your desired hairstyle for you. I will fix your headdress/tiara and veil, then take photographs and make notes so that we can replicate the style on the big day. You are welcome to bring along one guest such as Mum or bridesmaid to help with decisions making if you like.
Q. Where does a trial appointment take place?
A. Trial appointments are at ‘The Secret Salon’ near Stroud, any day from Tuesday to Friday between 9am and last appointment 3pm. (Please note that I don’t have availability for weekend trials as this is when I am actually styling hair for weddings).
Q. Can you use hair extensions for me on my wedding day??
A. Yes, I have full training in the application and styling of clip in hair extensions. They can be used to add volume or length to hair and are a great way to achieve a hairstyle that you thought might not be possible with your hair! I can provide you with advice as to where to buy them from.
Q. Do I need to provide anything on the wedding morning for you?
A. You need to provide hair decorations for you and your bridesmaids (tiara/veil/diamante clips etc.) and lots of cups of tea for me!! I bring everything else we need; all I ask for is that you prepare an area with a dining/kitchen type chair (straight back but not too high backed) and maybe a work top or table near by for me to place equipment on. I need everyone that I am styling hair for to be ready with DRY hair for when I arrive so that I can assess hair and work out a timetable of styling, we will discuss this and timings at the trial session.
Q. Do you recommend a particular make-up artist?
A. I work with lots of different make-up artists on real weddings, photo shoots and magazine features, the ones I work with most of the time are
Clare Bryce... www.purepampering.co.uk Clare is a fantastic bridal make-up artist and was shortlisted as Best Make-up Artist in the South West by The Wedding Industry Awards. We have worked together for almost 10 years and I affectionately refer to her as 'my work wife!' ( and sometimes my carer!!)
Emily Tarrant... www.emilytarrantmakeup.com Emily is a wonderful make up artist with a great pedigree in fashion make up. She is a professional freelance makeup artist based in the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire with over ten years experience in the makeup industry. Emily covers the Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire areas. I have worked with Emily for around 7 years now and we have styled many Cotswold wedding together.