The bridal market is a fantastic service to offer within a salon and a great market to be in. A wedding day s one of the most important days of a girls life, so to be able to offer hair and beauty services as a package under the one roof is something that will appeal to many brides. They want to ensure their day runs smoothly and they are receiving the best possible service. By offering both services under one roof will off course increase revenue and interest thanks to word of mouth.
What makes a good bridal service?
To offer a bridal service you must ensure you cater to each brides individual need. Everyone will want something different for their big day, whether it be a hairstyle or beauty treatment, so you need to ensure you and your team have the knowledge and experience to offer them what they want in order to create their perfect look. It’s all about the client, so ensuring you have every area covered is absolutely necessary.
How do you cater for this market?
Catering for the bridal market is a specialty and something that needs extensive planning and research. You need to ensure ,firstly, that you offer the services that will appeal to brides the most – hair, nails and tanning are our top 3 requests. Secondly when dealing with a bridal party, whether this be set package or tailored package, you must ensure you are able to deliver what you have set out for them. As the hair team will be required in the run up to the wedding, ensure you have enough staff on the salon floor to allow for the hair team to be out on the wedding day with the bridal party. It’s all about planning and organisation.
What does your salon offer brides in terms of preparation, planning and service on the day?
Within Ishoka Hair and Beauty we want to ensure the preparation and run up to the big day is flawless and as relaxed as possible. When a bridal party come into the salon for a consultation, one of our salon partners will take them to our private salon, and discuss all the fine details and needs ie. wedding date, dress details for both the bride and bridal party, hair inspiration, beauty and makeup. It is essential we know every fine detail to ensure everything ties in with what the wedding theme is. We then put together a bridal plan for the party, detailing how many trials are required, any colour appointments, and requirements for the big day. On the day we offer the bridal party our private salon, which provides a relaxed and calming environment, and allows them to enjoy some fizz and nibbles while enjoying their appointment. We also offer mini manicures and makeup services on the day too. It’s all about making the party feel at ease.
How do you ensure that your service stands out from others in your local area?
Within Aberdeen and the North East we are known for our fantastic bridal services, a reputation that has been built up over 20 years and something we are very proud of. We created our private salon for bridal parties, as from our research, brides want to relax ahead of their nuptials so creating this environment was essential and something many salons don’t have. Our services are also tailored to each individual bride, whatever they require Ishoka Hair and Beauty are here to help on their big day.
What are the biggest bridal hair trends for SS15?
For S/S 15 I think more brides will opt for hair up’s as opposed to the beautiful waves we seen in 2014. Styles like a voluminous ballet bun or sophisticated French roll will definitely be top of the trends this year, while adding accessories such as a tiara or perhaps some flowers can add a subtle hint of colour.
Where can stylists get inspiration for their bridal hairstyles?
I would advise stylists to look at the runway shows from Fashion Weeks across the globe. The catwalks set the trends for the seasons and you can tailor each look for your clients preference and make it more consumer friendly. Shows such as Dior or Philip Lim are great for creating bridal like styles.
How can they ensure that they offer the best service on the day?
Offering the best service on the day is all about organisation and knowledge. Ensure all plans are in place for the day and all members of the team are aware of the ongoings. As well as this be prepared for change – you may have to change something on the day at last minute so being prepared is the best way to ensure you are offering the best service. There is nothing better than a flawless service.
How can salons promote their service to potential brides?
Promoting services to potential brides can be done in many ways. Firstly, put together your packages or services and ensure information is on your website and that it is all up to date. The first thing many brides will do is a google search for bridal services in their area so ensuring you are t the top of the ranking is essential. Secondly, I would suggest getting in touch with local wedding fayres or perhaps holding an open evening within the salon, doing demonstrations and offering information to potential bridal parties. It gives them a chance to see what you ar capable of and if in the salon allows them to experience the environment. I would also suggest including information upon your social media pages. We all use social media these days so having information available is essential.
Philip Bell, Ishoka Hair and Beauty
Ishoka Hairdressing and Beauty, Aberdeen Profile
Sophisticated, luxurious and fabulous – the only three words that can be used to describe Aberdeen’s number one award winning Salon, Ishoka Hairdressing and beauty. Known for their commitment to brides throughout the years, Ishoka Partner, Kathryn Longmuir shares her top wedding styles…
Elegant Glamour
This is one of my favourite styles and one that is not only timeless, but, can be tailored to suit each individual bride and their style. It’s won’t date the photographs and is a very simple yet popular style.
Soft waves
Soft waves are a favourite with all brides, but more so recently. Using a large barrel tong these can be tight and sophisticated or soft and relaxed. Depending on the dress these can be swept to the side of kept to the back, with a small tiara or accessory added for effect.
Chignons are also another very popular style and again can be tailored to the brides request. At the moment brides are opting for the relaxed version of the chignons however the smooth and sophisticated version is still a favourite.
The two styles mentioned work extremely well with the Modern Vintage trend and really compliment every aspect of the bride. With brides opting for higher necklines and detailed backs the style can compliment the dress beautifully if the correct style is chosen and dressed.
Inspirations for the modern vintage trend has came from the likes of Downtown Abbey, with the bridal part tailoring to their own personal specification.
Add new comment