I don't write negative reviews lightly. In fact, I usually go out of my way to recognize businesses…read morethat provide excellent service. However, I feel obligated to share my experience so another bride doesn't go through what I did. I didnt neccesarily want to give it a 1, but the entirety of this process was jumbled, stressful and not anywhere that expected of a "bridal salon".
Unfortunately, my hair and makeup experience was by far the most stressful part of my entire wedding planning process. It should have been one of the most exciting moments, but instead it became very disappointing from trial through wedding day.
During my trial, I was very clear about the hairstyle I wanted to achieve, brought inspiration photos, and even brought extensions I regularly use. Despite this, I was told my hairstyle was "impossible," and the experience felt very stressful and unprofessional for a bridal trial. My makeup trial also did not reflect what I requested a simple full-glam look with contoured skin, bright under-eye, soft pink tones, and a nude glossy lip. Instead, I was given deep cranberry tones and a very pale foundation shade that did not match, which left me looking washed out and not aligned with the inspiration I provided.
After the trial, I had to go home and redo my hair and makeup myself, documenting each step so I could clearly communicate what I was hoping to achieve.
The scheduling process was also very difficult. I was originally told I would need to start makeup at 6:30 a.m. despite an 11:30 a.m. ready time and a 4:30 p.m. ceremony/reception, which felt unnecessarily early and exhausting. There was very little flexibility offered, and it was hard to reach a workable schedule. At times, communication felt very difficult when trying to make adjustments that would avoid such an early and draining start to the day.
On the wedding day, the stylist who worked with was talented and was genuinely did her best which I appreciated. I did end up using my own foundation, lip gloss, and blush that I brought after the trial because I felt more comfortable doing so. However, I still had to make adjustments to my final look.
There were also challenges with bridal party services. The artist doing my Maid of Honor's hair was unable to complete the style independently and required repeated guidance from my stylist, which caused delays. Additionally, before we even left the bridal suite, all of my bridesmaids needed adjustments to their hair or makeup, and I had to fix several sets of unevenly applied lashes myself.
I was so stressed about the ability to acheive my desired looks that I created slides with exactly what I did and did not want. Everything mentioned in the what to avoid are real examples from the trials.
If I could have cancelled the service and did my own hair and make up, I would have, but it was non-refundable. It's worth noting that this hair and make-up was $750. Bridesmaids and mothers hair and make up was $250. we had about 8 people doing these services.
Given the premium pricing and positioning as a luxury bridal service, I expected a much higher level of consistency, skill, and professionalism.
I am sharing this not out of anger, but because I genuinely do not want another bride to experience what I did. This was one of the most important days of my life, and instead of feeling calm, excited, and taken care of, I felt deeply stressed, disheartened, and disappointed throughout much of the process. The emotional weight of that morning is something I will not forget, and I truly hope this feedback helps prevent another bride from feeling that same level of unnecessary stress on what should be a joyful, once-in-a-lifetime day.