197 Days to go.
We have all flipped through the wedding magazines filled with glossy pictures, creative ideas and articles. We know that the dress is one of the most important details of a wedding but aside from food, and décor what else is there? Flowers, bridal party, tuxes, cake, shoes…the list seems endless.
It’s amazing how the most stressful part of my wedding planning thus far has not been my venue, my family or my dress (ok there was a little stress there). The most stressful part of the planning to date has been hair and make up, who would have thought.
To be honest, I was starting to think it was just me. I mean really, how much bad luck could one bride have with hair and makeup? Was I being too picky? Was I asking too much?
The more I though about it the more I thought; why shouldn’t I be picky? Why shouldn’t I be asking for a lot? This is a once in a lifetime event (fingers crossed) and it’s not too much to want to look your best on your wedding day. I mean I’m the one who is going to have to look back at these photos in 25 years. Wasn’t I the customer? And isn’t the customer always right? (Just a side note- I’m learning quickly that in the wedding world in Ottawa this saying is bull$hit)
Make up stress #1- I was referred to a make up artist who came highly recommended from a friend and acquaintance, after a few e-mail exchanges (given, some went unanswered-1st warning sign) we managed to set up an appointment. When I messaged her to confirm she pushed it to the next week due to a family emergency; no problem…$hit happens. So I messaged her again the following week to confirm…nothing. Then again, and you guessed it...nothing. After a few e-mails I got the hint. Back to square one.
Make up stress #2- After my make up disappointment I turned to a wedding forum I am completely addicted to. Make up artist came with a lot of recommendations and her website looked good. Contact was made, appointment was made and trail was arranged.
I thought I was set. This is further then I got with Make up Artist #1, I was stoked! So, she came over and the trial was done and paid for. She did an ok job I guess. I didn’t hate it; but at the same time I didn’t love it either. Thinking that my options were running thin I e-mailed her so we could pan out details and even maybe have a contract set up…nothing. Ok, give it was the holiday season, maybe she was away or just busy. After the holidays I tried again…. nothing. Really was this happening? After 3 more attempts to contact her ….nothing. I was really starting to think it was me.
After a mild mental meltdown I tried another off the wedding forum. She specialized in East Indian weddings and as odd as it may sound that was exactly why I called her. I love how East Indian women play up the eyes and boy-oh-boy do my Chinese eyes need playing up. She was super professional and prompt to boot. We exchanged e-mails and she provided all the info I needed; appointment for trail confirmed…and the trial was free J
I was over the moon after our meeting. She was great and did a fantastic job. After all this stress I am so happy with how it all turned out.
Now my hair person is till up in the air since I booked with someone new, I have yet to do my trial, but from what I have seen from her work I think I’m in good hands. For more details see previous posts Ranting posts # 1 & 2 and Seeing Inspiration. This itself was its own rollercoaster ride. But everything will work out. It has to.
I realize after months of stress that I shouldn’t settle because I’m scared nothing better will come along. I didn’t settle when picking a husband so why should I settle on the way I look? I know it is comparing apples and oranges but still the underlining point is to wait and go for what you want. For future brides out there or those who are in the middle of planning I say this. Don’t let fear guide you. In the end you won’t be happy with the final outcome. Not to say that you won’t be stresses out, you will be. But take solace in knowing that things will work out in the end. Just get used to paying an arm and a leg for that good stylist. After seeing their pricelists I’m thinking I’m working in the wrong field. But you get what you pay for, that’s for sure.
