I am following Wedding Wire's system because I feel like it's more detailed and useful for other brides.(1) the quality of service
(2) responsiveness
(3) professionalism (including general attitude)
(4) value for cost
(5) flexibility
Ashley at Paul Mitchell SchoolA+ | A+ | A | A+ | A+ (1) If it’s any consolation of the quality, my hair was done over 24 hours ago and I slept in it last night, and my complicated up-do is still curly and holding up. Not a single booby pin has fallen out. I went to church this morning and got compliments from fellow parishioners. (2) Just call during school hours. (3) I brought 4 pictures of inspired hairstyles, fearing that they were all too complicated, but my stylist was so talented that she stayed very close to them. I actually think it looks better than the pictures. The only minor reason they didn’t get a + was that they’re still students so technically not professionals yet. The only way I saw a difference between a student and a pro is that the student took an extra 5 minutes to brainstorm with her teacher on how to “attack” the situation and another 5 minutes to be graded at the end. (4) $12 for phase I students and $20 for phase II students was the pricing. That was a steal. (5) I booked two months ahead. I was afraid they’d say, “You have to call closer to the event.” But they didn’t. Then my sister said to me the night before the event, “I want my hair done, too.” I called the day of my tea ceremony expecting to get rejected but they took both of us in. When we got there, we waited in line only five minutes until we were called, which is negligible. If that’s not flexible, tell me what is. Diana Varga Make-up A+ | A+ | A+ | A+ | A+ (1) I have to write first that I have problematic skin and struggle with acne. And choosing Diana as my MUA was the best decision. Due to my breakouts, I requested several layers of foundation, which some MUAs hesitate doing because how it could transfer or melt. But she did it and covered my dark blemishes and my make-up lasted even as I sat in 95 degree weather outside. No touch-ups were necessary. That takes a lot of skill to accomplish! She uses quality products like Mary Kay and various department store brands and my favorite product she used on me was Model in a Bottle. (2) She got back to my e-mails within 12 hours and returned my voice mail within only a few hours. (3) She was very on time and her attitude was exceptional. She was friendly, outgoing, very personable, didn't complain about how hot it was in my bathroom (which it was at the time), and made me at ease from the very moment she stepped in my home. I am a picky make-up person because I had concerns for my acne and my Asian skin complexion but she never got defensive or made snarky comments about any of my questions. She brought all her make-up, washed her tools and hands, and was totally prepared. (4) She is definitely worth a lot more than what she charges! (5) She was very flexible. She came from a wedding that morning just to drive the opposite direction to my house for a non-wedding event, especially on a Saturday! I know that the situation wasn't her usual but I greatly appreciated that generosity. And when I asked her, she said she'd be willing to use or take a look at the make-up I already had at home. I wasn't forced to use only her products. She also accommodated my Asian eyes, which required different type of technique, especially with the eyeshadow. And when she was done, she asked me very sincerely at least three times whether I was absolutely happy with my face. She's a perfectionist and she isn't happy until I was happy. So would have have stayed there until she got it completely right the way I wanted it! Tracy Doyle Photography A+ | A+ | A+ | A+ | A+ (1) Tracy's skills are impeccable as a photographer. Having her at my tea ceremony was like having a dream photographer. But just don't take my word for it, see her portfolio. She's up to date with her equipment and has back-up plans for everything. (2) Tracy responds through e-mail and phone very quickly. No complaints there. (3) I was most impressed that she reviewed the step-by-step instructions I e-mailed her about the tea ceremony just a few days before the event. This document was long and had a lot of details. Some photographers would say they're too busy and could only skim it. But Tracy read it at least twice as homework including a review the morning before the tea ceremony! She got the traditions right. I'd imagine she would follow another bride's day-of itinerary with such meticulous detail as well. (4) For the type of talent I am getting, I am underpaying her. No doubt in my mind. (5) The fact she even came to my tea ceremony when she could have easily taken a bigger job like a wedding already speaks wonders about her flexibility. She cared enough about me that since she is photographing my wedding next year that she would do my tea ceremony for me this year. She was also very flexible when it rained for the very first hour of my tea ceremony! We stayed indoors to take family portraits instead and then do the tea ceremony later. I was terrified about not following plans. But the change was smooth and that couldn't have happened without Tracy's flexibility and amazing personality.