WEDDING ALBUM: ‘You want to feel like yourself’

Local salon owners say it’s important for a bride and groom to feel comfortable at the altar. They say this advice is key when determining how they will look for their special day.

Each wedding is unique, and each season brings with it different trends that can be seen throughout the year. 

In general, men are less maintenance than brides. Both Jamie Miller -- co-owner of La Belle Boutique and Beauty Lounge in Monticello -- and Myranda Demmer -- owner of Hempstead Salon in Cascade -- say they typically see men go for a haircut, a gel/pomade application and a quick style. 

Brides, though, take a little bit more time.

Both stylists said they are seeing more casual hair styles these days, including slick backs and high buns to tousled boho looks and Hollywood waves. Hair accessories are kept at a minimum, with some brides using using one subtle statement piece. 

Miller, who owns La Belle alongside Samantha Reiter and Kaylynn Yarolem, said her favorite hairstyles to do are boho looks with braids, twists and textures. She also enjoys giving a bride a natural glam makeup look. 

She said recent makeup trends seem to be following suit with a “natural glam” style, which provides brides with makeup that enhances their natural features that uses soft, neutral tones. 

“I’m seeing soft browns and warmer tones,” said Miller. She mentioned a heavier blush seems to be coming back, and lashes are always in. 

While Demmer doesn’t offer makeup services at her downtown Cascade salon, she advises clients should do something to “feel like yourself. Don’t do something you have never done before or that you’re not used to. You get one wedding day, you want to feel like yourself.”

Everybody is different when it comes to makeup, but Demmer, who has owned her salon for five years, says she is also seeing a trend towards brides seeking a natural look. 

Leading up to the wedding, most women are already aware of the color and cut they want, so they usually book an appointment close to the big day so their hair is freshly colored. They may also book appointments for facials, waxing and lashes. 

On any day, hair and makeup can affect how a woman feels, but on her wedding day, all eyes will be on her. 

“You want to feel like yourself but look and feel your best. So, for instance, girls with thinner hair may want to buy clip-ins for more volume, to keep it natural, but (leave them) feeling confident,” said Demmer. 

“Confidence” is the word both stylists frequently used.  

They said that spring through fall are always the busiest times for stylists doing wedding hair. Prom and homecoming also fall in that time period, making April-October schedules fill up fast. Anyone wanting to get on the calendar with a stylist, the best bet is booking up to a year in advance, six months at a minimum, they advised.

“You can still try anytime to get on the calendar,” Miller encouraged, as there may be a weekend that suddenly becomes available. 

When it comes to travel, both salon owners stated they travel about an hour and a half radius of where they are located. Travel fees are applied, and total cost will change depending on how far the stylist has to go. Typically, wedding hair styling runs about $85 per person for both salons, and La Belle charges $85 for airbrush makeup services.

Miller said with all that considered, it’s important for brides -- or grooms -- to be forthcoming with that they want to look like.

“People have a fear of expressing their opinion of their hair. Don’t be afraid to tell us what you like or don’t like,” Miller advised. “We want your vision to come to life.” 

Both stylists echoed each other on the importance of feeling like the best, most confident version of yourself on your wedding day.