10 WAYS TO MAINTAINING A BRIDAL CLIENTELE
1. COMMUNICATE
Communicate consistently with bride if needed or have lines of communication open so that if something changes with the details of your bride’s wedding, they can inform you immediately.
2. CREATE A COURTESY EMAIL
Create a courtesy email template that you can send to your brides.
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Express how excited you are for their big day
have them review the timeline to make sure it still applies
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Make sure the locations are still accurate (Side note: there is often a change of location last minute)
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Ask brides to send a picture of their desired look if you have not had a consultation with them to pack as light as possible as the bride if they can send a picture of all bridesmaids to avoid packing all of your foundation shade.
3. ALWAYS REMAIN ATTENTIVE
When working within those 9 hours always remain attentive so that all of the bride’s pictures are flawless. If the bride knows you are on the clock, they will be unhappy if they see you just hanging around and not focusing on them. Try to stay off phone and remain in the bride’s presence.
4. MAINTAIN PROFESSIONALISM
Create polished looks on bridal party and maintain professionalism so that you can gain a potential bride from the bridal party.
5. BE KIND TO
ALL VENDORS
Be kind to all vendors and respect their space in hopes that they respect yours. Also create good relationships with the event planner/wedding coordinator because they may continue to send more brides to you.
6. CREATE BRIDAL TOUCH UP KIT
Create a bridal touch up kit for the bride as well as a thank you bag. You can combine touch up bag and thank you gift together.
7. KEEP EVERYONE AWARE
When the bride’s hours expire, make your bride or wedding planner aware you are leaving, remind them to touch up with the kit and give them well wishes.
8. DO NOT LEAVE
THE WEDDING
Do not leave the wedding until you have captured brides makeup and the bride in her dress for your portfolio. Try to capture picture before the reception.
9. SEND FOLLOW
UP EMAIL
Send a follow up email to brides thanking them for utilizing your services for their special day. Attach links to locations where they can leave a review and continue to collect reviews on wedding platforms like Wedding Wire & The Knot.
10. POST THE BRIDE
Creating a blog about the bride or posting the bride on social media always makes the bride feel extra special, but is not always necessary. Especially if you didn’t capture quality photos of them.
Growth Activity
Create an example of a bridal box and bag that you will give to your brides upon the completion of the bridal services. Include a thank you not and touch up kit to make it special!
Bridal Techniques: What to consider when doing bridal makeup!
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Avoid SPF in products because it causes major back flash in flash photography.
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Make sure products are waterproof just in case brides cry.
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Encourage brides that you will need to apply more makeup than what they are use to on their big day. More makeup, but not overdoing it makes for better photos.
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Encourage brides to do proper skincare leading up to their wedding day.
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Utilize setting spray and blot pads day of the wedding.
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Always keep bridal applications soft.
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Slow down and create clean, precise applications. They paid for a luxury service.
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Focus on making a bride look like a bride. (Browns in crease and a lighter shimmer lid)
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Prep skin so that makeup can last all day and night.
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Work with neutral tones for a timeless look. (Browns, Corals, mauve, etc.)
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Use full lashes so that they photograph well.
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Use full coverage so that makeup looks clean in photos. Creams are great on brides.
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Encourage brown Smokey eyes vs. black.
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Highlight cheeks, nose, forehead, chin, and cupid’s bow.
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Shimmer bride’s chest, arms, & back so the bride can glow.
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Add highlight shimmer to inner corners.
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Cover and seal tattoos and scars.
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Use some type of setting spray that will be long lasting.
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Use higher end products to further give brides the luxury experience. (i.e. derma blend cover cream)
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Provide touch up kit for bride.