Hair: Amanda Diedrich, Makeup: Shayna Shapiro, Hair jewelry: Boutique de Voile (photo credit: dabblemethis.com) dabblemethis.com
Hair: Amanda Diedrich, Makeup: Shayna Shapiro, Hair jewelry: Boutique de Voile (photo credit: dabblemethis.com)dabblemethis.com

Anyone who's ever tied the knot knows the research and stress involved before the bride can even begin to think about her walk down the aisle. In addition to picking a date, location and invitations, the couple has to plan seating charts, music, menu and flowers—it’s a lot to manage.

That’s where the wedding party gets the opportunity to alleviate some of the stress through recommendations of tried-and-true professionals they’ve worked with in the past—DJs, florists, photographers and (this is where you come in) hair and makeup.

When she’s going through her to-do list, a strong recommendation to the bride goes a long way—and if she and her bridesmaids have a good experience, it can bring big repeat business into your chair.

My sister Megan got married this year. As her hair-obsessed matron of honor, all eyes were on me to pick our hairstylist for the big day. I didn’t have to think long to decide on Chicago-based Amanda Diedrich.

Diedrich’s Instagram feed put everyone at ease (learn more about @blohaute on page 46). Her page is packed with hair inspiration to show top trends in all styles—up, down, half-up—and was an incredible tool for the bridesmaids to use as a virtual lookbook to scroll through for inspiration.

At the hair trial, Diedrich experimented with different versions of the silhouette the bride liked most. She roughed in braid/twist techniques and placement. I saw her frequently take a step back to ensure the style was balanced. She asked Megan how she felt about the look as she worked, took pictures to see how it photographed and encouraged feedback before the style was complete. As an on-location stylist, Diedrich was able to have Megan try her dress on at the trial, too, so she could see the whole look come together.

On her wedding day, Megan looked radiant, and so did the bridesmaids. It was Diedrich’s demeanor and patience that made the experience so perfect. She’s worked hard to develop her special-occasion skills so she can combine and customize a handful of techniques to her client’s liking.

As you can see from the photo of me with the bridesmaids, and in other images featured in this issue and on our cover, braided finishes are the most in-demand styles right now.  Now is the time to make sure your skills are on par with what’s trending—and this issue of MODERN can help.

On page 50, see how Instagram-famed stylist Mustafa Avci gets inspired by Old Hollywood. On page 48, learn how to create the ideal environment to keep bridal clients stress-free. On page 60, see how one educator built a national workshop around her bustling bridal business. And beginning on page 94, see how educators are re-envisioning special occasion just in time for prom and wedding season.

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