Salon owners Pamela Perettie of San Diego and Denice Monaco in metro New York tell us about bridal hair. Here, we learn what's the same, what's different and what are the best ways to keep your bridal clients content from coast to coast.

 

East/West: Pamela Perettie & Denice MonacoEAST: Denice Monaco

Most important questions in the consultation: What time of day is your service and reception? What does your dress, headpiece and jewelry look like? Is your wedding formal, semi-formal or casual? How many attendants do you have? What is the wedding party wearing? Is there a certain theme you are trying to create? Tell me about your flowers.

Your favorite wedding style? I love the element of understatement, especially for a bride. I always remind them that the look must be timeless and beautiful. Think of Grace Kelly!

Favorite product for an updo: I love very light, fast-drying hair sprays.

Current bridal trend: Bridal gowns have become more sexy and less pure.

The most people you have done for one wedding: Our team at Denice Monaco Salon & Medi Spa did a wedding for a New Jersey politician's daughter, and they arrived in a huge, luxurious bus. We styled 25 bridesmaids.

Biggest inspiration: I look at visuals everywhere-art, interior design, magnificent beauty in nature and different venues from magazines. My favorite dresser of hair was Jeanne Braa. I am now inspired by the hairdressers I work with every day.

Your signature: My work is very clean and classic, with a modern twist.

Best wedding-day practice: An interview with the bride and a trial well before the wedding are critical. On the wedding day, take your time. Do not overwork the hair. And make sure she has her make-up professionally done.

 

East/West: Pamela Perettie & Denice MonacoWEST: Pamela Perettie

Most important questions in the consultation: Is the venue inside or outside? Is there a theme? What style would you feel the most comfortable in? What does your dress look like?

Your favorite wedding style? It was a 1940s theme; the bride was wearing an amazing vintage gown. Her hair was a soft, brushed-out fingerwave with a modern brushed-out pincurl around the perimeter. 

Favorite product for an updo: For long hair design, Paul Mitchell Sculpting Foam mixed with either Quick Slip or Round Trip, depending on the desired end result.

Current bridal trend: Soft, beautiful and elegant with movement whether it is worn up or down.

The most people you have done for one wedding: 14

Biggest inspiration: The legendary Jeanne Braa, with her magic hands and calming spirit. She truly had the ability to connect with people.

Your signature: Creativity with form and function-like architecture, it's never the same. It's fresh with an avant-garde twist.

Best wedding-day practice: Have the bride bring in pictures of things she likes and doesn't like. Also, have her bring her headpiece and a picture of her dress and share with me her vision of the day. I will take her through at least three to four choices until she is happy.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, Click here.