Ask for a personal recommendation; the hairdresser must be used to doing 'wedding hair'. Some will do both hair and make-up.

Establish when you book whether the hairdresser will come to the bride's home or hotel on the morning of the wedding (the preferred option), or whether she needs to go to the salon (which may cause logistical problems). It is usually a little more expensive for the hairdresser to leave the salon and go to the bride.

Work out how many heads - other than the bride's - need to be dressed on the day; the bridesmaids should not need a hair rehearsal, but the hairdresser will want to discuss their style in advance and may want to see their hair types.

Wedding Hair Rehearsal

• The bride should have one or two practice sessions. She should take along photographs or cuttings of styles she likes, and wear a top with a similar line to the dress.
• She must also take along the headdress or tiara - and jewellery if possible - that have been chosen.
• It is a good idea to take a photograph after the practice session, and again a few hours later to check the longevity of the style.
• Hair practice appointments should be booked once the entire outfit has been decided upon.

See Bridesmaids' Hair & Make-Up

See The Mothers

• Share online