Learnings 23/24

WHAT I’VE LEARNT FROM MY 2023/2024 WEDDING SEASON

TRIALS, TRIBULATIONS, UPS, DOWNS, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, WHAT WORKS, WHAT DOESN'T, WHAT I WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY.

WOW - what a ride! As we slip into a quieter time of the year, I always use this time to reflect and plan for the next season and how I can better the client experience. Bettering myself and changing things for the next time, always learning I say. I have learned a lot this past season, not only about myself but also about clients, expectations, and all sorts of other things.

This may end up being a brain dump, but as I have been working away, I keep thinking, "oh I must remember that, I must remember to tell my next bride that." So here we are, hopefully there are some nuggets here for you to help with any planning process.

TRIALS - HAIR AND MAKEUP TRIALLING

The main thing I have been focusing on and am currently devising a plan for is all about trials. I think the landscape here is changing, and us as professionals need to help the client navigate this time super well. More about that later. There is BRAND SPANKING NEW SECTION in my website dedicated to the 4 different trial options that clients may choose from. Giving people choices from the bride who wants to see the exact look for their day through to the bride who gets here the day before and is happy to “go with the flow”. That sounds crazy, but I have devised systems to ensure we all know exactly what the plan is... indecision and unknowns can lead to “arrgh” moments.

BEST PARTS

HUGS! Definitely the hugs and seeing Clients happy with their look.

The hugs are definitely heartwarming. Receiving so many from everyone, especially the Mums, means the world to me after losing my own Mum. Being part of families' special day is truly meaningful. I'm a crier, which is why I don't wear makeup when working.

One time, a child kindly stuck pink sequins all over one of my highlighter palettes. Every time I look at that palette, I think of him. It's heartwarming when wee girls ask for fairy gloss and dust. I love the people I meet. I always ask people where they're from, what they do, and if it's okay, I like to ask how they met. So many amazing and interesting people I have had the privilege of meeting. XXOOO

MY STUFF UPS

I’m only human; it happens. This is brutally honest writing here. I am the worst critic and the harshest nitpicker of my own work. My biggest learning curve this season has been managing expectations. I think that social media, photography filters, and people thinking glam makeup is “natural” have been my toughest challenges thus far. So, it's all down to subjectivity and deconstructing the image I am being shown. I will always go through the picture with you, even to the point when one bride said, “Oh gosh, you ask a lot of questions.” Yep, I sure do, because what you are seeing may be totally different from what I see. I am constantly striving to do my best and absolutely love my job. I am passionate about products and people, and constructive feedback is always welcome.

A lot of brides send me the most heartfelt messages afterwards, which makes me just so happy, and my job satisfaction goes through the roof. I have had one very bad, terrible, awful, no-good, very bad day and am still trying to process that. But feedback, I have taken it on board, and I'm looking to better myself. The bride still looked amazing, don’t worry!! But it's always good to get a kick in the pants, reset, reevaluate, and look at how I can be better. Honestly, it's fine - I am beating myself up way more than I should - apparently!! So yes, always learning. Peer reviews are always great for honesty and constructiveness. I do ask peers for feedback and have found it to be, whilst a bit confronting, very helpful.

UNITED FRONT

I want to acknowledge the other vendors I’ve worked with - what a team! Wanaka is a small town, and we bump into each other in supermarkets, bars, and other places, so it’s always nice to catch up and say, “Wasn’t that a lovely wedding, etc? You did a great job of the flowers”

Just recently, there has been a group of hair, makeup, and beauty professionals joining together to help each other out - say if one of us is sick or has a family emergency... we jump on the group chat, and all support each other and make sure the client is looked after. Although these vendors are all in competition with each other, and we may lose jobs to each other, the support, kindness, and positivity have been so lovely to be a part of. When you are a sole trader and work alone, it’s nice to know there is a wee team behind you - should you need it. We lend each other anything that is needed, share kit recommendations, and generally help each other out. Sharing our professional talents, too, has been super. I love sharing my knowledge, and it has been lovely to have this reciprocated by other professionals I admire in the industry. YAY!! GO WANAKA HMUA Xxx Great for Clients, because we can always generally help people out.

WHAT I AM GOING TO DO DIFFERENT

There is a word - 'NO'. I don't say it too often, but next season I am going to take a few more breaks between events, look after myself a bit more. I’m getting older and can’t really do 5/6 weddings back to back anymore…. This means the clients get a lively, refreshed and enthusiastic me for their big day. The wedding business has been insane since Covid hit, but I think it is levelling out a bit now.

I am someone who always makes lists and organises my diary, but there is always room for improvement, particularly through more thorough checklists and cross-checking. Ha - more forms for me to make and send out. LOVE IT!!

I also want to make sure that we're the perfect fit for each other. If I feel that we're not quite right, I'll happily connect the client with someone who is a better match.

That’s all…..

Deirdre xxoo

BRING ON 2025!!