Frequently Asked Questions
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Preview Appointments
"Do you offer trial appointments?"
Absolutely! If you're looking for request a makeup or hair trial, we recommend scheduling a "preview appointment" for at least 3-6+ months or so before the event.
Depending on the time of year, we may not have availability for a preview with less then 3 months notice, particularly during the summer.
Absolutely! If you're looking for request a makeup or hair trial, we recommend scheduling a "preview appointment" for at least 3-6+ months or so before the event.
Depending on the time of year, we may not have availability for a preview with less then 3 months notice, particularly during the summer.
"What's the best day for the appointment and how much time should I allot?"
Our preview appointments are currently in the studio space at Plant Salon Bucktown. Our preview appointments are about 90 min per service, with the goal of showing you a few options. Based on the services and styles requested, a preview appointment may be shorter or longer.
Our preview appointments are currently in the studio space at Plant Salon Bucktown. Our preview appointments are about 90 min per service, with the goal of showing you a few options. Based on the services and styles requested, a preview appointment may be shorter or longer.
"Do I really need to do a preview appointment?"
This is especially tricky for out of town or admittedly very low maintenance brides and clients. A preview just gives you a great idea of what you'll look like on the day of the event, if you like more or less makeup in general, and how it will feel and last throughout the night. Think of it as a tasting menu-- you get to sample different ideas, give feedback, and then you and your artist can make any edits before the big day. The goal of the appointment is to learn what you loved (or didn't!), so we can make any adjustments for the wedding day.
This is especially tricky for out of town or admittedly very low maintenance brides and clients. A preview just gives you a great idea of what you'll look like on the day of the event, if you like more or less makeup in general, and how it will feel and last throughout the night. Think of it as a tasting menu-- you get to sample different ideas, give feedback, and then you and your artist can make any edits before the big day. The goal of the appointment is to learn what you loved (or didn't!), so we can make any adjustments for the wedding day.
"If I schedule a preview appointment, will you automatically hold my appointment date?"
Please note that we only will hold a wedding appointment date for the 24 hours following your preview appointment. We will check in with you about 24 hours after your preview, so do let us know how you'd like to proceed at your earliest convenience.
Please note that we only will hold a wedding appointment date for the 24 hours following your preview appointment. We will check in with you about 24 hours after your preview, so do let us know how you'd like to proceed at your earliest convenience.
"Can I request an additional preview appointment with my artist?"
As long as your artist is available, that is no problem at all. Please note that rates for additional previews may vary.
As long as your artist is available, that is no problem at all. Please note that rates for additional previews may vary.
They were very helpful in the trials that we scheduled ahead of time, and Nika's administrator, Molly, was efficient and professional and made scheduling, planning, and adjusting easy. Don't hesitate to use them.
Minimum Rates to Reserve An Artist
"Is there a minimum number of services or time required to reserve an artist for a wedding?"
We require a $915 minimum service rate per artist requested, and that rate allows time for up to 4 services. Additional bride or bridal party services may be added as needed.
We require a $915 minimum service rate per artist requested, and that rate allows time for up to 4 services. Additional bride or bridal party services may be added as needed.
"Can I still reserve an artist if I only need services for 1-2 people?"
Totally! That just gives our artists more time to work with you 1 on 1. The minimum service fee per artist would still apply, and this option is most popular with those with destination or more intimate events.
Totally! That just gives our artists more time to work with you 1 on 1. The minimum service fee per artist would still apply, and this option is most popular with those with destination or more intimate events.
"What's the minimum to reserve an artist for a destination event?
A destination event often requires 2-4+ hours of travel each way for the artist, and the artist may also need to stay overnight the day before or the evening of the event. The minimum rate for destination events is the artist's flat day rate, plus travel and accommodation fees.
A destination event often requires 2-4+ hours of travel each way for the artist, and the artist may also need to stay overnight the day before or the evening of the event. The minimum rate for destination events is the artist's flat day rate, plus travel and accommodation fees.
A big part of what sealed the deal for me was how professional NVBA was - their website had a lot of great information and photos, their initial form was thorough, and as soon as I scheduled a quick call to chat, I had a Google calendar invite and a follow-up detailed email.
Rates for Larger Groups
"Do you offer a group rate or package?"
If you end up having a larger group seeking 7 or more services, our Flat Rate options might work best for you. Our bridal team 5-hour option includes any makeup or hair services (with select artists) requested, as well as the bride's services and her touch-up kit. Makeup applications and hair services generally take 45-60 minutes per person, so this rate includes time for a maximum of 8 services.
If you end up having a larger group seeking 7 or more services, our Flat Rate options might work best for you. Our bridal team 5-hour option includes any makeup or hair services (with select artists) requested, as well as the bride's services and her touch-up kit. Makeup applications and hair services generally take 45-60 minutes per person, so this rate includes time for a maximum of 8 services.
"Even if there's a very large group, do we really have to start at 7am or earlier?"
Not at all. With enough notice, NVBA can accommodate a very large number of services, and have everyone ready on time. When there are a lot of services needed, and you'd prefer to have as short an appointment timeframe as possible, opt for more artists vs. one long appointment. As your wedding day details become more clear, you may add and upgrade your number of services or artists as needed for your event date.
Not at all. With enough notice, NVBA can accommodate a very large number of services, and have everyone ready on time. When there are a lot of services needed, and you'd prefer to have as short an appointment timeframe as possible, opt for more artists vs. one long appointment. As your wedding day details become more clear, you may add and upgrade your number of services or artists as needed for your event date.
We had a large group of bridesmaids, plus 2 mothers and the officiant and they did a beautiful job with a variety of hair, styles and complexions.
Products & Gift Sets
"Can I purchase my hair extensions or lip color from my preview appointment?"
Absolutely! The best time to buy your beauty products is at your preview appointment, but you can also let us know at a later date. If needed, we can also share recommendations of some of our favorite brands.
Absolutely! The best time to buy your beauty products is at your preview appointment, but you can also let us know at a later date. If needed, we can also share recommendations of some of our favorite brands.
"Will I receive a touch-up kit?"
Along with your services, you also purchase a special event touch-up kit to help keep you camera ready all day. Your artist will leave your kit for you at the end of the appointment, and the kit includes items like hair spray, moisturizing lip gloss, tissues, and face oil blotting sheets.
Along with your services, you also purchase a special event touch-up kit to help keep you camera ready all day. Your artist will leave your kit for you at the end of the appointment, and the kit includes items like hair spray, moisturizing lip gloss, tissues, and face oil blotting sheets.
"Can I order lip color or gift sets for my bridal party?"
We offer both cosmetics and custom gift sets for you to treat your wedding party, friends, & family. Our gift sets may include items like a full size lip sticks, stains, or glosses, face oil blotting sheets, anti-shine blotting powder, or jewelry,
We offer both cosmetics and custom gift sets for you to treat your wedding party, friends, & family. Our gift sets may include items like a full size lip sticks, stains, or glosses, face oil blotting sheets, anti-shine blotting powder, or jewelry,
They went above and beyond, giving me a touch up kit which definitely came in handy! Can't say enough good stuff about them and would definitely use them again in a heartbeat!
Beauty for All: Diversity & Inclusivity
"I'd like an artist more experienced with working with people of color."
Our artists have extensive knowledge with a wide range of cultures and races, such as Indian and south Asian weddings, Korean beauty trends, or black hair styling (natural or relaxed).
Our artists have extensive knowledge with a wide range of cultures and races, such as Indian and south Asian weddings, Korean beauty trends, or black hair styling (natural or relaxed).
"Can I reserve an artist experienced with working with LBGTQ+ weddings?
Our team is very inclusive and we support all those planning to celebrate their love through unions, special events, and weddings. Please let us know if you have any preferences regarding pronouns, or who to include in any communications regarding billing or appointment details.
Our team is very inclusive and we support all those planning to celebrate their love through unions, special events, and weddings. Please let us know if you have any preferences regarding pronouns, or who to include in any communications regarding billing or appointment details.
"This wedding includes loved ones with disabilities you can and can't see."
Please feel free to let us know what accommodations you or your bridal party may need for your event, and we will do our utmost best to make sure everyone loves their services.
Please feel free to let us know what accommodations you or your bridal party may need for your event, and we will do our utmost best to make sure everyone loves their services.
We had a diverse group of women in our wedding party. When looking for hair & makeup services, I had to be sure that everyone would look and feel fantastic.
Parking & Travel Fees
"Do you travel for on-location services?"
We totally will come to your location. We do need to know your general appointment time and location at the time of your appointment booking.
We totally will come to your location. We do need to know your general appointment time and location at the time of your appointment booking.
"Who pays for parking?"
The client is responsible for all parking/taxi fees for the event. Each artist often has 1-3 kit bags, and sometimes also beauty lights or a chair in tow, so if your location offers valet parking, that's the option our team uses in order to get to you as quickly as possible. Unless other payment arrangements have been made, all parking and taxi costs are to be paid at the time of service directly to the artist, or charged to the credit card on file.
The client is responsible for all parking/taxi fees for the event. Each artist often has 1-3 kit bags, and sometimes also beauty lights or a chair in tow, so if your location offers valet parking, that's the option our team uses in order to get to you as quickly as possible. Unless other payment arrangements have been made, all parking and taxi costs are to be paid at the time of service directly to the artist, or charged to the credit card on file.
"What are your travel fees?"
Our Chicago bridal teams travel fee starts at $75 for appointments 15 miles or more from 60647.
Our Chicago bridal teams travel fee starts at $75 for appointments 15 miles or more from 60647.
Do you work with destination events and weddings?
We love destination weddings! Our team consists of seasoned domestic and international travelers. We are very experienced with navigating unique and ever-changing special event travel needs. The logistics for these events can be more complex, so please email us with your info and details, and we'll work with you to set up the best appointment.
In addition to our destination travel fees, we require airfare and accommodations to be provided for the event. Depending on the location and artist, there may be additional fees for accommodations, and transportation costs.
We love destination weddings! Our team consists of seasoned domestic and international travelers. We are very experienced with navigating unique and ever-changing special event travel needs. The logistics for these events can be more complex, so please email us with your info and details, and we'll work with you to set up the best appointment.
In addition to our destination travel fees, we require airfare and accommodations to be provided for the event. Depending on the location and artist, there may be additional fees for accommodations, and transportation costs.
Nika is truly amazing. She went above and beyond for my wedding in the Mendocino wine country this weekend. First, she made arrangements to come out to California from Chicago for a trial run - hair and make up. She accommodated my crazy schedule in doing so - we were at it until well after 10 pm!
The Best Laid Plans...
"Oops! I thought needed 10 bridal party services, but now it's less..."
Please be conservative in the number of services you request for your Wedding Services Contract-- it is way easier to just add needed services as we get closer to your date, vs. over committing early on, and end up paying for more services than you actually need. Once we've reserved an artist for the requested time, you are committed to the balance due for that time per artist, and we do not offer refunds or credits for a change in the number of requested services or time. Please note that your retainer payment is due with your signed contract, and the final payment is due 45 days before your event date. If your bridal party members are paying for their services, they would need to make arrangements in advance to reimburse you.
Please be conservative in the number of services you request for your Wedding Services Contract-- it is way easier to just add needed services as we get closer to your date, vs. over committing early on, and end up paying for more services than you actually need. Once we've reserved an artist for the requested time, you are committed to the balance due for that time per artist, and we do not offer refunds or credits for a change in the number of requested services or time. Please note that your retainer payment is due with your signed contract, and the final payment is due 45 days before your event date. If your bridal party members are paying for their services, they would need to make arrangements in advance to reimburse you.
"I found a different lip color I'd like to use instead, can I return/exchange the one I purchased?"
Due to the intimate nature of cosmetic and beauty products we offer, we do not provide refunds or exchanges of retail product purchased in person or online.
Due to the intimate nature of cosmetic and beauty products we offer, we do not provide refunds or exchanges of retail product purchased in person or online.
"What are some additional costs I should keep in mind?"
It's amazing the number of details a wedding can have, right? Here are some of the things to keep in mind while you're deciding what kind of services or number of artists you may need: parking fees per artist at your appointment, cost of requesting additional preview appointments, beauty services for your wedding rehearsal, cost of a blowout prior to your hair styling, additional time for very long or thick hair, and possible costs per artist to travel for out of town/destination events. It can be hard to gauge all these details early in your wedding planning, so please don't hesitate to ask if ever you have a question.
It's amazing the number of details a wedding can have, right? Here are some of the things to keep in mind while you're deciding what kind of services or number of artists you may need: parking fees per artist at your appointment, cost of requesting additional preview appointments, beauty services for your wedding rehearsal, cost of a blowout prior to your hair styling, additional time for very long or thick hair, and possible costs per artist to travel for out of town/destination events. It can be hard to gauge all these details early in your wedding planning, so please don't hesitate to ask if ever you have a question.
"What if one of my bridesmaids doesn't like her services?"
We want everyone we work with to *love* how they look on such a big day, which is why we ask that if ever there's anything someone's not loving during a service, that they please do let us know asap so we can fix it. Most of our team has 1-2 decades of experience in the beauty industry, and we strive to create looks that make our clients feel the most beautiful. But-- we do tell everyone who sits in our chairs: "this is not the time to be polite!" We will ask for your input during the services, and again once all services are complete to see if any additional changes are requested at your appointment before leaving, as that is the best (and only!) time we'll have to remedy any issues. Anyone in your wedding party, family, or friends are also open to schedule their own preview appointment services prior to the event date to try out and confirm the look they're seeking for the wedding.
We want everyone we work with to *love* how they look on such a big day, which is why we ask that if ever there's anything someone's not loving during a service, that they please do let us know asap so we can fix it. Most of our team has 1-2 decades of experience in the beauty industry, and we strive to create looks that make our clients feel the most beautiful. But-- we do tell everyone who sits in our chairs: "this is not the time to be polite!" We will ask for your input during the services, and again once all services are complete to see if any additional changes are requested at your appointment before leaving, as that is the best (and only!) time we'll have to remedy any issues. Anyone in your wedding party, family, or friends are also open to schedule their own preview appointment services prior to the event date to try out and confirm the look they're seeking for the wedding.
I had changed my mind last minute for my hair style. I went from wanting an up-do to wanting to wear it down with curls. Julia didn't even bat an eye, she was so accommodating to my request even though it was not expected. I can't thank her enough!