The Wedding Day Playbook

Do you ever ask yourself what do I need to do on a wedding day? Below are all the details you can expect from arrival to departure.

  • It is recommended to prep everything the night before to ensure your brushes and tools are ready and you do not have to rush.

    The Night Before

    • Prep your snacks & breakfast

    • Layout your outfit for the day

    • Prep your kit & tools reviewing the Minimum Kit Checklist.

    • Make sure your car has enough gas for the trip (in case gas stations near you aren’t open yet)

    • Map the trip & plan your departure time

    • Load your kit into your car

    Morning of the Wedding

    • Have breakfast & coffee/tea

    • Get ready focusing on hair or makeup but at least putting together a polished appearance

    • Give yourself enough time to relax as much as you can to prep for the day

    • Text your wedding day team when you depart & your estimated arrival time

    • Arrive at least 15 minutes early to set up

    • Once you arrive, text the wedding day team chat to coordinate

    • Head to the designated getting ready area (if unsure wait for the lead artists arrival)

    • Review your getting ready schedule for any issues that may have been missed

    • Set up your work station with other artists in mind

    • Lead artists ask the bride if she has a playlist. If not, play our Stay Golden Bridal playlist

    • Use the restroom prior to starting

    • Call for the first service needed. (example: I’m ready for the first person getting [hair/makeup]!)

    • Notify your lead artist or Brittany via the Wedding Day text thread immediately if delays occur

  • Service

    • Complete touchups for all clients and ensure no other artists needs assistance

    • Provide the bride their mini touchup kit (Lead Artist)

    • Clean and pack up your tools. Ensuring you leave the area how you left it

    • If any additional services were added and paid out, text in the designated wedding day thread and let Brittany know. 

    • Share your social media posts with credit; submit portfolio photos to Brittany and celebrate you and the teams talent.

    • Notify each artist and the Bride that you are leaving and to say thank you to everyone.

    • Review Client Consultation Scripts

    • Keep your area clean & organized to the best of your ability

    • Ask permission before taking photos & if you can share them

    • Use the 5-foot rule: acknowledge anyone within 5 feet with a smile or nod.

    • Be mindful of private spaces and sensitive moments.

    • Avoid unnecessary interruptions with conversations unrelated to the service.

    • Offer guidance gently and professionally; do not insist on changes

    • Recognize that mornings can be stressful; remain calm, patient, and supportive.

    • Coordinate smoothly with other artists and vendors to minimize client stress.

    • Efficiently manage setup, services, touch-ups, and breakdown without rushing the client.

    • Ask before touching hair, skin, or personal items outside the service area.

    • Ensure the client is comfortable throughout the service (chair position, lighting, temperature).

    • If an issue arises (e.g., hair/makeup concern, emotional stress), escalate immediately to Lead Artist or to Brittany.

    • Confirm the client is satisfied with the look before moving on.

    • Greet all vendors politely and introduce yourself as needed.

    • Keep communication clear, concise, and professional. Avoid gossip or personal commentary.

    • Only speak on behalf of the team when authorized (Lead Artist or Owner).

    • Respect vendors’ workspaces and equipment.

    • Ask before moving or touching any vendor’s tools, gear, or setups.

    • Maintain a friendly, cooperative attitude even if timing or setup conflicts arise.

    • Coordinate hand-offs with photographers, planners, or coordinators to ensure timing doesn’t disrupt other vendors. (Lead Artist)

    • Avoid arguing or debating with vendors on-site; escalate conflicts to Lead Artist or Owner.

    • Do not interfere with other vendors’ services unless asked for professional assistance.

    • Offer assistance in small ways if it doesn’t disrupt your client services (e.g., helping with lighting for makeup photos if asked).

    • Follow cues from Lead Artist on workflow and priority to support smooth operations.

    • Maintain calm, adaptable energy to help vendors feel comfortable around the team.

    • If a vendor-related issue arises (e.g., timing conflict, missing equipment), inform Lead Artist immediately

    • Never try to “fix” major vendor issues on your own.

    • Communicate any concerns respectfully and privately with the Lead Artist or Wedding Planner.

    • Remember: you are representing Stay Golden Bridal at all times.

    • Speak positively about other vendors whenever possible; avoid criticism in front of clients.

    • Build professional relationships. Vendors are often repeat collaborators.

  • These aren’t to limit your self expression but to ensure we allow our clients to be the focus in video & photos.

    Appearance

    • Professional Casual

    • Avoid large holes in clothes

    • Comfortable shoes are recommended

    • Clean skin & hair

    • Makeup is not required

    • Tip: Choose to focus on hair or makeup for a polished look

    • Avoid chipped polish (for photos)

    • Come as you are in your style

  • Escalation Guidelines

    • Step 1: Attempt minor adjustments calmly and discreetly.

    • Step 2: Notify Lead Artist or Owner for guidance.

    • Step 3: Implement solution under Lead Artist guidance.

    • Step 4: Document issue post-event, including solution and feedback for team improvement.

    • Always remain calm and composed. Your energy sets the tone.

    • Listen fully before responding; acknowledge the client’s feelings.

    • Do not argue or debate; solutions come from collaboration and escalation when needed.

    • Keep communication clear, concise, and professional with both clients and team members.

    Common Wedding Day Issues

    Timing Delays

    • Communicate any delays immediately to Lead Artist.

    • Adjust workflow efficiently without rushing the bride.

    • Collaborate with other artists and vendors to minimize impact.

    Last-Minute Style Changes

    • Confirm client intent and feasibility before making changes.

    • Escalate to Lead Artist if it will impact timing or other services.

    • Ensure touch-ups or additional requests are documented.

    Client Emotional Upset

    • Validate feelings (“I understand this feels stressful; we’ve got you covered”).

    • Keep professional distance while being supportive.

    • Escalate to Lead Artist if emotions escalate beyond comfort level or affect workflow.

    Kit or Tool Malfunction

    • Use backup tools or products from your kit.

    • Notify Lead Artist immediately if it affects service quality.

    • Document issue for future preparation.

    Vendor Conflicts

    • Stay calm and courteous; never argue on-site.

    • Escalate disputes or workflow conflicts to Lead Artist or Wedding .

    • Focus on maintaining a smooth client experience.

    Unexpected Guests or Environment Issues

    • Adapt quietly and professionally (lighting, noise, space constraints).

    • Ensure client comfort and privacy.

    • Escalate major disruptions to Lead Artist/Booking Manager as needed.

  • Your presence matters just as much as your skill.

    Bring:

    • Calm, grounded energy

    • Kind, reassuring communication

    • Flexibility without frustration

    • Solutions over stress

    Avoid:

    • Rushing or panic language

    • Complaining or venting

    • Sharing personal stress

    • Negative commentary about timelines, clients, or vendors

    When we stay steady, our brides feel safe and that’s the experience we’re known for.

  • Preferred Channels

    • Booking-related questions: Team Chat or Wedding Day text thread (made 1 week before the day)

    • Emergencies (day-of only): Call

    • Contact with bride & clients must go through Stay Golden

    • Lead artists are provided the bride’s contact for trials & the go-to person for the day contact

    Response Expectations

    • Emails: within 24–48 business hours

    • Texts: booking related questions & emergency use only

    Avoid late-night or non-urgent texts in team text threads.

    • Payments are issued the wedding day by 7pm via Venmo or Honeybook payroll (coming soon)

    • Click HERE to review payout per level & per service

    • What if I’m running late? Notify your lead artist and Brittany know immediately via the Wedding Day text thread

    • What if a client wants to add services? Let lead know and ensure it does not conflict with finish times. Have the pay on Venmo prior to starting the service to @staygoldensalonspa

    • What if I’m sick? Communicate to Brittany as soon as possible.

  • When sharing work from weddings with Stay Golden Bridal please ensure to credit & tag us with @staygoldenbridal or Stay Golden Bridal

Wedding Day Standards & Procedures