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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Payments are issued the wedding day by 7pm via Venmo or Honeybook payroll (coming soon)
Click HERE to review payout per level & per service
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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.
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When sharing work from weddings with Stay Golden Bridal please ensure to credit & tag us with @staygoldenbridal or Stay Golden Bridal

