Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/325995
Create your free business website! www.ascpskincare.com 15 The Consultation When providing wedding services, always use a written contract. The word bridezilla was invented for a reason! The amount of money and preparation that most brides put into their big day means emotions can run high if even the smallest thing goes wrong. Having everything in writing will help avoid misunderstandings. At the initial consultation, go over what services you will provide, the cost, and paperwork such as an informed consent waiver and instructions for any pretreatment or aftercare the bride may need to do to achieve the best results. If she is a first-time client, explain the spraying process, how long the tan will last before it begins to fade, and other basics. Set her mind at ease about the most common fears: that a spray tan might smell, look fake, or stain her dress. Ask about your client's dress. Is it backless, short, or does it have any other unique elements? Even though you will be spray tanning her whole body, knowing what skin will be exposed will help you make sure everything is perfect. Finally, schedule dates and times for the trial run and the real thing. Fill in all this information on your contract, and have the bride sign it. It is also a good idea to collect a deposit at this time. This adds an element of commitment and helps ensure the client will keep the appointment. A deposit is especially important if you will be spray tanning the whole wedding party and must block out several hours of your time. The Trial Run Schedule the trial run a minimum of several weeks before the wedding to ensure there are no allergic reactions and the bride is satisfied with the look. Have her start regular daily exfoliation before this trial run. A good day to do the trial run is the day before her bachelorette party, or the day before her engagement photography session if you are working that far in advance of the wedding day, so she can enjoy the tan for another event. The day after the trial run, phone your client to get feedback. Does she like the look? Is the color right? Does she want any areas darker or lighter? These are all important questions to ask. At the same time, remind her to moisturize every day after showering to prolong the tan. Scheduling to Avoid Problems The best time for the bride's spray tan is one or two days before the wedding. This gives the color time to develop, so the solution or bronzer will not stain, streak, or smell by the time the big day arrives. Check in with the client several days before her appointment to remind her to exfoliate. Double-check that she understands your aftercare instructions and doesn't have any last-minute dress fittings during that short window of time when the color might stain clothing. If she is going on a honeymoon right after the wedding, recommend a tan- extending product to take with her. Don't forget to suggest a sunscreen, too! Happily Ever After In addition to keeping wedding-specific flyers in your reception area, go out to find brides wherever they might be—online and in your local area. If you have a client who mentions she will be in a wedding, give her your card to pass along to the bride. Register as a vendor on www.theknot.com, the leading website for brides. Attend wedding expos. Network with local wedding planners—offering them a free or discounted tan is a great way to start getting referrals. What's the best part of working with brides? Weddings are all about emotion, and a happy bride is just about the happiest person you'll ever see. Being part of her big day can earn you a client for life, long after the honeymoon is over. et her mind at ease about the most common fears: that a spray tan might smell, look fake, or stain her dress. S Lauren Snow is a licensed esthetician and director of membership for Associated Skin Care Professionals. Contact her at lsnow@ ascpskincare.com. C LIENT PREP TIPS • Ask your client to exfoliate regularly, all over, in the days leading up to the spray tan appointment. • Shaving should be done immediately before the appointment. Waxing should be done a day or two before the appointment. • On the day of the appointment, the client should avoid deodorant, oily lotions, or heavy skin creams. The less that is on the skin, the better the spray tan will penetrate. • Discuss in advance what the client will wear (if anything) while being sprayed. Provide disposable undergarments or ask the client to wear dark ones. • Remind the client to use a moisturizer after the treatment to prolong the color.