DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: One of my bridesmaids is a friend going back to when I was a lot younger and edgier than I am now.
I got a text from “Jazz” right after I asked her to be in the wedding saying she wanted to do everyone’s hair and makeup. She is almost finished with cosmetology school and doing my and the other girls’ hair and makeup would be a big boost for her. She told me she wants to start her own side business once she’s completed all her courses and gets licensed.
I’ve seen some of her work, and have let her use me for practice before we went out a few times. She’s not good. At least she doesn’t do the kind of stuff I like now.
I am already talking to a couple other possible hair and makeup artists that have been highly recommended to me by friends who used them for their weddings. I haven’t signed any contracts yet, but I think I know the one I like best.
I do not want to crush my friend, so how do I tell her I don’t want her to do the hair and makeup for my wedding? --- NO WAY
DEAR NO WAY: Before taking a hard pass on your friend’s offer, it may be worth it to see if Jazz can come up with something more to your liking than the looks you’ve seen in the past. As she’s planning on breaking into the wedding hair and makeup business, unless she’s going strictly niche, she’ll have to have a variety of styles to offer potential clients.
If she’s only proposing designs that don’t fit into your vision for your wedding, then you could thank her for her generous offer, and let her know you’re already in the process of hiring someone else.
You might also tell her you want her to enjoy the day primarily as your bridesmaid and friend, not a service provider.