What Is Taking So Long?
by Rev. Ann Fuller
The guests are shifting in their seats, the groom is fielding jests about being abandoned at the altar and the musicians are running out of prelude music. What is taking so long?
Approximately one-third of all weddings I officiate begin 30-45 minutes late. I personally don't mind, but besides annoying guests, such delays can add to your tab with other wedding vendors. Their contracts will warn you of the consequences, but the added expenses are incurred whether the delay is your fault or not.
So what is taking so long? In every case of a wedding I have performed starting more than just the usual few minutes late, the answer can be given with one word. Hair. Without exception, the hairdresser causes the delay. Whether it is a friend with a curling iron or a professional team creating breathtakingly beautiful coiffures for all the bridesmaids, hair preparation is the culprit.
There is a rule of thumb for traveling abroad that instructs us to place two piles on the middle of the bed; one pile of clothing and one pile of money. Pack half the clothes and double the money. A similar tactic can be applied to getting the bride to the altar on time. Whatever the time estimate for hair styling -- add an hour.
"But professionals know best," you say. Add an hour.
"I have short hair, it's not that complicated," you claim. Add an hour.
The bride's hairstyle is designed to last for hours. It must endure not only the ceremony and formal portraits, but the reception as well. If the bridal party's hair is completed half an hour before the scheduled ceremony, or even a full hour or more, they will still look absolutely stunning and they will have more time for pictures. More importantly, guests will not be fidgeting, grooms will not be in an uncomfortable spotlight, and your wedding vendors will not charge you additional fees.
Hair?
Truly!
It's always the hair.
- Rev. Ann Fuller is with Rev. Ann Fuller in Melbourne, FL, and has been a WedPlan Member since Aug 2006.
