Conflicted about posting a review

I would post an honest review. Discuss how you were happy with the results, everyone got done on time, and the quality of the work of the stylist (mention her by name, since they have multiple stylists working at the company), but also mention the mix up with stylists, tardiness, and general disorganization, all causing a little chaos and loss of planned photo opportunities on your wedding day. I personally would give a 3- or 4-star rating (depending on how happy I was with the overall experience).

Maybe give them 4 out of 5 stars? I do think it's poor customer service that they didn't offer to give a portion of your money back or a credit to get your hair done another time within the next few months for the inconvenience and extra stress of showing up late.

Definitely post a review because those who are looking for vendors appreciate honesty rather than flattery. Some people only talk to vendors if they have reviews so make yours as honest as you can.


Unless the service was terrible (she didn't show, refused to listen, made your day hell with her behavior) I wouldn't bother contacting her beyond posting a review.
This is a picture perfect example of why you NEVER tip anyone the day of the wedding. It's a "thank you for your bad service. Please treat other people this way".

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Thank you for the tip about including the specific stylist's name, I will definitely do that!

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Agreed, it just didn't sit well with me. "Sorry we're going to be 2+ hours late, but it'll be fine."

My hair comb was $60, so I feel like a goodwill gesture would've been to comp that piece.

Based on your description, I would not go higher than 3 stars and even that's generous.

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Absolutely! For convenience's sake, I initially liked the fact that the tip was included in the contract price, but for situations like this it's nice to have the flexibility to tip based on actual service.

View Quoted Comment If the fault is on the owner for the miscommunication, I don’t think it’s fair to punish the stylist (by reducing or withholding tip) who did show up and provide the service.


When writing the review I think it’s fair to appraise the stylist’s work (under pressure of reduced time frame) distinct and separately from the owner’s organization and communication skills. That way unless the stylists are somehow bound by a non-compete agreement, the stylist maintains his/her reputation and future brides might even prefer to book directly with the stylist.
On the topic of reviews, OP, check your contract. Some vendors these days require with the contract that you reach out to them to discuss your concerns before posting negative reviews on the internet. While I don’t love the approach, I know it exists as one or two of my vendors had included a clause like that. It really gave me pause and I perhaps should have taken it as more of a red flag than I did at the time.

Post an honest review stating exactly what happened! I also think it is completely appropriate to message the owner of the business and tell her about the issues you have. Worst that can happen is you don’t even get a response, but at least they know you were not completely satisfied. Best case scenario, they give you a partial refund.

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To clarify my tip comment, I would've preferred to tip the stylist in cash directly. The contract included gratuity at a set % due a week before services and was paid directly to the owner -- I don't know how she actually disperses it.

(I never tip lower than 20% at restaurants even when service is poor because I generally try to give people the benefit of the doubt. But I still like the flexibility of being in control of the amount.)

I will of course separate the owner from the stylist in the review. Offhand I don't remember a clause about reviews, but I will double-check!

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Yeah, I get the feeling that the owner just didn't think it was that big of a deal, or didn't care. This company offers both makeup and hair services, but I only hired them for hair, so I sort of felt like a second-rate customer even though I paid them over $700.

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Yea that is not okay. I had issues with 2 of my vendors (one small issue and one big issue). I left honest reviews about both stating what happened and then I reached out to the vendors directly. One of them basically told me “oh well” and the other offered me something for free, which I declined. However, I felt better in knowing I had warned other brides in my reviews and told the vendors how disappointing they were.

View Quoted Comment Historically tips (acronym for 'to insure prompt service') are to make sure the highest level of service has been provided. Go out to a restaurant and get the worst service of your life, you don't tip and you don't go back. You also end up spreading the news of your experience by word of mouth, hence a review. The vendor did not fulfill their end of the contract as agreed on. Not giving a tip is not a breach of contract in most cases because not all workers perform to the highest level they can, earning that tip that is never required in the first place, despite pressure to believe that it is. If a consumer decides not to tip for bad/mediocre service, it's not for someone else to judge, but it does beg the question of how many tips are truly deserved?

I agree with many of the others. Absolutely post an honest review and give them whatever you believe is fair (a 3 maybe?). If you feel like the owner would listen you might also trying calling them and explaining the stress this put you under on your wedding day. It doesn’t hurt.

Based on your post I would skip the review for now and let it marinate longer. Also I would definitely reach out to her to discuss things before I posted a 3 star rating or below. Good luck!

I would post a review but I would let it be known that it wasn't the stylist fault. Like you said the owner gave her the wrong timeline so I wouldn't put that part on her. I would mention it on the review but also mention how once the stylist came and got everyone done on time and made everyone look amazing

I would personally highly praise the stylist but give a bunch of negative comments towards the owner for ALL of HER mistakes... cuz it sounds like the owner is at fault for all of it and her stylist was amazing and for even getting you all finished in time DESPITE the owner

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I completely agree with this advice. I would reach out to the owner before posting anything to give them an opportunity to make things right (or at least a little better) with a partial refund.

View Quoted Comment I completely agree with you

People read reviews as recommendations. Would you recommend this salon? Or maybe the better question is "would you recommend this salon owner?" I don't agree with 'negotiating' the review with the salon owner. She changed you in advance, and took the liberty of including an automatic tip (how can anyone be sure this money actually makes it to the stylist?). She had her chance to meet her pre-paid contractual obligations and she didn't. Her screw-up added unnecessary stress for you. OTOH, I think it would be nice to recommend the stylist by name, as it wasn't her fault and you were happy with her service.