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Get in the Spooky Spirit this October!

Halloween is right around the corner which means another year of fun hair colors, themed nails, and bold makeup. Our talented team can help your visions come to life. Our team loves to get creative and step out of the box with color and designs! Take a look at some of our Halloween looks from this year and years past.

HAIR

(Hair by Allison Parsons at Midtown)

The Halloween season is a great time to experiment with coloring your hair a shade you’ve always wanted. This beautiful red color was done by Allison Parsons who is one of our many stylists skilled in bright and bold hair colors. Our stylists will work with you to achieve your color dreams. If you are opting for a less permanent look, read our blog from last October: October blog.  

We talk all about hair care before and after your Halloween look! We want you to keep your hair as healthy as possible!

NAILS

(Nails by Sandy at Regency)

Nail art can be a great way to complete your unique Halloween look! Even if you aren’t dressing up this year, you can get in the Halloween spirit with a set of Halloween nails! From basic dark colors to fun charms and designs, our nail technicians can do it all. We offer both regular polish manicures and gel manicures. If you are wanting to stay a little longer in our salon, add on a pedicure! Our pedicures are so relaxing and will help remove dry and flaking skin on your feet. View more on our spa services here: Spa services.

Makeup

(Makeup by Ashley Beutler)

No matter what your costume is this year, a makeup look can always help complete your Halloween costume! Makeup is a fun way to elevate your look and feel your best at any of your Halloween events. If you aren’t wanting to find a good costume, your face makeup can be the star of the show!

Contact Us!

Call any of our locations to check which of our team members can help bring your spooky visions to life! View our contact page here: Contact Us! We hope you have a safe and fun Halloween!

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Learn about our Garbo’s Rewards Program!

We are proud to offer a rewards program for all of our guests who purchase products from Garbo’s Salon and Spa.  When you purchase a retail product from Garbo’s, we will automatically add it to your account to redeem on future retail purchases.

While points are normally only earned on retail purchases, we occasionally offer limited-time promotions where you may earn points for other purchases – these could include gift cards, services, etc. We will even offer a double-point day every once in a while! 

Here is a quick breakdown of our points system:

Points Value Breakdown

1 point =

$0.05 value

$1 Spent =

1 point

20 points =

$1 value

100 points =

$5 value

You can continue to save your points and spend them when you want! We have a wide variety of Garbo’s products for you to choose from when you visit our salons! These are a few of the products that we often recommend!

True Hue Highlights Shampoo

This shampoo has color brightening agents that illuminate highlighted hair! It increases the brightness of highlighted hair and keeps highlights and color looking fresh. You will be obsessed after the first wash!  Click here to shop this product!

Garbo’s Finishing Spray

This spray will leave you feeling like you just left our salon each time you use this product! This finishing spray is non-sticky for design & shaping. It also contains sunscreen to prevent color fade. Click here to purchase this spray!

Garbo’s Men Daily Facial Cleaner

This is one product that all men need! Our daily facial cleanser is enriched with organic aloe vera that gently cleanses the surface oil and impurities from your skin. This product will leave your face feeling rehydrated and rejuvenated. It is perfect for all skin types.  Shop this product by clicking here!

Take advantage of our loyalty rewards program today! Our team would love to answer any questions you may have about which products are right for you. Visit one of our four amazing locations to shop all things Garbo’s!

View our entire catalog of products here. 

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Proms, Graduations, Formals – Oh My!

Prom and graduation season is here and our team is eager to help you look and feel your best on your special day! Whatever special occasion you have in the upcoming weeks, we want to be the ones to take the stress away. We offer a variety of salon and spa services to help you shine on the greatest days of your life!

What services are offered?

We offer salon and spa services at all four of our locations in Omaha: hair, makeup, manicures, pedicures, massages, and facials.

Are there any special occasion packages?

YES! We have three great packages that come with a variety of services.

  1. PRINCESS / PRINCE FOR A DAY: 1/2 Hour Massage, Express IMAGE Facial, Express Pedicure, Gel Manicure | $300, Includes 20% gratuity
  2. QUEEN / KING FOR A DAY: 1 Hour Massage, Customized IMAGE Facial, Express Pedicure, Gel Manicure | $400, Includes 20% gratuity
  3. DIVA FOR A DAY: 1 Hour Massage, Customized IMAGE Facial, Express Pedicure, Gel Manicure, Makeup Application, Shampoo/ Blowout | $550, Includes 20% gratuity

Contact your preferred location today to discuss these packages and to reserve your salon and spa day!

Can I come with a group of friends?

Of course! Getting ready with your friends is always more fun and the perfect way for groups to enjoy quality time together. We offer professional coordinator services to make sure your group of friends feel treated and pampered before the special occasion. Whether it’s a high school prom or college graduation, we want to ensure your day is perfect from start to finish. Please email info@garbossalons.com to get in touch with someone about your group’s next big day!

 

You deserve to feel and look your best on your special day! Whatever the celebration may be, our team at Garbo’s is here to help. Click here to learn more about our special occasion offerings or contact one of our four locations in Omaha for more information about our salon and spa services. Cheers to you!

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Reasons Why You Will Benefit from a Blowout!

Let’s start with the basics! A blowout is defined as the act or instance of blow-drying hair after shampooing, including styling. A blowout is one of the several hair treatments we offer here at Garbo’s Salon and Spa. It’s a great service for those who aren’t looking to alter the cut or color of their hair but are in need of a little refresh. We not only offer a shampoo blowout, but we also offer Keratherapy/Brazilian blowouts as well!

Why should you get a blowout?

Our standard blowout service includes a shampoo and a hair style using nourishing products that we carry in our salons. The professional blow dry techniques make your hair appear shiny and voluminous. This blowout will last several days making your hair much easier to manage for the week. Everyone will be asking what you have done to your hair! A good blowout definitely gives the extra confident boost we all need from time to time.

Why should I invest in the Keratherapy / Brazilian Blowout?

Both of these hair treatments were created with the client in mind. These blowouts help make your hair much more manageable and hydrated. If you feel like you can’t get control of your hair, the Brazilian blowout is for you! We require a consultation before you can book this service so we can determine what blowout will be most beneficial for your hair type. 

A Brazilian blowout is recommended for those who are looking to tame the frizz in their hair. The great thing about a Brazilian blowout is that it can be customized to you. For instance, if you have more natural wavy/curly hair, we are able to customize the temperature setting to ensure you don’t lose your natural style. This blowout will help tame the unwanted frizz without removing the volume in your hair. A Brazilian blowout uses a plant-based amino acid to add a protein coating to your hair.

On the other hand, a Keratin hair treatment uses the protein called, Keratin, to nourish and straighten the strands of your hair. This process will take a bit longer than a Brazilian blowout. With a Keratin treatment, your hair will appear straighter and smooth. This option will decrease the amount of volume in your hair for about three months.

The Keratherapy/Brazilian blowout options are definitely more of an investment than our standard shampoo blowout, but they provide results that will last for months. Whether you are looking for short-term or long-term results, we have a service for you! Don’t hesitate to contact us at any of our four locations to ask for further details. We would be happy to help you schedule your next service with us to achieve the hair of your dreams!

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5 Garbo’s Holiday Gift Ideas for the Entire Family!

We have something for all of your loved ones this holiday season, even your four-legged friends! We’ve put together a little holiday gift guide with 5 amazing gift ideas to give yourself or your loved ones this holiday season!

1. Gift Card

This is by far the easiest gift option if you’re unsure what to get someone! Garbo’s gift cards can be used as a stocking stuffer or gift for anyone in your life. Garbo’s gift cards can be used towards all of our hair and spa services as well as our products! Visit any of our 5 locations in Omaha, Nebraska to purchase yours today or purchase online!

2. Garbo’s Professional

Give gifts for the entire family! Shop Garbo’s Professional Hair Care for the woman, man, or puppy in your life! Visit any of our 5 Omaha salon locations to purchase Garbo’s Professional Hair Care or purchase online!

3. O2 Lift Facial

At our Village Pointe location only, now through the end of December, we are offering $15 off our O2 Lift Facial, making it only $75! Book your appointment at our Village Pointe location online or call 402.991.2227! 

The O2 mask oxygenates/hydrates the skin and leaves it glowing and radiant after just one appointment! This 30 minute service is also gentle enough to use on every skin type so there is no need to worry if you have sensitive skin.

4. 30 Minute Massage

At our Village Pointe location only, now through the end of December, we are offering $15 off a 30 minute massage, making it only $50! Book your appointment at our Village Pointe location online or call 402.991.2227!

5. HydraFacial

Give the gift of glowing skin this holiday season! At our Regency location only, now through the end of December, receive complimentary dermaplaning when you book a HydraFacial valued at $125!

A HydraFacial will combat your dry skin through the combination of cleansing, exfoliation, hydration and antioxidant protection that removes dead skin cells and impurities, while simultaneously delivering moisturizing serums into the skin! With your complimentary dermaplaning, you’ll experience exfoliating of the skin as well as dirt and baby hairs removal.


Be sure to follow us on social media to stay up to date on promotions and products!

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Caring For Gray Hair

Finding gray hair amongst your locks is a rite of passage when it comes to aging…no matter how you feel about the problem! The thing to keep in mind is that gray hair can be just as healthy and beautiful as colored hair, and here at Garbo’ Salon and Spa, we would love to help you own your natural beauty as you age. 

If you are experiencing gray hair, you may be thinking about ways you can hide it or try to embrace it…the good thing is that we can help you do both! There are a few simple ways we like to do this in our salons: add in some highlights to blend your current hair, color your hair to completely cover grays, or transition your hair to a fully gray color overall. It just comes down to personal preference! 

Today, we’re going to talk about the gray hair phenomenon and try to change the stigma around this natural occurrence we all experience in our lives. We’ll be giving you some useful tips and insight on transitioning to and caring for gray hair.

3 Reasons to Embrace YOUR Gray Hair

There are many reasons why embracing your grays may be the right choice for you: 

  • It’s easier! You can trade color touch-ups every four to six weeks for deep conditioning treatments and trims instead. This way we can still use our professional skills and products to keep your hair healthy without you having to come in for a color treatment so frequently. 
  • It’s beautiful!  Your grays are gorgeous – just like you.  With proper care you can learn to fall in love with them. 
  • It’s a change!  Going completely gray–with the right tone and care–can result in a beautiful new look that suits you well!

CARING FOR YOUR GRAY HAIR - 5 tips to Brighten and Soften Gray Hair

Gray hair will be much drier compared to its pigmented counterparts. Here is some essential advice you should follow if you want to keep your gray hair looking and feeling its best: 

Brush Your Hair Nightly 

This will distribute natural oils from the scalp and nourish your hair. Your hair will become softer and smoother with time if you keep up this habit! It can be even more effective if you brush daily with a boar hair bristle brush. 

Use Proper Shampoo

Gray hair can sometimes appear dull due to its fair coloring. Using a purple-tinted shampoo, like Garbo’s Blueberry and Beet Root Shampoo, can brighten it up and make it appear more vibrant. Purple shampoo will also help to maintain the cool tone of your grays and keep them from getting brassy. 

Use Styling Products 

Using serums as well as products with conditioner and silicone will help smooth your gray hair. Deep conditioners like Garbo’s Indulge Mask are ideal for taming stubborn, sometimes wiry gray hair. 

Get Regular Hair Treatments 

Conditioning treatments can help maintain the integrity of your hair as you age. This will smooth out rough, wiry hair while helping to maintain your new natural color.  Next time you’re scheduling your appointment, add on Aveda’s Botanical Repair.  This conditioning treatment will help strengthen, repair, and protect your hair. 

Tips to Grow out Gray Natural Hair 

If you are making the switch from regularly coloring your hair to going gray, there may be a 6-12 month period of uneven color as the natural hair grows in. To allow the new growth to blend quickly, you can consider coloring your hair to match your grays, cutting your hair shorter or getting a few highlights to help with the transition. 

Always feel free to talk to our stylists about what they think will work best.  They’ll make sure your grays blend in seamlessly until you’re able to fully grow them out.

Lots of people choose to let their gray hair go because of its unique tone and lower maintenance care. After reading this article, hopefully you know how to take better care of your gray hair so it can leave you feeling just as beautiful as before. Gray hair doesn’t have to be a bad thing, let’s find you the right products and treatment so you can embrace the beauty of yours today!

Published with the writing assistance of: https://www.lippiehippie.com/
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Box Dye vs. Professional Hair Color

Lindsey Carraher - Stylist at Garbo's Salon and Spa - Blog Post Photo

By: Lindsey Carraher

The old “box dye” versus professional hair color convo… let’s have it! 

I’m sure all of us, at some point in our day, have been tempted by Eva Longoria’s stunningly gorgeous headshot on a “chestnut sand” box of hair color in the Walgreen’s aisle…  And most of us, including me, have given it a shot!  We are human, the manufacture’s marketing skills are on point and hey- it’s only $8!  Well, let me fill you in on what I’ve learned since my own days of “home highlights”…
 
Just like EVERYTHING out there on the market, you get what you pay for.  Brand new hair color for less than $20 may seem like the ultimate “deal” but when you think about it this particular thing you are paying for is one that chemically alters every strand of hair on your head.  Yes, chemically alters!  No matter which brand you choose or which store you purchase it from the product works the same way… How is it possible that the box is able to give you and your girlfriend (with the complete opposite hair color) the same result?! 
 
It’s possible by pumping the products full of high-level peroxides and ammonia to make certain the hair does “something”.  “Why did it turn out nothing like the picture?” – because it lacks information on certain factors that a highly trained hairstylist will take into consideration when coloring your hair.  These factors include the color, condition, underlying pigment, porosity, history, density, texture or the current integrity of your hair.  Your stylist will also know that fine hair processes differently than coarse hair.  That dark hair has a different underlying pigment than light hair does.  That hair processes differently on the base than on the mid-strands and ends… Your stylist is able to factor in these points in order to create the perfect formula for your specific hair.  
 
“Why doesn’t my hair shine like Eva’s”, you ask?  The chemicals used in the way box color uses them, break open and roughen the cuticle.  Think of the cuticle layer like shingles on a roof.  These “box colors” cause all the “shingles” to stay raised and rough not allowing light to bounce off of them and reflect.  Raised shingles don’t do the roof much good in the way of protection…  Just like a raised shingle would allow rain, critters and other outdoor things to creep into the ceiling of your home, the raised cuticle of your hair also allows heat and other environmental factors to get in between them which end up damaging and breaking the hair. 
 
I know many of you are thinking “salons are just so much more expensive!”  So I challenge you to think of it this way… if you had to wear the same top every single day to every event, every function and around every social group forever would you buy an $8 top from Walgreen’s?  Probably not!  You would probably spend the time searching for and trying on many tops before deciding to make a worthy investment on the perfect one, right!?  Your hair is just that.  It is the mainstay of your wardrobe.  It is the accessory you never take off…  
 
So, now that I’ve shared my thoughts on this matter, my advice to you is this: save yourself the stress, the risk and the money it will cost for your color correction and find a hairstylist you trust.  You will not regret it!

 

Sending love,

Lindsey

 

Lindsey Carraher is this week’s guest blogger.  She is currently a Master Stylist at Garbo’s Salon and Spa, Village Pointe.  In addition to working behind the chair, Lindsey is Garbo’s Director of Education and is a member of our Business and Digital Strategies Team.  With over 14 years of experience, Lindsey is able to educate based on what she knows and what she has experienced as a tenured professional in the industry.

 

Follow Lindsey on Instagram if you want more great information like what she shared above!

Instagram: by_elle_c

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Winter Hair Care Tips

Maddie Poteat Headshot

By: Maddie Poteat

Winter is hard.  Yep, I said it.  While the snow, crisp weather, and the thought of cuddling up by the fire sounds amazing, it can also make everything downright more challenging.  One of the things winter can really affect is your hair.  We’ve written on the topic of winter hair care before (read here) but we wanted to update it with a few extra tips and tricks.  If you can remember and follow these few things this winter season your hair will be in good shape come spring time!

Protect your hair from the elements

One of the biggest risks to your hair during winter is the weather…  The wind, rain and cold can wreak havoc on your beautiful locks.  The elements might not only ruin your style but they can also cause real damage.  Next time you’re headed out in the cold make sure to protect your locks.  Try a silky headscarf, a hat or just pull your hood up!

Winter Hair Care - Tips and Tricks

Go easy on the heat

I know we say it all the time but excessive amounts of heat can stress and dry out your hair.  If you can muster it, washing your hair will cooler water can really help.  Laying off those styling tools will also provide a break from the heat.  If you can’t skip blow-drying your hair then make sure the heat option is turned down and you use a heat protectant (like Garbo’s Brilliance Blow Dry Spray) to further protect your hair cuticle.

Garbo's Brilliance Blow Dry Accelerator and Flat Iron Sealer – 4.4 oz
Garbo's Brilliance Blow Dry & Flat Iron Sealer
  • Blow dry accelerator and flat iron sealer
  • Speeds up blow drying up to 40%
  • Seals cuticles during flat ironing
  • Moroccan Argan protects air from intense heat
  • Weightless formula adds depth and renewed radiance to color-treated hair

Did You Know Garbo's Now Offers Med Spa Services?

In partnership with DGMD Medical, Garbo’s is now offering your favorite med spa services (Botox, fillers and IV bags) at our Midtown Crossing location! 

Book Now

Avoid over washing

Another top tip for winter, and all year round actually, is to avoid over washing your hair.  That means going easy on the shampoo, as too much washing can strip your hair of its natural oils.  Everyone is different, but if you can scale back your washes to no more than three times a week your hair will look and feel much healthier.  When your hair is feeling a little oily, opt for a dry shampoo product like Garbo’s Dry Shampoo to get you through the day.

Garbo's Freshen Up Dry Shampoo
  • Skip a day of regular shampooing and save time
  • Dry shampoo revives and refreshes
  • Never feels wet or sticky
  • Extends color and blowouts
  • Eliminates odor with fresh scent
Garbo's Freshen Up Dry Shampoo – 3.25 oz

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Treat your hair

We all need a little TLC in the winter time and our hair certainly does too. One of our favorite winter hair care tips is to treat your hair with a deep conditioner.  The Garbo’s Indulge Masque deep conditioner is one of our faves.  Spend a little extra time in the shower to allow the deep conditioner time to penetrate the hair cuticle.  This should help improve hydration and keep your hair healthy all season long.  If you’re looking for something a little more medicinal, you can try a tea tree oil – its cleansing and nourishing properties will help rebalance the scalp, clean out your hair follicles and nourish your roots. 

Garbo's Indulge Masque – 6 oz
Garbo's Indulge Masque
  • Ultimate moisturizing treatment
  • Intense moisturizing for touchable softness
  • Won’t weigh hair down
  • Replenishes moisture loss during color & chemical treatments
  • Perfect for dry/damaged hair

Keep It Trim

The thought of cutting your hair to help it grow faster is still hard to grasp… No matter how many times our stylists tell us.  However, trimming your hair helps get rid of split ends before they have the chance to split further up the strand and ultimately weaken the entire thing.  This might be asking a lot, but if you have long hair you should look to get a trim every three months.  If you have short or medium length hair you should come in for a trim every two months.  In doing so you are helping to remove the dead ends which will help your hair stay healthy much longer!

Not all of these winter hair care tips are easy, but if you’re looking to improve the look, feel and length of your hair over the winter months than you need to keep it healthy.  Put these tips into practice to help your hair stay healthy and beautiful all winter long!  

Sending love,

Maddie

Other Products We Love
Marula and Grapeseed Conditioner Liter
Marula and Grapeseed Conditioner Liter
Garbo's Colormoist Conditioner – 10 oz
Garbo's Colormoist Conditioner – 10 oz
Keratin Therapy Replenisher
Keratin Therapy Replenisher
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Everything You Need to Know about Eyelash Extensions

Maddie Poteat Headshot

By: Maddie Poteat

Contrary to what you might think, working for a salon/spa doesn’t mean I have tried every new service we provide to our clients.  In fact, I probably surface for an appointment once every couple of months… Why is that you ask?  I am verrryyyy low maintenance when it comes to my hair and beauty routines.  The more time I spend on my makeup and hair in the morning means less time for everything else!  

With all of that being said, when eyelash extensions became big they quickly caught my eye.  With the promise of a shorter morning beauty routine AND having amazing lashes every moment of every day – even after just rolling out of bed – I had to learn more! 

Therefore, I chatted with a few of our experts in eyelash extensions and had them answer every question I had about the product, the service, and the up-keep. 

What are eyelash extensions?

Let’s start here.  Eyelash extensions are exactly like what they sound like.  Real or synthetic hair is attached to your current lash to make them longer, fuller or more voluminous.  There are three types of hair a salon can use: synthetic, silk or mink.  The lovely ladies at Garbo’s use Mink Hair for the eyelash extensions as they are lighter on the eyelid than other types.  In addition to the different types of hair, you can also choose the look, shape and the length you desire.  Once you know what type of lashes you would like, a trained professional applies the false lashes to your natural lashes one at a time using a special type of semi-permanent glue.  Think of lash extensions as hair extensions for your eyes…

DO EYELASH EXTENSIONS RUIN YOUR NATURAL EYELASHES?

Ahhh the famous question…  After much research and talking with the gals at the salon, the answer is no!  When the extensions are applied correctly they will not harm your natural lashes.  The special adhesive used on your lashes is formulated to create a solid bond specifically for human lashes.  The adhesive dries softly on the lashes which allows them to stay flexible and bouncy just like your own lashes.  With that being said, if you take proper care of your lashes while you have them they will not hurt your natural lashes at all!

How expensive are eyelash extensions?

Eyelash extensions can range in price depending on what type you select and where you have them done.  At Garbo’s, our prices for the first appointment start at $175.  The price for each follow up appointment start at $60.  >> Book your appointment now.

How long does it take to apply the lashes?

As we mentioned above, eyelash extensions are added one by one.  Because of this, the process can take a while… A normal initial appointment can last anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours.  The subsequential appointments you make to fill in the lashes that have fallen out do not take as long – the length of these appointments depends on how many new lashes you need.

How long do eyelash extensions last?

Since the lashes themselves are glued to your natural lash they will eventually fall out – either from coming detached from the natural lash or when the natural lash itself falls out.  Because of this, a full set of lash extensions will last 3-4 weeks depending on your level of activity and how you care for them.   If you intend on wearing your eyelash extensions longer than 3-4 weeks (which most people do) you will have to head back to the salon for a fill.  This appointment doesn’t take as long as the original lash appointment but new lashes will need to be added to replace the ones that fell out.

ARE EYELASH EXTENSIONS SAFE?

Yes!  Your eyelash technician should be properly trained to apply the adhesive to the lashes in a way that will not harm or irritate your eye.  At Garbo’s, all of the stylists and estheticians who offer eyelash extensions have taken the required training and have the experience necessary to safely apply false lashes.  However, if for some reason you do experience any burning or discomfort during your appointment it is important you speak up!  This service should be a pain-free and relaxing experience.

HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY EYELASH EXTENSIONS?

There are a few big no-nos when it comes to eyelash extensions.  First and foremost – do not pick or pull them off.  This will most likely result in you pulling out  your real lash along with the fake one!  Also, keep water away from your lashes for the first 12-24 hours as it can weaken the adhesive before it is set.  Depending on the type of glue used, most oil-based products or makeup removers around the eye area should be avoided.  You should also avoid rubbing your eyes as that will loosen or pull the lash off prematurely.  For a full list of do’s and don’ts ask your technician after your appointment – he or she will be able to provide you with more information that is specific to the type of lashes that were installed.

Are you running out the door as you read this to get eyelash extensions?  Or do all the rules and upkeep scare you away?  Did I miss any of your burning questions?  Let me know!

If you’re one of those people sprinting to get your falsies applied, you can make your appointment by calling your preferred Garbo’s salon location or booking online!  

Thanks as always for reading and following along!

Sending love,

Maddie

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How to Survive Wedding Season

Maddie Poteat Headshot

By: Maddie Poteat

It’s that time of year again…  The sun is finally shining, the flowers are beginning to bloom and you are drowning in wedding invites!  Whether you’re a guy or a girl, married or single, you understand the craziness that comes when Springtime hits…  Having been an invitee at many a wedding myself – and recently tying the knot – I see the struggle to stay afloat from both sides of the fence.  With the help of Bridesmaids Gifts Boutique, I put together a few tips in an effort to help you survive this year’s wedding season!

How to Survive Wedding Season

 

FOR THE GUESTS

PLAN AHEAD

As amazing as it is to be invited to so many people’s weddings it can also put a pretty heavy financial burden on your shoulders.  From the outfits (see Tip #2!), the travel expenses and the gifts, being a guest at a wedding can be expensive.

If you know you have a hefty amount of celebrating to do this wedding season make sure to plan ahead.  Book your flights and your hotels in advance to ensure you get the best deal.  There are plenty of apps out there that will alert you of the best airfare deal once you plug in your dates and destination so make sure to use them!

When it comes to accommodations and you have a big group of friends attending the wedding ask about sharing a hotel room or renting an Airbnb together.  Reducing the cost of the biggest expenses can help you feel better when it comes time to buy gifts.

Speaking of gifts, don’t be ashamed if you can’t afford the most expensive gift on the registry.  Buy what you can and forget the drama.  The Bride and Groom will appreciate you gave a gift – no matter how small.

More Wedding Hairstyles by Omaha Hairstylist Kayla Benner
@kayla.benner.hair
Updo Wedding Hairstyle by Omaha Hairstylist Kayla Benner
@kayla.benner.hair
More Wedding Hairstyles by Omaha Hairstylist Kayla Benner
@kayla.benner.hair
Re-wear your outfits

Having attended more than five weddings last year, in the span of only a few months I might add, I found myself stressing to find and buy the perfect outfit the week before each wedding.  Purchasing a new dress or new shoes for each event left me with a large hole in my bank account…

With that being said, don’t be afraid to wear what you already have.  You meet so many new people at weddings that most won’t even know the outfit you’re wearing isn’t brand new.  And for those who do know you, I guarantee they won’t remember!  Between the cost of traveling to and from the wedding (especially if it is out of town), the drinks at the reception (if it is not open bar) and all the gifts you have to buy, foregoing a new outfit is an easy way to cut costs.

FOR THE BRIDE AND GROOM

BRIDESMAID AND GROOMSMEN GIFTS

In the last few years, Bridesmaid and Groomsmen gifts have become more and more popular.  Brides and Grooms understand the commitment their closest friends are making when they accept an invitation to be in the wedding party so they are wanting to say “thank you” with more than just a card.

There are many routes to go when choosing gifts for your wedding party but keeping it simple will help make this task enjoyable!  Depending on your group of friends, you may want to choose a gift that is more practical in nature – personalized hats or water bottles – something you know they’ll use for a long time.  Or, you may want to go with something a bit fancier – like this silver engraved pearl necklace from Bridesmaids Gifts Boutique!

Bridesmaids Gifts Boutique makes it super easy to find the perfect gift for anyone in your wedding party.  Most of their gifts can be personalized and they come in at the perfect price point!  The best news is they also have gifts for men!  We spotted this personalized tie clip from Groovy Groomsmen’s Gifts and thought it would make the perfect gift for the guys on your big day.  If you are in need of easy but meaningful gifts for your wedding party I urge you to check out these sites

Bridesmaids Gifts - Pearl Necklace
Groomsmen Gifts - Tie Clip
booking your bridal services

As a salon who offers bridal packages, we know a thing or two about how to make your appointments go smoothly.  I talked to one of our reception coordinators, Carol, who has been scheduling bridal services for more than a year and a half, and she had a few recommendations.  

First off, you should have a clear idea of what services you would like to book before calling to make your appointments.  This will result in less back and forth between you and the salon which should help ease your stress levels!  Knowing ahead of time what type of hair and makeup each person in your bridal party wants also helps reduce confusion and booking errors.

Carol also strongly suggests making any changes to your bridal party appointments (coming in later or earlier, adding or removing a service, etc) as soon as you can.   The salon you are working with will want to make sure they can accommodate you, your family and your girlfriends on your big day but because most salons are helping other clients at the same time last minute changes are more challenging.

The last and most important tip is to arrive on time.  Wedding days can be stressful.  As the bride, you are balancing enjoying your big day and keeping everything running smoothly.  As with all other appointments a salon books, they also set aside a specific amount of time for you and your bridal party’s hair and makeup.  Arriving late can put added stress on both the stylists, makeup artists and you!  With that being said, most salons will completely understand that the day is hectic and crazy so if you do happen to be running late just have your maid of honor (or someone else) call and give them a heads up!  At Garbo’s, we do our absolute best to make sure you receive the treatment deserving of a bride-to-be!

As fun and exciting as weddings are, unfortunately, they can bring un-needed stress into our lives.  Hopefully, these few tips will help you survive wedding season like a pro!  Let us know how you take on wedding season in the comments below!  

Sending love,

Maddie

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