When should I book a trial? How do I?

Book your trial as soon as possible to reserve your wedding date! However, when you should schedule your trial to take place is a little different: If you are looking to check things off your list early, or just make sure you're comfortable with your artist, go ahead and schedule as far in advance as they'll allow in case you're not.

If you're pretty confident you'll be comfortable with the artist and are more concerned with figuring out the right style, you can book your trial for closer to the wedding.

Why should I do a trial?

Some like to do a trial for the same reason they may do an engagement shoot with their photographer; to meet and work with them once before the big day to make sure they're comfortable with them as a person. These are people you're going to be spending a good few hours with, so a face to face can be nice. Some like to do a trial to work out their look or stlye for the big day, to save time when recreating it, or simply to figure out what they want. Even when you think you know what you want, it can be useful. Much like dress shopping, you may imagine something looking one way on you, and then find it not as flattering when actually on. Trials let you work out what really looks and feels best for you.

What does a trial include? How long are trials?

We start with a consultation to idenitfy the look we'll be creating together and get on the same page. Multiple looks and styles may be tried, now is the time to test things! The most important thing during a trial is to be honest and open with your artist. All we want to do is make you happy, and sometimes it takes a bit of working together to find what really does that. Please note, not as much product and pins are used in hairstyles during trials, as we will likely be trying different styles and thus need to remain flexible. False lashes are offered during your trial for a complete look. Trials for makeup or hair generally last 1-1.5 hours. Trials for both makeup and hair generally last 2-3 hours. Trials may last a maximum of 4 hours.

How should I prepare for a trial?

For your makeup trial, please have your face clean. If there are daily skin care products that you use, then you may use them on the day of your trial, with the exception of facial oils. If there is a facial exfoliator that you use, we encourage you to use this on the day of the trial. For those who don't have an exfoliator they like already, here are some recommendations, all cruelty-free: ~ Tatcha The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder | $65 at Sephora | Best for Sensitive Skin, use Gentle formula if you have severely sensitive skin. ~ Ole Henriksen Transforming Walnut Scrub | $28 at Sephora | Contains Nut ~ Jason Apricot Scrubble | ~$8.50 on Amazon | Less expensive but very similar to Ole Henriksen ~ Derma E Purifying Daily Detox Scrub w/ Marine Algae & Activated Charcoal | ~$12.50 on Amazon | Gluten+Nut-free, Sensitive skin friendly. Can be used daily on oily skin. ~ Murad Skin Smoothing Polish | $34 on Murad.com or Sephora | Trusted Brand If you choose to try one of these exfoliators, please test the exfoliator prior to wedding day. If you have sensitive skin, always patch test facial products on the inside of your forearm and allow 12-24 hours to pass before applying to your face. For your hair trial, please have your hair clean and dry unless you have discussed a blowout with Talia. If you have natural curls that you would like to keep for your style, you may wash (or co-wash) and style your hair as you normally would. If you're unsure of how to style your curls, wash (or co-wash) your hair and keep it very wet until your trial.

Can I change my style or look after my trial or booking?

By all means, you are not locked into the style or look you choose at your trial. It's your day, so it's whatever you want. We can communicate through email about changes you would like to implement, or just bring your ideas on the big day and trust Talia. If you would like to have a second trial to go through more looks and/or styles, this can be arranged but will incur additional costs.

Is a deposit required?

We request a deposit to book all wedding dates. A deposit of $100 (for booking hair and makeup) or $50 (when booking hair OR makeup) is less) is required to confirm your wedding date. Your deposit is due after your trial, or at the time of booking if no trial is had.

How do I make a payment?

Talia will email you invoices that include links to pay online. If you ever do not see an expected invoice, please email Talia at SimpleAndSultry@gmail.com and she will reissue it to you.

What forms of payment do you accept?

The following payment forms are accepted for trials, deposits, and final payments through the link supplied in invoices: Visa (Credit/Debit) Mastercard (Credit/Debit) American Express Discover Bank Payment If you wish to give gratuity, it can be added to your final invoice, or given in cash or Venmo.

Is tax included? Gratuity?

All taxes and processing fees are included in prices given and rates listed. Gratuity is not included, demanded, or expected. If you enjoy your experience with Simple + Sultry, then you may extend your appreciation through gratuity. Thank you!

Are payments and/or deposits refundable?

All deposits and payments for trials and wedding services are non-refundable.

Can wedding party members pay for their own services on the day of the wedding?

Unfortunately, we cannot accomodate this request. The times we have attempted to in the past have always ended up frustrating for the betrothed. It seems simple enough, but always ends up chaotic. So to save everyone the stress, we do not allow this. Final payments are made online via an invoice link. If wedding party members would like to pay for themselves, we've recommended that the betrothed (or better yet delegate a trusted wedding party member) collects payment from the individuals via cash, Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, or other preferred method, so the final payment may be made in one lump sum.

Does the payment for my trial secure my wedding date?

While your trial payment does reserve your wedding date, it only reserves it until your trial. From the time you book your trial until your actual trial, your wedding date will not be given away. Following your trial, Talia will reach out with next steps including a deposit. This deposit finalizes your wedding date as booked and thus secures it.

How do I book my wedding date? What is the process?

First, contact us with your wedding info. You may email SimpleAndSultry@gmail.com, or use our easy inquiry form found here. After we connect, the process goes as follows:

1. Receive quote + nail down date/time for trial. (Skip to Step 4 if not having a trial.)
2. Pay for trial.
3. Have trial, fun!
4. Fill out 'Agreement Prep Worksheet'.
5. Sign Preliminary Agreement + Submit Deposit.
6. Month Before Wedding - Fill out 'Scheduling Worksheet'.
7. 3 Weeks Before Wedding - Approve Schedule, Sign Final Agreement + Pay remaining balance.
8. Get married! Thanks for letting Simple+Sultry be a part of it!

Is a contract required?

An agreement is required to be signed to book your wedding. The agreement lays everything out in writing for your peace of mind and easy reference.

Are packages available for larger parties?

We strive to keep our prices as low as possible and thus cannot lower rates further within packages, with the exception of the 'Two Be Betrothed', 'Betrothed +1', and 'Betrothed +2'. Talia is able to offer these three bundles because she would be the one providing the services, thus adding an additional artist is not available with these bundles.

Where are services done?

We don't keep a salon space to not add to costs and thus prices. All services (including trials) are done on-location, meaning we come to you! It can be your home, a friend or family member's home, a hotel, or any location within Brooklyn or Manhattan.

Is a lower price available for short hair?

Short hair, while less of it, can be even more precise and particular when styling than long hair. For that reason, we schedule the same amount of time and charge the same price for all hair lengths.

Are prices negotiable?

Talia went through planning her own wedding and understands how costs can really start to add up. For that reason, she keeps prices as low as possible while still being able to maintain overhead costs, pay her artists fairly for their time and beautiful work, and still come away with some money to support her two loving kitties. All prices are non-negotiable.

Are products used cruetly-free?

Talia, owner of two kitties, has converted both her makeup and hair kits to be completely cruelty-free. Sunless tans are also done with cruelty-free products. While we encourage everyone to use cruelty-free products, we cannot dictate what artists use as building your kit is a personal process. Therefore, we can only guarantee Talia's makeup and hair kits to be cruelty free at weddings.

Are products used gluten-free?

Gluten in makeup is mostly a concern when it comes to lip products, as products placed on the lips could be ingested. The amount ingested is very small, but if you are sensitive then you could experience adverse effects. Eyes, also containing mucous membrane, could be irritated but is even less likely. Reactions to skin products (like foundation or powder) are more likely linked to a wheat/gluten allergy than celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Please alert your artist to any allergies you are aware of. Talia offers a full range of gluten-free lip color options for those who are sensitive to gluten.

Will you use my own makeup, if I prefer?

Of course! We come fully stocked but are happy to use any of your personal products that you are comfortable with.

Are your products safe for sensitive skin?

Yes! Simple + Sultry has never had a complaint of adverse reaction, even from our clients with the most sensitive of skin. Talia has meticulously researched and cultivated her kit, and views kits of all artists she works with. She also has sensitive skin and personally tests all products before adding them to her kit. If you are aware of any allergies to specific ingredients, please alert Talia and she will check every item in her kit for that ingredient to ensure safety.

What products do you use?

Talia stocks her makeup kit with the following brands:

• Tatcha
• Murad
• Mario Badescu
• Face Atelier
• Temptu
• Natasha Denona
• Anastasia Beverly Hills
• Kat Von D
• Tarte
• Becca
• Hourglass
• Stila
• Alima Pure
• Luxie Brushes

What is included with makeup and hair?

Makeup includes manual or airbrush makeup application, and false lashes if you or bridal party members choose. The main difference between makeup for the betrothed and others is time dedicated. More time allows for attention to fine-tuned detail, and a more artful process for the betrothed, but everyone looks lovely. Hair can be just about anything you want from up to down and in between. Simple+Sultry focuses on creating soft looks with makeup to enhance and hair that isn't 'coifed'. Blowouts are included with the betrothed's wedding day services, if your hair type demands it for your style. Extra time will be added to the wedding day schedule for your blowout, but no additional charge will be. Wedding party member's hair can be a blowout with minimal hot tool touches, or dry-styling. (Dry-styling refers to when a client arrives with their hair clean and dry, to be styled using hot tools, product(s), and/or pins. It includes but is not limited to all down, half-up, up-do, fancy ponytail, french twists, etc.) If a wedding party member would like a blowout prior to their hair being styled, then they must book a blowout and dry-style as separate services or there will not be enough time for both.

Is there an additional charge for airbrush makeup?

Airbrush makeup is included at no additonal charge, so that artists may have the tool as an option for skin they feel it best suits.

How much time is allotted per service?

To-Be-Betrothed: 2 and a half hours are allotted for the betrothed's makeup and hair in a wedding day timeline, or 1 hour and 30 minutes for makeup or hair. If one would like a blowout or is requesting an intricate hairstyle, an additonal time slot of 30 minutes may be added to the prep time. (This would be discussed and agreed upon.) While it may seem like an excessive amount of time, there are many wedding day distractions (such as flowers and the photographer arriving) that will often pull you from the chair. COVID-19 has also increased the time needed for absolute sterilization. This ample timeline ensures we can create the art you're paying for, without any stresses for you. Everyone else: 45 minutes will be allotted per makeup or hair service.

Can Simple+Sultry accomodate a large wedding party? How does having additional artists work?

**Due to COVID-19, we are currently booking weddings with parties of 5 plus the betrothed or less through the end of 2020. There will be a max of two artists per wedding. Prep of larger party sizes will resume in 2021, pending current events. We thank you for your understanding as we strive to service our betrothed while keeping everyone safe. Simple+Sultry works with a great network of reliable and talented artists to accomodate wedding parties of all sizes. Wedding service timelines are kept to 5 hours or less, but may be shortened by requesting additional artists. Weddings booked with the betrothed plus 1-4 services include one artist, and may add an additional artist for a $100 fee. Weddings booked with the betrothed plus 5-11 services include two artists, and may add an additional artist for a $100 fee, or two additional artists for $200. Weddings booked with the betrothed plus 12-18 services include three artists, and may add an additional artist for a $100 fee, or two additional artists for $200. Weddings booked with the betrothed plus 19-25 services include four artists, and may add an additional artist for a $100 fee, or two additional artists for $200.

Manual vs Airbrush Makeup?

Manual makeup application is applying makeup by hand, brush, and or sponge, whereas airbrush makeup application involves an air compressor and gun used to essentially aerosolize and spray the makeup. Airbrush makeup is known for it's lasting power and seamlessly smooth appearance. Beyond those classic reasons, Talia recommends airbrush makeup if you: - Don't often wear foundation and are concerned about it feeling heavy. Airbrush can be applied in a light layer that feels like nothing on the skin. - Have acne or broken skin. Airbrush can lay over these areas without caking up like traditional application. - Prone to sweat or oil. Airbrush can be applied over mattifying products without disturbing them, so they stay working. Manual makeup, done right, can last just as long and be just as beautiful as airbrush makeup. Unless your artist recommends one as better for your skin, it's a matter of preference.

Can an artist stay for touch-ups?

Having an artist stay for touch-ups is an option, whether you have fine hair that doesn't hold curl well, but want to keep it down, or you simply want to stay perfect without worry. Artists are available to stay for touch-ups at a rate of $80 per hour.

Are you able to handle makeup for any skin tone? Curly hair?

Yes, yes, and YES. Simple+Sultry supports brands with truly global skin tone ranges such as Face Atelier and Alima Pure. No one should ever feel they have to bring their own foundation because of the color of their skin. Plus, Talia has thick wild curly hair herself. You're covered.

Is there anything I need for the wedding day set-up?

We come fully stocked for makeup and hair, and are even equipped with additional lighting, just in case. To work, we just need the following: 1 Chair per artist Roughly 2'x3' table space per artist 1 Outlet per Hairstylist In an ideal world we would request the following, so long as it were no imposition to the bride: 1 High Chair per Makeup Arist 1 Low Chair per Hairstylist (One of each for the key artist who will be doing both makeup and hair.) 2 Outlets (We have extension cords and power strips.) Roughly 3'x3' table space per artist. (Preferably not low tables.) We've worked in all sorts of set-ups from ample conference rooms to tiny NYC hotel rooms. The second list is only if it's easy to have or request.

What should I have on-hand for touch-ups? Do I need my own lipstick?

Simple + Sultry provides for the lip balm, lip color, blotting sheets, a compact mirror, and bobby pins in a touch-up kit for the betrothed. Styles stay, but just in case. If the betrothed would like to purchase her own lipstick to keep it as her special color, that's perfectly fine too!

What's the best way to have my face prepped for makeup?

Please have your face clean. If you have daily skin care products that you use, you may use them on the day of the wedding, with the exception of facial oils. If there is a facial exfoliator that you use, we encourage you to use it the morning of the wedding. For those who don't have an exfoliator they like already, here are some recommendations, all cruelty-free: ~ Tatcha The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder | $65 at Sephora | Best for Sensitive Skin, use Gentle formula if you have severely sensitive skin. ~ Ole Henriksen Transforming Walnut Scrub | $28 at Sephora | Contains Nut ~ Jason Apricot Scrubble | ~$8.50 on Amazon | Less expensive but very similar to Ole Henriksen ~ Derma E Purifying Daily Detox Scrub w/ Marine Algae & Activated Charcoal | ~$12.50 on Amazon | Gluten+Nut-free, Sensitive skin friendly. Can be used daily on oily skin. ~ Murad Skin Smoothing Polish | $34 on Murad.com or Sephora | Trusted Brand If you choose to try one of these exfoliators, please test the exfoliator prior to wedding day. If you have sensitive skin, always patch test facial products on the inside of your forearm and allow 12-24 hours to pass before applying to your face.

What's the best way to have my hair prepped?

~ For dry-styling: Please have your hair clean and dry. If you are certain your hair holds better second-day, a little dirty, we trust you so wash the day before. We love the VERB Ghost Line for dry-styling hair prep. If you have very tight natural curls but would like a style that does not use your natural curl, it is recommended that you book a blowout AND dry-style. Talia has very curly hair herself and empathizes with the struggles curly girls face, but also knows what it takes to tame curls intos another style and that's time. Pre-style blowouts for curly bridal party members are $60. A blowout, if necessary, is included for brides. If you have curly hair and would simply like your hair straightened, that can be done in one service. ~ For a blowout: Please have your hair wet and clean. It's okay if your hair dries a bit, we can rewet it with a spray bottle. Please do not put any product in your hair, unless it is something you would be uncomfortable going without. ~ If I want my natural curls to be used: If you have natural curls that you would like to keep for your style, you may wash or co-wash and style your hair as you normally would. If you're unsure of how to style your curls, wash or co-wash your hair and keep it very wet until your trial. Co-washing is washing your hair solely with conditioner and is great for curly hair. We love the Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Line for curl care.