Back up hair stylist

Is your stylist a one-person business? Either way, she should be responsible for a back-up option IMO.

I asked several of my vendors (DJ, photographer, etc.) what would happen if there was an emergency and they couldn't make it. They all said they had back-up/alternative options available.

However, I understand that with COVID, even if she has a team, they could all potentially be exposed and not be able to make it.

I'm not sure that you'd be able to line up another person without formally booking with them and putting down a deposit, which you would most likely lose if you had to cancel - due to tying up the date, as you mentioned.

Some stylists have an exclusivity clause, where you can only use them for hair services - so you'd want to double-check that with both parties.

Not sure if you have an option like this available, but I'm part of a wedding FB group local to my area and people are constantly posting last-minute requests for vendors due to various situations. They pretty much always find someone!

The stylist should be offering you referrals or contacting the backup themselves, not expecting you do this on your own. They have people they are fine working with and a random vendor will not fit into this.


That is a huge red flag. If you have not already booked this person with a contract, then go on Yelp and Instagram to find a team of stylists (hair and makeup) who all work together.

The person you hire should be responsible for providing a vetted backup. This expectation has huge red flags. I would go over your contract line by line and include any agreement made regarding backup and have her sign it.

They should be providing you with a backup option. If you book someone else as a backup, you'll basically have to a stylist willing to work with another stylist and some won't if they're not familiar with each other. If the other person provides poor service, they don't want to be associated with that.

Generally though, each stylist is going to have a minimum that you have to pay for them to even render their services which may not include the deposit amount so worst case scenario you could literally pay double in the end or more to have both of said stylists.

That's insane and a huge red flag. I would review your contract to see if it says anything about what she will do if there is any emergency because you definitely shouldn't be responsible for finding someone new if she can't provide her services in the event there is an emergency.

Ummm she should be providing a backup.

I appreciate everyone’s advice but this is an old family friend who is just trying to be cautious. I don’t need contract advice I need suggestions about finding a back up hair stylist

I’m also using a makeup artist I know (my sisters friend from high school) and she told me that she’s responsible of finding someone to fill in if something were to happen.


I wouldn’t want that added stress esp when it’s a conflict that may occur a few days prior or even day of wedding. This should not be something you’re worried about.
I think it would be super hard to find someone that’ll hold a date for you as a backup UNLESS you find someone who’s just starting out and trying to build up a portfolio? Maybe search Instagram (wedding makeup town) ?

View Quoted Comment It is her job to locate one for you who is even willing to do this.

View Quoted Comment Thank you that’s a good suggestion