weddng henna

Since I've signed up for gig salad I've actually gotten gigs for henna! Today I got a request for wedding henna I was wondering since its just one person should I charge by the hour by my regular rate or for just the design? And should I make my own up or look a few up and show her or what? I never thought this day would come!!

Lexi -
Bridal henna is typically very different than the henna that you do for a teen birthday party or for a bridal shower. The differences start in the mentality. A wedding (hopefully) only happens once. As such, every bride that I've met has been as particular in what she wants for her henna as she is for her hair, dress, or makeup. Kim Brennen explains it well when she explains that for some brides, the henna is on par with the white dress in typical American culture.
So...
If you feel that your designs are on the level of bridal henna, and you are being approached for a quote, you first find out what "bridal henna" means to that bride. Does it mean both palms and that's it? Both palms, the back of the hand, and the feet? Does it mean both palms, the backs of her hands, feet, 10 cm up the arms and legs? Does it mean hands up to the elbows and feet up to the knees?
Next, you're going to likely want to offer a "trial". Just like the bride is "trying out" her hairstyle for the big day, she's going to want to "try" your stain. This shouldn't mean that you give her a full up to the elbows henna for free! Charge $15 for the henna. This lets her know you are a serious artist and that our time is valuable. If she decides to book you, the trial is included in your price for her wedding, and just subtract the $15 from the total. I would offer a small sangeet strip on one hand. That'll allow her to see your color, verify that she likes your essential oils, and that she likes your henna style (gulf, traditional Indian, contemporary, Arabic, etc). The bride will be wearing your art in the pictures that her great grandkids hopefully one day treasure. As such, you want to make sure that she likes your particular style.

But someone else with more experience should also chime in.

Bridal henna is quite intricate. Is it an Indian bride?
Is it someone who is new to experiencing henna and happy with a hip modern design?
Plan some 1:1 consult time. Pls share pics when done!!

Unfortunately she went with someone else. But y'all got me wanting to do more research! thanks a ton tho.

Hi Acarreon!  Everyone gave some great advice!   Do some practice and some research into customs, patterns and traditions.  The stats in Indian marriage is almost no divorce (that is changing, but it's still 1/5th the rate of the west) and the pix are forever.  It's great to be motivated and want to do these types of gigs, but unlike a paint gig, you can't 'learn on the job'.  If you mess it up, it's not a bad instagram photo and a quick face wash...you may need to be prepared to be sued!  (They are unlikely to win as they would see your skill level on line and if they were fine with that, no case).  But I've heard of brides having to go through the expense of redoing all their wedding photos because the henna is jacked.  You're not just taking a gig, you are messing with one of the biggest days in a woman's life.  It's dead serious!!  Ensure you have about 2 years of very regular henna under your belt and bridal practice on friends before diving in or you could be wrecking your rep before you have one!  LOL  The community can have a LONG memory and will be all over praising you when you leave but upon examination could turn on ya.  I don't want to discourage you IN ANY WAY....just want you to understand the gravity of the situation.  Today's bride is modern and rarely wants super tight old school design, but it has to be machine precise!  No wobbly lines, no smears, no blobs.  Good luck and hope you get your bride experience soon!!  It's long hard work but so rewarding!!

Thank you, Kim. Great advice, from a great artist!

Great advice!!!! Thank you so much! You put the perspective on point!!! So my goal is to be A1 in 2years. Im kicking off with a henna party at my house to work on my lines and such!! I look at other ladies work in awe!! And knew I wasn't ready..thanks again

I can't wait to see your progress! And remember to always take those pix both for your promotion and to compare as you get better with a 'fair eye'! Looking forward to future posts as you explore the joy that is henna!! You know, there is a Texas henna conference and one in California in 7 days!!

Oh wow! Maybe next year..this year I can't afford it. Sounds exciting tho