About two weeks before her wedding, Anne Silvey, now Mrs. Anne Franscioni, was putting the finishing touches on the plans for her big day. She’d had the color palette picked out long ago — navy, cream, and wine — and her six bridesmaids were prepared with their navy dresses. Wanting everything to be perfect to the last detail, she of course wanted a perfectly matched look for the group’s fingernails and toenails.
About a year ago I was visiting my mom in North Carolina. She wanted to get a pedicure so I grabbed a copy of the local monthly Skirt. There was an ad for Polished Nail Bar. We went in for services, but I didn’t call ahead and tell them I was coming. (Meaning, I was incognito — not Hannah the editor of NAILS, just Hannah the girl who was taking her mom to get a pedicure.) After our services, I introduced myself to the owner and promised to come back on an “official” visit next time.
I knew I’d fallen hopelessly down the wondrous nail-salon-industry rabbit hole when my friend Claire’s birthday was approaching and my first suggestion was to throw her a pedicure party. Claire fell in love with the idea too, and, after confirming a date with one of my favorite salons, The Nail Bar in Hermosa Beach, Calif., the invitations quickly went out.
According to TheWeddingReport.com, the average American wedding costs between $22,000 and $26,000. Is your salon getting its piece of the wedding cake, er, pie? It takes targeted advertising, smart scheduling and retailing, superior service, and a referral program, and you’ll be on your way to salon-wedded bliss.
Every spring and summer a tide of overwrought brides makes a mad dash to salons and spas looking for some much-needed relaxation, pampering, and primping. Some savvy salons have already made a healthy business of catering to their needs and princess fantasies. Here we show you what they are doing and how you can make your salon a destination spot for the marrying kind.