Choosing a salon/stylist for the big day

How did you select the person who is doing your hair for the wedding? I am going to make an appointment at MAC for my make-up. I have had make-up done there maybe 15 times and I trust it will be great (plus they have a whole store at your disposal and you get $50 worth of product so it's like the make up is free. Can't go wrong!)

My problem is, I don't know how to go about selecting someone to do my hair. My wedding is out of the town in which I live, so it isn't like I can easily go try a bunch of places. I can obviously try one or two - but how do I select? Did you know your stylist before you selected him/her for the wedding, or did you meet them solely because you were looking for someone to do your hair for the event? If it is the latter, what made you go to them? Friends? Websites? Reviews? Just chance? Help!

I am going to visit in a couple weeks and I wouldn't mind attempting to schedule a trial while I am in town... just don't know with whom! 

as a hairstylist myself, i would deffinatly say, ask your makeup artist for refurrals! everyone in this industry networks, and someone is bound to know someone!! if your makeup artist isnt from the area you are getting your hair done in, i would just start googling places. you can get a decent idea how the salon is just by their webpage, photos on the page, and their receptionist! most of the time, you will be able to view sylits bio's and portfolios right online & when you call the front desk, you will be able to "hear" if its the feel you are looking for. trust me, you can notice a majorrr difference between a chain hair salon and a boutique salons receptionist! its amazing. overall, i would just go with your gut. ask for a trial. describe the vibe of your wedding and if you want ur hair up or down & the receptionist should be able to match you wtih the perfect person!

Our wedding is 3 hours away on the Coast, so I TOTALLY understand where you are coming from! I was struggling for a while with what to do, but my friend (who is a wedding coordinator) suggested contacted some of the local wedding planners in the area (of the wedding) and asking for a referral. You don't necessarily need to hire that specific planner, but generally they are more than happy to help you out! The wedding community is pretty tight and we all help each other out where needed, so generally speaking you can bet talking to really any vendor in that area (planner, photographer, videographer), they'll know someone. 

I really based mine off of reviews as well as how they acted towards me. If they started to treat me like just another client, then it was an immediate turn off. Since I am a business owner myself, I hold a certain standard that a vendor should make their client feel welcome and special. Not like just another pay check.