TERMS & CONDITIONS

I know no one loves reading T\&Cs, but this is here so we're on the same page from the beginning. It's your responsibility to read through this and ask questions if anything is unclear. Clear expectations = a smooth, stress-free morning.

BOOKING INFORMATION

To secure your date, a non-refundable and non-transferable booking fee is required. This guarantees my services for your confirmed date - meaning I won’t take on any other work that day. Once paid, this fee also confirms acceptance of these terms and conditions.

Once the invoice has been agreed upon, no deductions or changes can be made within 30 days of the wedding. If a bridal party member cancels or can’t attend, you’re welcome to offer the spot to someone else. I may also book assistants to help ensure everything runs on time, so the agreed services and structure are set once confirmed and are to be honoured by both you and me.

The booking fee is typically 30% of your total unless your bridal party is larger and requires extra artists or assistants.

Bookings must include Bridal Makeup - I don’t take on bridal parties without the bride.

Just as you’ve chosen to book me, I also accept you as a client. This is a partnership - I bring my skills and passion, and you bring your trust and cooperation.

All communication, agreements, and details are handled directly with the bride or the wedding planner, even if someone else is paying. That ensures everything stays clear and consistent.

The booking fee is for reserving your date only and cannot be exchanged for other services or vouchers.

All payment proof and invoices should be sent to: info@marneltoerien.co.za - Final balances are due at least 7 days before your wedding date.

If you cancel within 90 days of the wedding date, the final balance will still be due in full, as per the cancellation policy below.

For bridal parties of 8 or more, an additional assistant will be required at R1500 per assistant. If you’ve got a larger party, just let me know - I’ll quote accordingly to ensure a calm, well-paced morning.

If your group is the bride plus up to four individuals, I can usually handle it myself - unless a later start time is needed. In that case, an assistant will be added at an extra charge (R1500).

Weddings more than 2.5 hours outside of Cape Town require overnight accommodation the night before - for safety and logistical reasons. It doesn't have to be fancy, just close to where you're getting ready (±10 minutes is perfect).

Weekend weddings (Saturday/Sunday) require a minimum booking of bridal makeup + 3 full OR 6 partial additional services. These can be a mix of hair and makeup, or a total of 6 services.

SERVICE INFO

My top priority is that your wedding morning runs smoothly and is a genuinely lovely experience.

We’ll work out an arrival time based on when your photographer needs you camera-ready. I’ll start with you and make sure you're completely done (hair and makeup) at least 90 minutes before the ceremony.

Everyone’s hair should be clean and dry. I won’t be able to blow-dry or work on wet hair.

I always do final touch-ups after the bride is ready - this includes things like lips and any finishing details.

Last-minute additions are not possible. I completely understand that people get excited, but I can’t accommodate unbooked guests like Aunty Sue who want “just a bit of setting spray” or lashes - it eats into time we’ve planned for others and puts pressure on the whole team. I promise this isn’t about being difficult - it’s about being fair to the people who planned ahead (and to you!).

If your mom, mother-in-law, or grandmother is having their hair or makeup done, please gently remind them that professional styling will look different to what they might be used to - it’s a polished, camera-ready finish, not a casual brunch look. If they are more confident and happier with someone who’s been doing their hair the past 30 years, I really won’t be offended if that person does their hair on the wedding day. Also trying to convince them to do a completely different style than the one they’re used to is not going to win any battles - even if you don’t like their hairstyle as much.

In the unlikely event that I can't fulfil the booking (due to illness, emergency, or accident), I will do everything I can to find you a professional replacement.

Setup Requirements: Please ensure the work-area has at least a table, chairs, natural light, and access to electricity. If your venue may experience loadshedding, confirm that they have a generator. Bonus points for a bar stool or high chair!

Timeliness is important. If we're behind schedule because of late arrivals, I’ll do my absolute best, but I can’t guarantee all services will be completed if we run out of time.

TRIALS & EXPECTATIONS

Trials are typically done 2-6 weeks before the wedding. If you’re travelling from overseas and only back a few days before, that’s perfectly fine - I do most of my international brides' trials that way and it works beautifully. At that point, you’ll likely have your dress, your vision, accessories, your tan, and your hair freshly cut or coloured - so we’re working with the version of you that’s closest to the wedding day. Early trials often lead to overthinking and stress, which just adds confusion. Doing it closer makes it more relevant, more helpful, and honestly, more fun.

Pinterest boards, photos, references - please send them! They help me understand your vision and style.

Trials are done weekdays only and take place in my home studio in Bellville, Cape Town. I book 3 hours but we're usually done in 2. If it’s Hollywood waves, we’ll be the full 3 hours.

The purpose of the trial is to test your wedding-day look - not to try five totally different styles. I’ll adjust and tweak, of course, but jumping from sleek bun to Hollywood waves isn’t realistic in one session.

Trials are for brides only. I don’t offer trials for moms or bridesmaids. My portfolio, website, Instagram, and Facebook are all great references if they’d like to get a feel for my work.

If you’re unsure or not completely happy with the trial result, speak up then and there - we’ll change it! Higher hair, more teasing, less eyeliner? Let’s try it. The trial is the place to fine-tune, and I won’t know you’re not happy if you do not tell me.

You’re welcome to bring someone with, but this is your time - negative or overly critical guests will be asked to leave if needed. I say this with love, because I’ve seen it one too many times. Quick note on moms: They usually mean well, but sometimes their opinions come from a very emotional place. Just something to keep in mind when choosing your trial buddy.

This is what I love doing, and I’ve been doing it for years. You’re in very capable hands - trust me to bring out your best

HAIR EXTENSIONs

This is an optional add-on service to make your life easier - should you want or need it. Instead of purchasing a brand-new set, we offer professional extension hire to enhance your look on the day.

If you choose to hire extensions through me rather than buying your own, please take note of the following:

·         Collection & Return

I will bring the extensions to the wedding - whether by you, your mom, your bridesmaid - someone you trust do it.

They must be returned within 2 days after the event.

Late returns will incur a penalty fee of R500 per day.

·         Care Instructions

Do not wash or clean the extensions after use.

Do not tone or colour the extensions - only styling products (e.g., hairspray, heat protectant) may be used.

After use, simply unclip, place them in the provided bag, and return them.

·         Damaged or Lost Extensions

Once I leave, the extensions become your responsibility. Please treat them with care - as if they were your own hair (because yes, it is real human hair!).

A replacement fee of R3000 will apply if the extensions are returned damaged.

A replacement fee of R4000 will apply if they are lost or missing.

Examples of damage that will result in a replacement fee:

Burnt or singed hair

Extensions cut or trimmed

Severely matted, tangled, or knotted into dreadlock-like clusters

Toned, coloured, or chemically altered

Washed incorrectly (e.g., rough towel drying, incorrect products, blow-drying)

Product build-up (e.g., glitter, wax, excessive hairspray not brushed out)

Extensions returned wet/damp (which can lead to mould or rust on clips)

Use by another person after the wedding, leading to damage or alteration

Missing wefts or clips (even if just one piece is not returned)

Please don’t make me chase you on your honeymoon - k, thanks!

PAYMENTS

Please ONLY pay the booking-fee as stated on your invoice. No full payments accepted when booking.

Final payment is due 7 days before the wedding. Please don’t settle the full invoice upfront unless we’ve discussed it.

Even if someone else is paying, all communication stays with the bride (or planner). This keeps things clear and smooth. If someone else is paying, please align the service amount and timing with them beforehand.

For international payments: If you're paying from a bank outside of South Africa, please include all transfer fees in your payment. If not, any shortfall will be added to your balance. If you’re paying via a 3rd party app, I accept Revolut and Wise payments. I don’t facilitate credit card payments nor Paypal payments.

Invoices over R5000 must be paid via EFT. Cash is only accepted (under R5000) if arranged in advance.

The booking fee is non-refundable because I block off your date and turn away other work.

If the final balance isn’t paid in time, I am not obligated to provide services. I say this kindly, but firmly - unpaid bookings mean no team on the day (Yes, I have to say this) - It’s considered Breach of Contract if you do not settle your invoice before the wedding date.

CANCELLATION POLICY

This policy exists to protect both of us. Your booking reserves a specific date and often blocks out an entire day for me and my team. I invest time, admin, and resources into each booking long before the actual wedding date - so cancellations are handled with care and fairness.

Here’s how it works:

If you cancel:

• More than 12 months (365+ days) before the wedding: 25% cancellation fee + non-refundable booking fee

• 6–12 months before the wedding: 50% cancellation fee + non-refundable booking fee

• Less than 6 months (180 days) before the wedding: 75% cancellation fee + non-refundable booking fee

• Less than 90 days before the wedding: Full remaining balance is due

Refunds on Early Full Payments
Payments made more than 365 days before the wedding date are non-refundable in full. These early payments secure your date exclusively and cover the long-term commitment and ongoing business expenses required to prepare for your wedding. For this reason, I strongly advise against settling the full balance so far in advance.

Please note: 

·         All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email.

·         Once cancelled, the booking is void and cannot be reinstated.

·         I reserve the right to decline any future rebooking after a cancellation.

·         The initial booking fee is non-refundable and non-transferable, regardless of the reason for cancellation.

·         If I’ve already booked assistants, incurred travel expenses, or made pre-payments, these may be deducted from any refund due.

·          In the very unlikely event that I cannot fulfil my job – that is I am sick and cannot find a replacement and cannot show up on the day of the wedding – I refund you the full amount of your booking already paid to me

POSTPONEMENT POLICY

Life happens, and I do understand that plans can change. Here’s how postponements are handled:

·         One-time postponement allowed, within 12 months of the original date 

·         A 25% postponement fee applies. (This excludes any travel or assistant fees already incurred.)

·         Postponements are subject to my availability. If I’m not available on your new date, the booking is considered cancelled, and the cancellation policy will apply.

·         Your booking will be re-quoted at current rates if your new date falls in a different calendar year.

·         Postponement is only allowed if your wedding cannot legally take place (e.g., due to government-imposed restrictions or travel bans). Unfortunately, changes based on preference, speculation, or supplier availability are not valid grounds for postponement.

·         If your original wedding date has already passed and you haven’t communicated a postponement, a new booking with a new booking fee will be required

·         No postponements or refunds can be granted within 30 days of your original date.

·         If your full balance has been paid and I’m unavailable for your new date, any costs already paid to assistants, travel, accommodation, or admin will not be refunded.

FORCE MAJEURE

In the event of extraordinary circumstances beyond our control such as:

Natural disasters (e.g. earthquakes, floods, wildfires, hurricanes), Extreme weather events (e.g. severe storms, lightning damage, heatwaves), Government-imposed lockdowns or restrictions (e.g. COVID-19-related regulations), Travel bans (local or international), Acts of terrorism or threats thereof, Armed conflict, war, or civil unrest, Riots or strikes (excluding those initiated by either party), Epidemics or pandemics, Power outages (including widespread or unplanned load shedding), Explosion or fire (unintentional and damaging), Sudden illness, injury, or death (especially of the contracted service provider), Transportation failures beyond the service provider’s control (e.g. cancelled flights due to airline strikes or weather)

 - neither party shall be held liable for non-performance or delayed performance of obligations.

If such an event occurs, both you and I agree to communicate in good faith and explore fair, practical solutions. This may include moving the date, finding a backup artist, or adjusting the agreement. However, booking fees are still non-refundable, and rescheduling is subject to availability.

CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT (CPA)

In accordance with the South African Consumer Protection Act (CPA), you have the right to cancel this agreement. However, this cancellation is subject to a reasonable cancellation fee, which has been clearly outlined above in the cancellation policy.

By paying your booking fee and securing your date, you agree to the above terms. This ensures clarity, fairness, and protection for both parties.

I want to reiterate - I genuinely want you to have an amazing experience and day and short of a miracle I’ll try my best to help you have that day. A wedding might only be one day, but it’s the one day: you’ve invested time, money, and effort to create your dream day shared with loved ones who all come together to celebrate you two.

I’ve got your back.