Full answer
Deciding that you want me for your wedding does not secure the date on its own. Booking takes two steps: signing the contract and paying the deposit, and both can be done from home.
How the hair and makeup contract is signed
The contract reaches you as a PDF, by email or through whichever messaging app we are using. You can sign it digitally, or print it, sign it by hand and scan it, whichever suits you, and send it back to me signed.
When your date is secured
Your date is secured once the contract is signed and the deposit paid. The deposit is 5% of the bridal service, the first of three payments. Until then, the date is still open to other weddings.
How long a date can be held while you decide
If you need time to think, the date can be held provisionally for a week at most. When the week is up I write to you again, and either an extension is agreed or the date is released if you would rather not go ahead.
How far ahead to book is a separate question, answered in how far in advance to book wedding hair and makeup.