You’ve booked your hairstylist and makeup artist for your big day, and now it's time for your bridal trial!
It can be a bit nerve-wracking, especially if you’re not used to having your hair or makeup done - you might have never had professional makeup done before - and that’s okay! Your trial is the time to try out different styles, meet your hairstylist/makeup artist in person, and help you feel prepared for the day.
I have created this guide to help you prepare for your bridal trial, whether it is with me, or whether you have chosen another stylist. (Remember to also check how your chosen stylist wants you to prepare!)
As your big day gets nearer, your hair & makeup trial will allow us to get to know one another better and provide you with an exciting glimpse of how amazing you will look on the big day!
BEFORE FOR YOUR TRIAL
Choose your wedding dress – So many Brides (including me!) will tell you that the wedding dress they chose was nothing like the dress they thought they would wear down the aisle. So, find the one before deciding on your hair and makeup. Different necklines, colours, styles may make you think differently about how you wanted your hair or makeup initially.
Start looking for ideas – Remember, Pinterest and Instagram are a great place to start, but remember that they also be full of unrealistic and heavily edited images. Instead look for inspiration to incorporate into your wedding day look – know what you might want, as well as what you definitely do not want.
Make sure when you are looking for inspiration that the hair colour and complexion are similar to your own. The same hairstyle looks completely different on blonde hair than it does on brunette, so bare this in mind!
Focus on skin care – Your makeup will look so much better if you are looking after your skin! If you only do one thing; drink more water! I’m so guilty of not drinking enough, so I know the struggles, but your skin will thank you. Cleanse, tone and moisturise as a basic, but feel free to get in touch with me before your trial to discuss skin care! This is something we can talk about during your trial as well.
Care for your hair – Drinking water will also help to keep your hair nice and healthy! Reduce heat; use heat protectant; schedule regular hair cuts); avoid ‘cheap’ shampoos! Feel free to ask me for more in depth help before your trial!
Time to book – I will contact you to book your trial. They are held on weekdays during daylight hours – this allows you to get a true representation of how you’ll look on your wedding day and test the longevity of the styles. I can travel to you for your trial, or you are welcome to come to me.
ARRANGING YOUR TRIAL
I generally recommend holding your hair and/or makeup trial around 8-12 weeks before your wedding day, but of course, you can do it sooner or later than this!
I will be in touch with suitable dates, but please feel to get in touch at any time!
During peak wedding season (June - September), my appointments for trial are much more limited. This means if you do have to postpone your trial, it may be a few weeks before I can get you in again.
TRIAL PREP
PREPARE YOUR HAIR
Please wash your hair the night before or, if necessary, on the morning of your trial. Make sure your hair is not dirty or wet. It’s a myth that hair should be dirty to be styled! Clean hair will not only look much nicer, but will hold a style much better.
Narrow down your options - we won’t have time to try lots of different styles - 2 or 3 is usually the right amount of photos so we can talk through them and what you like about them.
If you have already chosen accessories/a veil/ jewellery, please have them with you so we can try them out. This will help you to see your overall wedding day bridal look and check your accessories are the ones you want.
PREPARE FOR MAKEUP
Please arrive wearing no makeup – especially no mascara! Follow your usual skincare routine. I have skincare I can also use on you, and we can talk about your skincare as well.
You are welcome to show me photos of how you would normally wear your own makeup. This will help me to get a better understanding of the style/amount of makeup you’re used to.
If you have a lipstick in mind, make sure you have that with you as well. I have a full selection of lipsticks for you to try as well if you’re unsure!
TRIAL TOP TIPS
Try to wear a top with a similar colour and neckline to your wedding dress. This helps you to envisage what the hair and makeup will look like on the day!
Come with ideas, but also be prepared that you might change your mind! Be ready to answer lots of questions and tell me all about your wedding.
Remember that your trial is an opportunity to try new things, and to tweak your look for the day. I never get offended by anything - if there’s ever anything you’re unsure of, or would like to change then please let me know!
I'm looking forward to meeting all my 2023 brides for your trials!
Even if you aren't booked with me, I hope that these tips have been helpful and made you feel more prepared for your own bridal hair and makeup trials!
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