How to Prepare for Your Bridal Makeup & Hair Trial: A Bride’s Guide

Your bridal makeup or hair trial is a major step in getting wedding-day ready, and it’s all about perfecting a look that makes you feel stunning and confident. To help you make the most of your appointment, here are some essential tips to ensure you’re fully prepared for your trial. Let’s get started!

1. Bring Your Inspiration

Before your trial, gather all the inspiration you can. Scroll through Instagram, TikTok and save your favorite Pinterest looks that speak to you. Show your artist a variety of styles, colors, and details you love, so they can understand your vision. Be clear about what you like—whether it's soft glam, bold lips, or natural radiance. This gives your artist a strong foundation to create the look of your dreams. Pro Tip: Look for inspiration pictures that highlight your natural features. If you have brown hair and blue eyes, make sure the model in your inspiration picture resembles that!

2. Know Your Wedding Style

Think about the overall vibe of your wedding. Whether you’re having a classic ballroom affair, a laid-back beach wedding, or a rustic garden ceremony, your makeup should align with the theme. Is your dress modern and sleek? Or is it more romantic and whimsical? Your makeup and hair should complement your bridal style to create a cohesive, picture-perfect look.

3. Wear White (or Something Similar)

It may seem simple, but wearing white—or a color close to your dress—can make a big difference during your trial. Seeing your makeup and hair against a light-colored outfit helps you visualize how it will look on the big day, giving you a more accurate sense of the final result.

4. Start with Clean, Fresh Skin

Before your trial, arrive with a clean face and washed hair. Skip the heavy products or makeup beforehand—your artist will appreciate a fresh canvas! Clean skin allows the makeup to go on smoothly and last longer, helping you see its true staying power. Washed Hair will help your artist work with your natural texture and learn how your hair holds.

5. Talk About Your Skin Type

Be open with your artist about your skin type and any specific concerns. Whether you have dry patches, oily areas, or sensitive skin, let them know what’s been working for you and what hasn’t. This helps them choose the right products and techniques to make sure your makeup feels great and stays flawless all day long.

6. Bring Your Veil or Accessories

If you have your veil, headpiece, or any hair accessories, bring them to your trial! It helps your artist visualize the entire bridal look and adjust the makeup and hair to work harmoniously with your accessories. Plus, you’ll get a sneak peek of how everything will come together on the big day.

7. Speak Up—Be Honest!

This is your moment to experiment, so don’t be afraid to give feedback. If you’re not loving the lip color or want softer curls, let your artist know. Trials are all about getting it right, and your makeup artist is there to help you achieve the look you feel most confident in.

8. Test the Longevity

Once your trial is over, wear the makeup and hair for the rest of the day to see how it holds up. Does the foundation last? Are your waves still vibrant after a few hours? Testing it out allows you to make adjustments for any potential concerns before the wedding.

9. Ask About Touch-Ups

Don’t forget to ask your artist for touch-up tips! They’ll likely recommend a few key products, like the perfect lipstick shade or some blotting papers, to keep your makeup looking fresh. Having these handy will be a lifesaver during the big day.

10. Snap Photos in Different Lighting

Lighting is everything! During your trial, take some photos in natural light, indoor light, and with flash photography. You want to make sure your makeup and hair looks flawless in all settings, from the ceremony to the dance floor.

By preparing well for your bridal makeup and hair trial, you’ll make the most of the experience and walk away feeling confident in your final look. Remember, this is your time to play around with styles, perfect every detail, and ultimately feel like the best version of yourself on your wedding day.