The Ins and Outs of Scheduling Bridal Beauty Trials

The wedding day glow is undeniable, stemming from happiness and aided by the stylists you’ve hired. Practice makes perfect and your wedding day look is no exception to that rule.

Many brides opt for hair, makeup and other beauty service trials a few months in advance. Here’s what you need to know about the trial process.

Schedule

Schedule your hair and makeup trials two to three months before the wedding. This gives you plenty of time to make any adjustments or final decisions. You might also want to do a trial run of additional services such nails, spray tans, lash extensions, facials and other services at least one to two months out to ensure you like the style and service provider.

Prepare

Have examples of styles and looks you like. If you’re unsure or can’t decide between looks you can ask your stylist for advice or to provide examples of work they have done in the past. Talk with your stylist about how you imagine yourself looking on your wedding day. Do you want something natural or full glam? What’s your skin type? Do you have any concerns or product allergies?

Be prepared, too, for the cost of the service. Hair and makeup trials range from $50 to $200.

On the Day Of

If your makeup artist and hairstylist work for the same company, try to do both at the same time to get the full look. Or, get your makeup done by your makeup artist, then head to the salon for hair. (If that isn’t possible, take your best shot at doing your own makeup.)

Arrive with a clean face free of anything besides a light moisturizer, if needed. Hair should be washed and dried within 24 hours before the appointment for best results. While comfort is key when sitting for an hour if not more, you may want to consider wearing white or something with a similar neckline to your dress to get the full picture.

What to Bring

Bring any accessories that you plan to put in your hair. The veil counts and is often forgotten, but is a very important hair accessory as your stylist will want to know where you would like it placed and how it fastens to your hair.

If you decide to bring someone along, limit your companions to one or two family members or close friends. Too many people can equate to too many opinions. The stylist may not have room to accommodate others or want additional people in the room, so be sure to check beforehand.

Be Observant

Love the lip color your makeup artist used? Did you find that the hairspray she used lasted for hours even on a humid day? Inquire with your stylist about the products she used that you love. It could be worth investing in those products so you have them to use for touchups throughout the wedding day.

Be Honest

If you don’t love a look or feel comfortable and confident, tell your stylist. Their primary goal is your happiness. You won’t be hurting their feelings by saying you’ve changed your mind or you want to try something else. If you love your look, express gratitude. Be sure to take plenty of photos and check to make sure the stylist took note of everything.

Feature photo courtesy of Sarah & Paul Photography