Bridal hair and makeup trials offer a sneak peek into how you'll look as you walk down the aisle. This trial run helps you fine-tune your desired look, ensures everything complements your wedding dress, and helps you feel confident on your special day.
Why are Bridal Hair and Makeup Trials So Important?
You might be thinking: "Are bridal hair and makeup trials really necessary? Can’t I just show my stylist some pictures?" And while inspiration photos are great, nothing quite compares to an actual trial run.
For many brides, bridal hair and makeup trials are scheduled about three to six months before the wedding according to beauty professionals. This timing is best for several reasons. You'll likely have finalized your wedding dress and have a clearer vision of the overall aesthetic. If any changes to your skincare routine are necessary based on your trial, you have enough time to implement them.
1. Discover Your Wedding Day Look
This is your chance to bring those Pinterest boards to life. Work with your chosen artists to try different hairstyles and makeup styles until you find the perfect match. Your wedding day look is more than just replicating a photo; it’s about finding what flatters you, your features, and captures the overall vibe of your wedding.
2. Iron Out Any Kinks
Maybe those loose curls you loved in a magazine don't hold well in your hair. Maybe a certain shade of lipstick clashes with your skin tone. This trial helps avoid those unwanted surprises on your big day. This pre-wedding run allows for adjustments so you look picture perfect and ready to say, "I do."
3. Get to Know Your Glam Squad
You’ll be spending a significant amount of time with your hairstylist and makeup artist on your wedding day. A trial is an excellent time to break the ice, establish a rapport, and get comfortable with them.
Claire Balest, owner, artist, and creative director of Claire Balest Hair + Makeup says, “We will talk through ideas over email and swap images, perhaps a Pinterest board or two here and here so that you can know what to expect from me.”
4. Nail Down the Wedding Day Timeline
Knowing how long it takes to achieve your desired hair and makeup look helps in planning your wedding day schedule more accurately. This way, you'll know exactly when to start getting ready, ensuring a smooth and relaxed wedding morning.
A wedding day hair and makeup schedule is very helpful. "Brides often become busier as the wedding approaches, so scheduling the trial earlier ensures they can feel confident about their chosen look," shares Reina Kim, a New York makeup artist.
What to Expect During Bridal Hair and Makeup Trials
Now that you understand the "why" behind these trials, let’s look at what you can expect.
1. The Consultation
Most trials begin with a chat. You can show the artist photos you've gathered, discuss your wedding theme, and talk about the overall look you're going for. This initial conversation is vital in helping the artist understand your vision.
2. The Hair Trial
Come with not-too-clean, dry hair unless your stylist specifies otherwise. It’s best to come with your hair styled similarly to how you usually wear it - this gives your stylist a realistic starting point. If you're using extensions or have recently dyed your hair, make sure to mention this beforehand.
3. The Makeup Trial
It is best to have a clean, makeup-free face before the trial. The makeup artist will work on your skin as if it were a blank canvas. Bring any must-have products you use daily or are considering for the wedding. This step will also help the makeup artist determine which products and techniques will work best for your skin type.
4. Collaboration and Feedback
Remember, this trial is all about you. Don’t hesitate to speak up. If you're not entirely satisfied with something, tell your stylist. They’ll want you to feel completely confident in their work, so speak up until you are.
5. Take Photos and Assess
Once your trial is complete, don't forget to take photos. These photos will help you visualize the entire look and make final decisions. Assess the longevity and overall feel. Did your hairstyle hold up? Were you happy with how your makeup lasted throughout the day?
Navigating Costs
Prices for bridal hair and makeup trials can vary. Most stylists will charge separately, and the trial will likely cost almost as much as the actual wedding day service. However, some artists include the trial as part of their wedding package. Be sure to clarify this upfront.
The Knot is a great place to begin your search for bridal beauty professionals, checking their online reviews, and comparing the stylists overall aesthetics. Another tip? "Bridal makeup artists book up months, sometimes a year in advance," says Elena Miglino, a bridal and celebrity makeup artist. So book your hair stylist and makeup artist well in advance. This helps eliminate stress later.
Making the Most of Bridal Hair and Makeup Trials: What to Expect
Your bridal hair and makeup trials mark a special milestone. Here are some extra tips to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience.
1. Schedule Strategically
Think about booking your bridal hair and makeup trials on the day of an engagement party or another wedding-related event. This approach allows you to see how well the look holds up in photos and throughout an entire event.
2. Come Prepared
"Often, brides may not know exactly what they want for their wedding day," shares Kim. But researching artists ahead of time with similar aesthetics to the ones you've chosen can be quite helpful.
Bring various photos of hair and makeup styles that inspire you. Additionally, bring along any hair accessories or jewelry that you plan to wear.
3. Dress the Part
To give yourself the most accurate idea, try to dress in an outfit similar in color and style to your wedding dress. A white top, for instance, is always a safe bet. Additionally, wear the same undergarments you'll have on under your wedding dress - they might impact the overall look or fit of the gown.
If you plan to wear a spray tan on your wedding day, have it on for your trial to get a sense of the completed look. And while you're at it, take photos in different lighting - this helps ensure that your makeup photographs beautifully, no matter the setting.
4. Relax and Enjoy
Try to relax. This should be an enjoyable part of your wedding planning process. Some stylists recommend scheduling something relaxing before your trials, such as a massage or lunch with friends.
It is much easier to assess how long the hairstyle or makeup lasts in person and how you feel wearing it. So relax and enjoy your time. Consider this a great opportunity to start thinking about what you might want for your day makeup look as well.
5. Communicate Openly
It is so important that you openly discuss your desired outcome. If you're aiming for a specific look or feel, communicate it to your artists. Let them know if you’d like more natural makeup, dramatic eyes, or any specific hairstyles that inspire you. Don't be afraid to bring up any wedding hair trial tips you've read or if you have general rules you like to follow.
For additional helpful bridal resources be sure to also browse The Knot Worldwide. They've established quite a presence over the years. Wedding Wire and Zola are also great resources.
Overall, understanding bridal hair and makeup trials is simple. Bridal hair and makeup trials provide a fun, safe, and practical way to solidify your wedding look. With this guide you're prepared to find the best artist for the job. They let you try things out, get comfortable with your chosen looks, and feel ready for that magical walk down the aisle.
Conclusion
Don't underestimate the power of bridal hair and makeup trials. What to expect? You can expect a collaborative and insightful process designed to help you look and feel confident on your wedding day. Embrace this special time and let your inner beauty shine brighter than ever as you start your forever journey.
We are proud members of The Knot, Wedding Wire, Zola, the Better Business Bureau, and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. Whether it’s a wedding, a photoshoot, or a special event, we’re trusted by clients across Asheville and Western North Carolina to deliver professional, personalized hair and makeup services.
If you’re planning your dream Asheville wedding, let Jeanne’s Hair & Makeup Studio handle your bridal hair and makeup. From timeless styles to modern trends, we’ll create a look that fits your wedding theme and leaves you feeling radiant.
Prefer the comfort of our private Asheville hair salon? Or need us to bring our tools to you at your wedding venue in Western North Carolina? Either way, we’ve got you covered. Our mobile hair and makeup services are perfect for weddings, special events, and on-the-go clients. Whether you’re celebrating at the Biltmore Estate, Haiku I Do, or one of Asheville’s other stunning venues, we’ll be there to make sure you look flawless.