How to Get the Best Out of Your Bridal Hair and Makeup Trial With Some Expert Tips

Wondering what happens at a bridal hair and makeup trial, or how to get the best out of your trial?

Your trial is a preview session ahead of your wedding day, to trial your bridal vision with your booked hair and or makeup artist.

This session is a collaboration to work towards that look that makes you look in the mirror and say YES!

I’m here to spill the tea on what to do… and what not to do!

Firstly your bridal hair and/or makeup trial is more than just a test run or a chance to have your hair and makeup done for a night out, but it’s your chance to perfect your wedding day look, build trust and get to know your chosen artist and ultimately walk into your big day with confidence.

Remember your trial is a preview and not to trial your chosen artist, as you would have already booked your favourite artist who has glowing reviews!

My tips will help you make the most out of your trial session.

Why is a Bridal Hair and Makeup Trial Important?

Booking a trial before your wedding day is a must, not a luxury. It ensures:

You and your stylist are aligned on your vision
You get to know your artist, which will make you feel calmer and more relaxed on your wedding day
You have time to nail your bridal vision, and tweak anything that’s not quite right
You avoid any stress or surprises on your wedding day

Now let’s dive into how to make your trial truly count.

1. Come Prepared (Photos, Pinterest Boards and Inspo Galore!)

Bring 5–10 reference images that reflect your style and vision. Include:

Hairstyles that you love and that will match your dress and hair length
Makeup looks with tones that complement your skin
Photos of yourself when you felt beautiful

Even photos of makeup or hair styles that you really dislike will also help!

Read any prep advice given. We always send our bride to a brochure packed with tips and prep advice ahead of the trial.

Pro Tip: Avoid filtered images; opt for real bridal looks so expectations stay realistic.

2. Wear White or Your Dress Colour

This trick will really help you to get a feel for your overall bridal look.

Wearing a top in a similar colour and shape to your wedding dress and neckline is a game changer for getting a better idea for how it will all come together on the day.

Pro tip: Wearing a bright red hoodie for example, isn’t going to help you envisage your final look and will clash with certain colours that you may be looking to have within your bridal makeup look. Plus hoodies are a nightmare for getting in the way with hair styling!

3. Time It Right

Schedule your trial 2- 6 months before your wedding. You’ll be close enough to have a good idea of your theme, dress and accessories, but early enough to make changes if needed.

You can then discuss timelines for the wedding morning with your artist.

After a good conversation about wedding morning plans and what time they would like to be ready for, and what kind of looks your party are looking to have done.

We then always send out a bespoke wedding schedule to our brides following their trial session, so they have a complete rundown of their morning.

4. Be Honest, but Kind

Don’t love what you see in the mirror? Speak up!

We want your feedback. Be specific: “Can we try a softer brow?” or “Can we go lighter on the contour?”

This isn’t about offending your artist – it’s about being honest and collaborating to bring your bridal vision to life!

Everything can be tweaked and changed; nothing is permanent. Our job is to make you feel happy and confident with your hair and makeup look – this is what makes our team’s heart sing.

5. Test for Longevity

If you can, wear the makeup for a few hours post-trial. See how it holds up to talking, laughing, sweating, or crying. (Yes, bridal tears happen early sometimes.)

Take selfies in natural light to see how it photographs – especially with and without flash.

With hairstyles we aim to try a couple of looks at the trial (unless you’re choosing a Hollywood wave style) with this in mind we normally don’t set the hairstyle to make it easier for us to tweak and change it to suit and play around with accessories.

As we are not setting the style, we normally then take it out and make it look nice for you to leave your appointment, not in the bridal style but armed with a bunch of photos instead for you to look over.

6. Bring Your Accessories

Veil, earrings, hairpieces, or a special lipstick? Bring everything to your trial. Seeing the full look helps both you and your stylist make the right decisions.

7. Take Notes and Photos

After your trial, jot down what you loved and what you’d tweak. Save selfies from all angles. You’ll want to compare or remind yourself before the wedding day.

Sometimes the first trial might not hit the spot!

This happens just like your dress fitting, the first dress and style might not be the look you were aiming for.

What you see on others and in pictures might not work on you… and that is ok.

Firstly don’t panic and rush to book another artist, it could just be a case of organising a second trial to preview a different look. To either rule it in or rule it out or just for peace of mind. Whatever it is, this happens sometimes and you won’t be the first person who needs to do this; and you wont be the last.

Your bridal hair and makeup trial should feel relaxing, exciting, and empowering. It’s your moment to play, explore, and feel like the best version of yourself.

With the right artist, preparation and mindset, you’ll walk away glowing, excited – and totally ready for your big day.

Best of luck