Hair and Makeup trials may be one of the best things you can schedule while planning your wedding, but it can also be one of the most nerve wracking. You may say to yourself, do I really need a hair & makeup trial? Yes, you ABSOLUTELY need both a bridal hair & makeup trial. They are called trials for a reason! Not only are you trying different styles, & foundations, but also different stylists & artists. Here are four tips to follow to make sure you look amazing on your big day !
TIP 1 | How To Choose.
Do Your Research. I can’t stress this enough. Your salon is just like any other vendor you would hire for your wedding. Research before reaching out. Wedding makeup artists should have an online presence with portfolios of their work reflecting bridal looks. Also, make sure to find someone that aligns with your aesthetic idea of beauty.
Read reviews. You want to hire a makeup artist that know hows to service Brides; punctual, beautiful work, and has a positive vibe. Pay attention if previous clients report bad experiences with a makeup artist. You can only get that kind of information through a trial or one on one consultation.
Consider skin tones. If your bridal party has a range of skin tones, make sure your wedding makeup artist and assistants are experienced and talented working with everyone.
Ask Questions. Make sure you ask a ton of questions and feel comfortable with the people you are talking to. If you don’t like what they have to say over the phone, move on. Remember, pushiness or rudeness equals a stressed-out bride, and you don’t want that.
Cost. Be sure to discuss what the cost and payment plans, what is included for you, and sign a detailed contract so there are no surprises on your wedding day. What you look like is going to be captured forever, so you want to make sure you look your best. Make sure to leave a few hundred dollars or so in your budget for proper hair and makeup.
Availability. Artists generally base their bookings off first come first serve. If your top pick of a stylist or artist runs their booking policy in this way, check if your date is available and place a deposit as soon as you know you want to hire them to secure their services.
Schedule Your Hair Trial Appointment. We recommend scheduling your trial at least 3 months before the wedding. If you aren’t satisfied with your first trial, this will provide you time to try out another option.
TIP 2 | How To Prepare.
Hairstyle Inspiration. It may be hard to figure out the exact look you want for your special day so we suggest creating an inspiration board on Pinterest of hair and makeup. This is one instance when showing is probably easier than telling.
All of your accessories. Veils and other headpieces should be a given—your hair wouldn’t look the same without them! Don’t forget about jewelry. Bring any earrings and necklaces you plan to wear. If not, once you decide on the look during your trial, you can easily pick up a hairpiece afterward—just let your hairstylist know if you plan to wear a hair accessory so they can think about how to incorporate it into your style. “Try different hair accessories at least 3 months before your big day to make sure you are getting what you want,” said Lesa Paige of Little Things Borrowed.
A camera (or your phone). Aren’t you dying to know what you’ll look like in your wedding photos? Snap a few pics at the salon to get a sneak peek! But don’t limit it to the salon. Take photos outside and in other settings to see what you look like in different lighting. You should take a photo to your hairstylist and have them try it on you beforehand, so you won’t have any surprises the day of!
Your wallet. Hair and makeup trials usually aren’t free. Be prepared to pay for the appointment.
A friend. What’s better than having someone there to compliment you when you’re looking your best? A friend or family member can offer much-needed support and encouragement (and some tough love if needed).
Schedule smart. When you leave your trial, you’re going to be all primped—so don’t just sit around the house. Try to plan these appointments for the same day as your dress fitting, engagement photos, bridal shower, bachelorette party, or just a fun date night.
TIP 3 | During Your Hair Trial.
Speak Up. Don’t be afraid to say what you like or don’t like – they can only fix it if you tell them. Remember, it’s very easy to remove make-up and apply something else. If you don’t quite like the look, but you can’t pinpoint what it is – don’t keep quiet about it, speak up – your hairstylist and make-up artist will find the answer.
Be open to suggestions. Similar to shopping for your wedding dress, you may find that your perfect gown is one you thought you would never have considered. The same may apply for your make-up look. Let the hair stylist and make-up artist show you what they think would suit you best.
Don’t hurry. Ample time has been allocated to find your perfect look– and as with any masterpiece, it takes time to get it right.
Timeline. Believe it or not, getting your hair and makeup done plays a very important role in the timeline for your wedding day. Make sure you share your timeline with your salon and work backwards from there.
TIP 4 | After Your Hair Trial.
Leave the hairstyle and make-up on for a few hours – you will be wearing it all day on your wedding day, so it’s your chance to check how well it’s going to hold up.
Look at yourself in your own mirror at home, have photos taken in different light, compare them with photos from the trial – take the time to really study your look in detail.
Discuss any changes with your hairstylist or make-up artist if necessary – any changes you would like to make to specific areas, for example – softer eyes, stronger lips etc.
Don’t let too many people influence your opinion – the only one that counts is yours.
BONUS | Additional Items To Consider.
Travel Fees. Depending on where you are getting married or getting ready, your artist and stylist will be traveling to you. Possibly from two different locations. If this is the case, make sure you ask if they are able to meet you at the venue. Also, consider travel fees from both stylist & makeup artist.If it’s out of state or out of the country, you may be looking at paying travel fees, hotel and food for your stylists. Financially prepare.
Cheaper Isn’t Always Better. By now you’ve probably realized that anything associated with weddings or bride’s costs more than it does normally. Your budget might be on its last legs, but don’t skimp on this important part of the planning process. What you look like is going to be captured forever, so you want to make sure you look your best.
Hope these T.i.P’s are helpful for you in preparation for your hair stylist and makeup artist trial appointment to complete your wedding day look. Merci d'avoir pris le temps de lire, Au revoir xoXO!
