How to Prepare for Your Hair & Makeup Trial

Thank you for choosing us to be a small part of your wedding journey. It would be our absolute pleasure to create a natural enhancing bridal hair and makeup look, with healthy skin and effortlessly looking hair that feels timeless, elevated, and unmistakably you.

Your hair and makeup trial is one of the most exciting moments in your wedding planning journey. It’s where your bridal beauty vision comes to life.

Whether you’re planning an intimate celebration or a full scale luxury wedding, proper preparation ensures your hair and makeup trial runs smoothly and delivers the most beautiful results. Here’s our expert guide on how to prepare for your bridal hair and makeup trial.

Before Your Bridal Hair & Makeup Trial

Trials normally take place two to four months before a wedding day, but this is entirely up to you. When scheduling your trial appointment, we recommend having your wedding dress and a clear idea of the style and look you would like.

If you have a specific date in mind, or an event for which you might need hair and makeup, we will do our best to accommodate.

Trial Setup: Creating the Ideal Environment

To achieve the most accurate and polished results, your hair and makeup artist will need a well lit and comfortable workspace.

Please ensure access to:

  • A table for professional tools and products

  • A nearby plug socket

  • An area with plenty of natural daylight

  • A comfortable chair for your to sit

As professional hair styling involves aerosols, we kindly ask that any open flames (including candles or wax melts) are kept away from the prep area.

How to Prepare Your Hair for a Bridal Trial

Arriving with clean, dry hair allows your stylist to work with your natural texture and ensures the longevity of your chosen style.

For best results:

  • Shampoo your hair twice

  • Condition only from mid-lengths to ends

  • Rinse thoroughly

  • For naturally curly, textured hair we recommend to do your usual routine

Hair can be washed either the evening before or the morning of your trial. Avoid heavy oils, masks, or styling products beforehand, as these can weigh the hair down and affect hold.

Skin & Makeup Preparation for Your Trial

A fresh, well prepared canvas is essential for flawless bridal makeup.

Ahead of your appointment:

  • Arrive with a completely makeup-free face

  • Gently exfoliate your face and lips the night before

  • Stick to your usual skincare routine and avoid introducing new products close to the trial

Hydration is one of the most overlooked beauty essentials. Drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to your trial ( and continuing through to your wedding day ) helps skin appear plumper, smoother, and more radiant.

Coffee, tea, and alcohol can be dehydrating, so balance each with a tall glass of water.

Allergies, Sensitivities & Bridal Inspiration

If you have any allergies, sensitivities, or specific skin concerns, please let us know in advance so we can tailor product choices to you.

Sharing inspiration images or a curated mood board ahead of time is also incredibly helpful. This allows us to prepare our professional kit and ensures your bridal hair and makeup align seamlessly with your wedding style, dress, and overall vision.

What to Wear to Your Hair & Makeup Trial

If possible, wear a top that closely resembles the colour and neckline of your wedding dress. This helps you visualise the final look more accurately and ensures your hair and makeup complement your bridal silhouette.

If this isn’t an option, a light coloured top with buttons or a zip is ideal, allowing you to change easily without disturbing your hair or makeup, particularly if you have plans after your trial.

During Your Bridal Hair & Makeup Trial

Timing & What to Expect

Your bridal trial is designed to be a relaxed, collaborative experience.

  • Bridal hair and makeup trial: Please allow approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
    (Longer if you have long or thick hair, or require hair extensions.)

We recommend narrowing your hairstyle choice to one or two options. Hair preparation often takes longer than the styling itself, and most bridal hairstyles require similar prep (with a few exceptions, such as Hollywood waves). This makes it easy to transition between looks while maximising time.

Makeup will be refined throughout the session, allowing us to perfect tones, textures, and finishes until everything feels effortlessly you.

  • Bridal party trials: Please allow approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes per person. Having a clear idea of the desired look helps the process flow smoothly and ensures consistency across your bridal party.

After Your Bridal Hair & Makeup Trial

Once your trial is complete, we encourage you to reflect on how you felt and share any feedback. Whether it’s a subtle adjustment or a change in direction, your notes allow us to refine and perfect your final bridal look.

This ensures that on your wedding day, your hair and makeup feel completely effortless, timeless, and authentically you.Our aim is to enhance your features and make you feel like the best version of yourself on the big day.

If you have any questions at any stage of the process, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re always here to guide and support you.