Planning your wedding is exciting, overwhelming, and (let’s be honest) a little chaotic. Between choosing your venue, sorting out the guest list, and hunting down the perfect dress, your bridal hair and makeup might sneak up on you. But don’t worry, your bridal hair and makeup trial is the perfect time to figure it all out before the big day.
Whether you’re getting married in Bristol, heading to the beautiful hills of Wales, or tying the knot anywhere in between, this guide will help you prepare for your bridal hair and makeup trial like a pro.
What Is a Bridal Hair and Makeup Trial?
In simple terms, your trial is a test run. It’s a chance to sit down with your makeup artist and hair stylist before your wedding day to try out your bridal look. This is not just about finding something that looks amazing (though that’s a huge part of it); it’s also about making sure you feel comfortable, confident, and completely you. It’s also a chance to chat to your artists to make sure you’re on the same page and feel confident that you can ask for any tweaks you may want.
Think of it like a dress rehearsal for your face and hair.
Why You Shouldn’t Skip It
Some brides are tempted to skip a bridal hair and makeup trial to save money or time, but it’s one of the best decisions you can make for your peace of mind. Here’s why:
- You’ll avoid any wedding day surprises (no unexpected reactions to products or styles).
- You’ll get a chance to fine-tune your look.
- It gives you time to bond with your hair and makeup team, which can ease nerves.
- You’ll feel 100% prepared and polished on your big day. I will note here that I am happy to go ahead with wedding days without a trial and can be flexible, especially if your wedding is abroad, but trials can really ease nerves and make sure we are both happy to work together.
When Should You Book Your Trial?
The sweet spot is around 8–12 weeks before your wedding. That gives you enough time to tweak things if needed, but it’s close enough to the big day that your skin tone, hair length, and overall vibe will be pretty similar. This is also the perfect timing for your makeup artist. If they are like me, I change my products often, and so this has more of a guarantee that our products will stay the same between your trial and wedding day.
Bonus tip: if you have your bridal dress fitting or engagement shoot coming up, try to align your trial with it. You’ll get to see the full look in action (and have fab photos to match!).
How to Prepare: 10 Tips for the Perfect Trial
1. Bring Inspiration Pics
Scroll through Pinterest, Instagram, and bridal blogs and bring a few photos of looks you love. Try to pick images where the bride has a similar hair colour, length, and skin tone to yours – it’ll give your hair stylist and makeup artist a more realistic idea of how the look might translate to you. Be sure to avoid AI images. They are rife these days and can create unrealistic expectations for what is achievable.
2. Wear White (Or Something Light)
Wearing a white or light-coloured top helps mimic your wedding dress, so you can better visualise how the hair and makeup will look against it. Trust me, it makes a difference!
3. Have Clean, Dry Hair and Come With Your Makeup Done, How You Usually Wear It
Unless told otherwise by your stylist, arrive with clean and dry hair. For makeup, I personally prefer for you to arrive with your makeup done, as you would wear it for a special occasion. This gives me a really good idea about how much coverage you like etc.
4. Bring Your Accessories
Got your veil, comb or hair pins already? Bring them along! This can be important for more detailed styles so your wedding hair stylist can factor in placement and weight.
5. Share the Details
Let your makeup artist and hair stylist know about:
- Your dress neckline and style
- The theme or vibe of your wedding (boho, classic, modern)
- Your colour palette
- Your usual makeup routine (how glam or natural you usually go)
This helps them design a look that fits the day and your personality.
6. Take Notes and Photos
Ask your stylist to take photos from all angles and make notes of the products and tools they’re using. This will help them recreate the exact look again on your wedding day, and gives you a chance to review how it photographs.
7. Be Honest (But Kind!)
It’s okay if something doesn’t feel right – now is the time to speak up. Your stylist wants you to LOVE your bridal look. Just be kind in your feedback. If the makeup is too bold or the curls aren’t quite you, a good artist will be happy to adjust. As a note, I am more than happy to make any adjustments right up until the wedding morning. I am indecisive with my hair and makeup when it isn’t a special occasion so I allow flexibility right up until we start on your wedding day.
8. Consider the Weather
Planning a summer wedding in Wales or a winter celebration in Bristol? Tell your stylist! Weather affects how makeup holds and how your hair behaves. They’ll know how to set it properly for lasting results.
9. Plan to Wear the Look for a Few Hours
After the trial, keep your hair and makeup on for a while. Go out, move around, take selfies, and see how it wears over time. This is a great way to test durability and comfort.
10. Think About Timing and Location
If you’re getting ready at home or at your venue, make sure your makeup artist and hair stylist know exactly where and when they’ll be needed. Traffic in places like Bristol or rural parts of Wales can be unpredictable, so clear timings help everything run smoothly. A little planning here means no stress, no rushing – just calm, happy bridal vibes. Your artists should create a schedule for you so make sure you’re happy with their running order.
Questions to Ask Your Hair & Makeup Artist
- Will you be the person doing my wedding day look?
- Do you have a backup plan if you’re unavailable?
- Can I try a second look if I’m unsure? Sometimes this isn’t always possible at trials, but another appointment can be made.
- How long will it take on the day? Something to ask at the end of the trial, not at the start. At the end, your artist will have a better gauge on how long things will take.
- Can you work with different skin tones/hair textures (especially for bridal parties)?
- Do you offer touch-ups during the day?
Final Thoughts: Trust the Process
Your wedding day is about celebrating love – and looking amazing while doing it! Preparing properly for your hair and makeup trial takes away the stress and helps you walk down the aisle feeling your best.
If you’re a bride in Bristol or Wales and looking for a makeup artist or hair stylist, don’t hesitate to reach out. This is your moment, and you deserve to feel beautiful, empowered, and ready to shine.
Bonus: Checklist for Your Trial Day
- ✅ Clean, dry hair
- ✅ Makeup as you would wear it for a nice dinner date
- ✅ Inspiration photos
- ✅ Veil/hair accessories
- ✅ A white/light top
- ✅ Honest feedback
- ✅ An open mind!
Want help finding a trusted wedding hair stylist or makeup artist in Bristol or Wales? Drop me a message – I’d love to help you.
Evie x
