Choosing your bridal hair and makeup can feel overwhelming – there are endless styles, trends, and Pinterest boards to look at! As a Bristol bridal hair and makeup artist, I spend a lot of time helping brides discover what truly suits them, feels authentic, and photographs beautifully.
If you’re feeling unsure about which direction to go, here’s my guide to choosing a wedding-day look that feels like you – but elevated.
Start With Your Everyday Style (Yes, Really)
Your wedding day isn’t the time to reinvent yourself.
If you’re someone who prefers natural, soft glam – lean into that. If you adore a bold lip or a sleek pony on a night out, use it as inspiration. If you are like me and barely wear anything, then this is your baseline.
A good bridal artist should help you feel like the best version of yourself, not someone unrecognisable.
Consider Your Wedding Dress & Neckline
Your bridal hair and makeup should complement your dress, not compete with it.
Quick cheat sheet:
Strapless / Sweetheart → Soft waves, Hollywood waves, or a romantic up-do.
High neck / lace → Sleek bun or low textured bun to avoid competing with detail.
Minimal / modern gown → Clean makeup, dewy skin, and a chic ponytail or sleek bun.
Boho dress → Textured waves, half-up styles, and fresh, glowing makeup.
When I’m doing bridal hair and makeup in Bristol, this is usually one of the first things we look at together, alongside what you feel most comfortable wearing.
Think About Your Venue & Season
Your location affects your bridal look far more than you may realise.
Summer + Outdoor weddings (venues like Coombe Lodge, Elmore Court and Kingscote Barn are great venues for the summer)
Long-wear makeup
Demi-matte finish
Hairstyles that handle heat/humidity
Winter weddings (Tortworth Court, The Mount Without)
Hydrated, glowing skin
Richer tones
Sleek buns and waves that hold in cold air
City venues (like Bristol) (Bristol Registry Office, The Mount Without)
Polished, modern styles
Soft glam or minimalist looks
Rustic venues (barns, estates, countryside – Orchardleigh House, Pennard House)
Romantic textured up-dos
Fresh, glowy makeup
Bring Photos to Your Trial – The Helpful Kind
Bring photos of:
Bridal makeup you love
Styles you don’t love
Your dress
Your accessories
Bridesmaids’ colours
Avoid heavily filtered Instagram makeup – it’s not real skin, and you deserve a look that exists in real life. Also, be aware that Pinterest is currently flooded with AI images. They have a little note at the bottom telling you if they are AI.
Choose Hair & Makeup That Lasts All Day
At every trial, I build your look with products designed for longevity — particularly important for summer weddings and all-day celebrations.
What helps your makeup last:
Correct skin prep
Cream-based products for seamless blending
Strategic powdering (not everywhere!)
A good setting spray
A tiny top-up kit for the day (lipstick, powder, blotting papers)
Trust Your Bridal Artist
Your bridal hair and makeup artist should make you feel comfortable, listened to, and supported. When you work with someone experienced – whether that’s in Bristol or for a destination wedding – creating your dream look becomes effortless.
Your trial is the moment to refine, adjust, and perfect everything before the big day.
Your bridal hair and makeup should feel like you – just elevated, polished, and glowing. Whether you prefer natural, soft glam, modern minimalism, or something romantic and timeless, there’s a perfect look waiting for you.
If you’re planning your wedding and would love help bringing your dream bridal look to life, I’d be honoured to be part of your day.
Evie x