BRIDAL TRIAL
Congratulations!!! You’re engaged and are on your way to one of the happiest days of your life! With all the things you have to do to prepare, I want to help make things simple. As a professional bridal hair & makeup artist, I’ve rounded up the top 10 things you should know before your bridal trial.
The truth is that a bridal trial can often be a little nerve racking. You may not know what to expect. With so many do’s and don’t’s you’ve heard over the years, it can be hard to navigate what is myth or what applies to you.
One thing is for sure, a trial is called a trial for a reason. It’s a fantastic way for you and your HMUA to get to know each other! (HMUA = Hair and Makeup Artist) As well as get a clear understanding of what you are looking for. We want to ensure you are happy and look gorgeous for your wedding day.
Now for the 10 things you should know before your bridal trial… let’s start with general information.
1. YOU’LL PROBABLY WANT TO SCHEDULE YOUR TRIAL 1-2 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING DAY.
Of course you can schedule it earlier than that. But there is more opportunity for something to change between then and your wedding date. For example: If you’re one to keep looking at ideas for inspiration, you could freeze up on decision making and change your mind over and over.
That 1-2 months is a sweet spot, while still allowing you time to purchase anything you may have forgotten or realized you need during the trial.
2. DRESS FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT.
To truly visualize what you will look like on your wedding day, it’s helpful if you wear a white top. Or even a kimono with a white strappy tank underneath so you can take the kimono off. It’s harder to visualize the final look with a beautiful updo and full face of makeup when you’re wearing a hoodie. 😆
You should also bring any jewelry that you plan on wearing. This can be a great time to help decide between choices if you haven’t made up your mind.
3. BRING INSPIRATIONAL PHOTOS (OR MAKE A PINTEREST BOARD) AND COME WITH AN OPEN MIND.
Now, it’s very important to understand the purpose of showing your HMUA a photo. It is meant to be used as inspiration, not a blueprint.
I know firsthand how some people have a hard time putting what they mean into words. And so often, women can confuse two terms – telling the HMUA one thing when they really meant something completely different. 🙈
On top of that, chances are that many of the inspirational photos you see on Pinterest or Social Media are enhanced. They may be using hair extensions/sponges, are models/brides with the perfect hair or have even been photoshopped.
Sharing photos during your bridal trial is to help your HMUA know what parts of that particular picture you like or don’t like. And to provide them more insight of the overall vibe you’re going for.
4. ASK QUESTIONS AND SPEAK UP.
As the hair stylist or makeup artist hired for your Big Day, our entire goal is to have you feeling like the most beautiful version of yourself! Makeup and hair are such personal things. They are a way for you to express yourself and we all have certain things we like or don’t like.
At the same time, you have hired us as the expert, There are things we consider when creating your look that you may not fully understand. Things like, flash back in your wedding photos or the longevity of the hair style and makeup products.
So it’s important to have open communication! Let us know what you are liking or not liking. Tell us your absolutely do not’s; for example “I don’t like bold lip colors” or “I don’t like thick. eyeliner”. And likewise, we’ll inform you if there are certain considerations that need to be taken.
HAIR TRIAL
Let’s dive in and talk more specifically about the Hair portion of your trial.
5. IT’S BETTER TO ARRIVE WITH CLEAN HAIR!
The truth is, not everyone’s hair is the same. Not everyone has trained their hair to go longer in between washes. And yes, you can train your hair to do this- but we’ll save that for another day.
It’s very common for women to have an overproduction of oil causing that dreaded “greasy hair” look. It’s also common for women not to look at the back of their head and realize that their hair is too oily for the proper volume needed for many bridal hairstyles.
Ultimately, if you have hired the right bridal hair stylist, they can use tools and products to add desired texture and grit to hair in order to make curls, braids, etc. hold and last. So there’s no need for you to worry about your hair being too slick after a fresh wash.
6. BRING YOUR VEIL OR ANY EXTENSIONS AND HAIR ACCESSORIES YOU ARE CONSIDERING.
Your trial is the perfect time to make a final decision on whether or not you want to use a veil or if you would like to add hair accessories.
I for one, think hair accessories are a lovely choice, but you do have to consider your overall theme, dress, jewelry, etc.
I LOVE working with hair extensions! Especially if you don’t have a lot of hair or you need more length… they can be a huge benefit to you. Clip in extensions are the easiest to use because there’s no long term commitment you have to make and they are super affordable.
Great news... Lovely by Lindsey has a Hair Extension Rental Program!
MAKEUP TRIAL
Now we can dive into the makeup portion of your trial.
7. NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO START AN ENTIRELY NEW SKINCARE ROUTINE.
Especially if you have more sensitive or acne prone skin. IF you want to try new products or start adding something into your routine, do it at least 2 months before your wedding date. In case you have any adverse reactions, you want to be sure there is ample time to clear up any situation.
If you want to start adding individual products into your daily routine, for example a hyaluronic acid or vitamin C serum, be sure to pick ones without harsh chemicals or fragrances as these can often be the culprit of adverse reactions. You’ll also want to introduce them to your skin starting on a small patch (maybe behind the ear) first to make sure your skin handles it ok. Then you can increase the area size for a few days and monitor for any changes.
**Only introduce one product at a time and allow at least 2 weeks before introducing another.
8. ARRIVE WITH CLEAN SKIN.
You’ll want to arrive to your bridal trial without any makeup. You can do your normal skin care routine, serums & light moisturizer. Just be sure to avoid any heavy eye creams or moisturizers.
9. FOUNDATION MATCHING IS ALWAYS DONE ON-SITE, EACH TIME.
If you’ve hired a great makeup artist, they will have plenty of foundation shades for all skin types. This is especially important if you have a diverse bridal party and are wondering how different ethnicities and skin types are matched.
Your makeup artist will most likely customize foundation colors for each client by mixing different shades together based on your shade and undertone. That way, if you get a spray tan between your trial and wedding day, you will be matched each time to ensure your face matches your body.
10. LASH EXTENSIONS CAN BE A GREAT OPTION FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY!
Lash extensions are semi-permanent synthetic lashes that are glued to each individual natural eyelash. They are completely customizable based on your eye shape and preferences. **From Natural to Glamorous!
If you want the look of beautiful lashes for your rehearsal dinner and honeymoon, you should definitely consider eyelash extensions. I want to note that it’s super important for you to do your research on your lash extension provider! If it’s not done properly by someone who actually cares about you, it can cause damage to your natural lashes. 😣 So look at their portfolio, reviews and ask questions!!
Even though it’s rare, there are people who can have adverse reactions to ingredients in the glue used to apply the lash extensions. So it’s a good idea to try them out at least 1 month before your wedding day and get them filled early in the week of your wedding.
Now, you don’t necessarily have to have them before your trial, but it’s something to consider if you have the budget.
I hope you enjoyed this roundup of 10 things you should know before your bridal trial and found it helpful.
If I’m so lucky to work with you personally for your wedding day, I am truly honored and can’t wait to be a small part of your Big Day! 💕
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