You’ve secured your glam team, check! Now it’s time for your bridal hair and makeup trial, a major step in turning your dream wedding look into a reality. If you’re the kind of bride who loves expert guidance and wants to feel in control (without having to DIY everything), this post will be your roadmap.

Here’s a few of our favorite tips about what to bring, how to prep, what the process looks like, and how to give helpful feedback to your artist. 

What to Bring to Your Trial

Think of your trial as a creative collaboration. The more inspiration and context you bring, the more your artist can tailor your look. Here’s what to prep:

• Photos of Your Dress: Front, back, and close-up details (lace, neckline, embellishments) help inform the vibe of your hair and makeup.
• Hair Inspo + Makeup Inspo: Aim for 2–3 clear images of each that reflect the look and feeling you want, not just what’s trendy.
• Photos of Yourself Feeling Confident: Whether it’s from a past event or a selfie you love, this helps your artist understand what you feel good in.
• Veil and Hair Accessories: If you’ve already chosen your veil, pins, or headpiece, bring them so we can incorporate them into the style.
• Lipstick You Love (Optional): If you have a go-to color, bring it along so we can match or layer it into your look.

How to Prep Your Hair & Skin

Prepping properly helps us get the most accurate idea of how your wedding look will hold up on the big day.

Hair Prep:

• Arrive with clean, dry hair. Washed the night before is usually ideal, free of heavy products, oils, or smoothing treatments.
• Avoid flat irons or tight ponytails before the trial; they can affect texture and volume.

Skin Prep:

• Clean, moisturized skin is key. Stick to your regular skincare routine (no new products right before your trial).
• Gently exfoliate 1–2 days beforehand for the smoothest canvas.
• If you’re planning professional facials before the wedding, let us know. Your trial can be adjusted based on your skin goals.

What to Expect During the Trail

Your trial isn’t just about recreating Pinterest photos, it’s about finding the perfect, elevated version of you.

Here’s how it usually flows:

1. Consultation: We’ll talk through your vision, venue, dress, and how you want to feel on your wedding day.
2. Application + Styling: We’ll create your initial hair and makeup look, step by step.
3. Fine-Tuning: You’ll have time to tweak things, change a lip color, soften a curl, or add more definition. This is your moment to play.
4. Photos + Notes: We’ll take photos in natural light and document all the products and tools used, so everything can be recreated seamlessly on your wedding day.

Expect to spend around 2–3 hours total. Come ready to relax, chat, and enjoy. This is one of the few wedding planning tasks that’s entirely about you.

How to Give Feedback (Without Feeling Awkward)

This is your face, your day, and your comfort is key. But if you’re not used to giving feedback on beauty services, it can feel tricky.

Here’s how to speak up gracefully:

• Start with what you like. “I love how soft my eyes look here.”
• Be specific. Instead of “I don’t like this,” try “This lip feels a little bold for me, can we try something softer?”
• Ask questions. Not sure what’s bugging you? Say, “I’m not sure if it’s the tone or the texture, but something about this blush feels off, can you help me figure it out?”
• Trust the process. Your artist wants your honest input, that’s the whole point of the trial.

We’re not aiming for perfection on the first try; we’re gathering information to make sure your wedding day look is locked in and flawless.

Remember that your bridal trial is more than a beauty appointment, it’s a rehearsal for your wedding morning. With a little prep and a lot of collaboration, it becomes a fun, empowering part of your planning journey.

And remember: you don’t have to know exactly what you want. That’s what we’re here for. You bring the vision and we’ll bring it to life.

Contact us today and let’s get your trial booked babe!

Venue: @bellacosaweddings

Bride: @sabrinaszpiga

Planner/Coordinator: @rootstostems

Photo: @tommybello.photo

Video: @massarifilmco Bride

Hair and Makeup: Kassy for @beauty.brigade.bb

Party Makeup: Liani for Beauty Brigade

Florals: @revelco

Catering: @uncommoncatering

Bridal Gown: @thebridalfinery

DJ: @curate_entertainment

Entertainment: @horalocaentertainmentinc

Rentals: @eventworksrentals

Cake: @moderncake_orlando

Photo booth: @thegalaphotobooth