7 Things to Know Before Your Bridal Trial
Your calm, confidence-boosting guide to getting the most out of your hair & makeup trial.
Booking your bridal trial is such an exciting milestone — it’s the moment your dream wedding look starts to come to life. But it’s also something most brides have never done before… so naturally, there are a few things you might not know to expect!
As a bridal hair and makeup artist, I’ve helped hundreds of brides through this process — and I know that a bit of preparation goes a long way toward making you feel relaxed, confident, and totally “bridal” during your trial.
Here are my top tips for making the most of it:
1. Wear a white or light-coloured top
It might sound simple, but it makes a big difference. Wearing something pale helps reflect light naturally onto your face — just like your dress will — and gives you a truer idea of how your makeup and hair will actually look on the big day.
2. Bring inspiration that feels like you
Pinterest is a great place to start, but try to choose reference photos that reflect your personal style — not just current trends. It’s also helpful if your inspo shows models with similar skin tones, features, or hair texture to yours so we can build a look that’s beautifully suited to you.
3. Come with clean, dry hair
Unless we’ve discussed otherwise, clean, dry hair is the perfect base for styling. Try to skip heavy conditioners or leave-in products, and avoid straightening your hair just before the trial — it’s much easier for me to work with your natural texture.
4. Prep your skin the night before
The best makeup starts with hydrated, well-prepped skin. Cleanse, moisturise, and drink plenty of water the day before. If you’re planning any facials or treatments, aim to do them at least a week in advance.
5. Don’t be afraid to speak up
Your trial is a chance to explore and fine-tune your look — so please don’t feel shy about asking questions or wanting to tweak things. This is your day, and I want you to feel completely yourself and 100% happy with your look.
6. Bring your jewellery (if you have it!)
If you already have your wedding earrings or necklace, pop them in your bag and bring them along. It’s a lovely way to visualise the full bridal look when we take photos at the end.
7. Wear your makeup for the rest of the day
I always encourage brides to wear their makeup for as long as possible after the trial. It helps you see how it lasts, how it photographs in different lighting, and how it feels — which is just as important as how it looks. Definitely book a dinner or some drinks for the evening or afternoon - so to not waste all that beautiful hair and makeup!
✨ Bonus tip:
For your wedding morning - bring a top that doesn’t pull over your head (a wrap top, robe or button-up is perfect) so we don’t disrupt your hair once it’s done!
💌 Ready to book your bridal trial?
If you’re getting married in 2026 or 2027 and want to create a look that feels soft, elegant and totally you, I’d love to hear from you.
