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Writer's pictureKimberley

What to expect at your bridal hair and makeup trial

Updated: Nov 9, 2019


This is your chance to try out the different bridal hair styles you’ve been researching and see them come to life.

Bring your Pinterest board

You’ve probably checked out wedding pictures on Pinterest and Googled lots of different bridal hairstyles, so you know what you are looking for. It really helps me to see the looks you like - and also those you don’t like. For example you might like the way the back looks but not the front. I also get a feel for your style which all helps me understand where you are coming from so that we can work together to create your perfect look.

When should I have my bridal hair trial?

It’s completely up to you. Most important is that you have your wedding dress and an idea of what you are going for in mind. Ideally your bridal hair trial should take place at least 3 or 4 months before your wedding day this way we can think about enhancing colour, any treatments or cuts that might need to take place before your wedding day. The trial and any other appointments take place either at my home studio in Backwell, near Bristol or at your chosen location. (This may incur a travel charge depending on location.)

How long will my bridal hair trial take?

Updo’s, braids, vintage or boho looks all take time, so allow yourself at least an hour and half for the trial. This also means that several styles can be created for you to choose your final look.

Having a trial means you can see what different styles look like and suit you and your dress best

wedding hair hairstyles brides updo half up half down

How do you want to feel on the day - do you have a theme in mind?

It is important for me to know if you have an idea of how you want to feel on the day. If your theme is more bohemian than classic then we probably want to avoid formal hair styles - so it is helpful to me to know what vibe you are going for. Classic, boho, vintage, princess, bright, monochrome whatever you are going for don’t be afraid to let me know so we can create the final look that all fits together.

Make sure you already have your wedding dress

This is possibly the most important thing to have done. Hair, make-up, accessories, should all enhance your wedding dress. During the initial free consultation I like to find out more about your wedding dress neckline and the general theme of the wedding so we can come up with some ideas together that show both you and your dress off beautifully.


boho bride bohemian wedding ideas

For this boho look I created a hairstyle that ensured the back of the dress was shown off whilst still keeping the natural feel that was right for the bohemian theme. There is no point buying beautiful dress and then covering it up!


Do I need to do anything to my hair to get ready for the trial?

No - just your natural look is best. At the start I often use heated rollers and some product as a platform to create styles by giving your hair bounce and texture. It’s the foundation part that is the most important bit. Sometimes (usually discussed at your consultation) there may be the need to use a little bit of padding to achieve certain styles, depending on the length and thickness of your hair. But as you can see in this hair trial even short-medium length hair can be made to look long and full.


medium length wedding hairstyle updo

Hair accessories are important to be talked about too or brought along so we can try these in your hair.


We will take lots of photos and make notes so you and I have a record of the final look you are going for.

Can I bring a friend?

Of course. You might like to have the trial done with your mum or best friends/siblings. It can be good to get their perspective on the styles we try. And of course a glass of bubbly is usual when there are a couple of you arriving!

It might even be nice to have a wedding dress fitting afterwards so you can see the look or book a table for a nice evening out after your trial as you’ll be left looking special for the rest of the day-without spoiling the surprise hair do!



Your hair and beauty timeline on the wedding day

Once you have decided on your perfect hairstyle I will let you know the timings for hair and beauty on the big day. Obviously this will depend on what you are having done and whether it's the bride and two bridesmaids or a party of 10 or more. This is also why it is important to have a hair trial before your wedding day if you can, so that we can see how long it is going to take to prepare and create the wedding hairstyle you want. I will let you know the order that hair will be done so there is no confusion about timings and who goes first.

For both wedding make up and hair you should double check how your hair and skin should be prepped. You may need to have hair washed the day before and please don’t try out any new products as you may have a reaction.

wedding hair updo

My commitment to you

I really enjoy getting to know all my brides during the bridal hair trial. I love helping to create a perfect look for one of the most important and memorable days of your life. I pride myself on my professional, friendly and confident nature and the ability to ensure that you feel comfortable and relaxed so you can enjoy your big day. My aim is to breeze in and out do my job giving you picture perfect hair and for it to not be too greatly impacting on the bridal group. I like to be helpful and am much more than a stylist. I'm usually a confidante, a time keeper and an integral cog that turns on the day.


For answers to these questions and more on bridal makeup read my blog The must ask questions for Brides which includes more than 30 answers to key questions such as

  • What makeup brands do you use?

  • How long should my makeup last?

  • When should I book my wedding hair and makeup?

  • What happens next after a bridal hair and makeup trial?

  • What if I don’t like my wedding hair and makeup after my trial or have changed my mind?

  • Why should I have a hair trial and makeup trial?

  • When to have wedding hair and makeup trial?

  • How many wedding hair and makeup trials should I have?

  • How do I prepare for my wedding trial? Should I wear makeup or have my hair washed?

  • What should I bring to my wedding trial? .... and much more

I'd love to help you to achieve your picture perfect bridal look. Please get in touch to check out your wedding date and discuss your ideas. I look forward to meeting you.

Kimberley


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