Beauty Trials
You might hear people talking about getting a wedding hair and makeup trial, or see it on the beauty menu of your hair and makeup artist, and wonder what it is and if it’s worth it. Read on to see why it’s worth every penny!
What is a wedding hair and makeup trial and why should I have one?
A wedding hair and makeup trial is an opportunity to meet with your wedding beauty team ahead of the wedding to try out some looks you’re thinking about for the wedding day. You may think you don’t need one, but imagine you pick out inspiration photos (more on that later!), bring them on your wedding day, and when the artists complete the look, it’s not at all what you envisioned - yikes! This would add so much stress to your wedding day by either delaying the timeline because the artists have to redo everything, or because you settle for a look you’re not happy with. Eliminate that stress by having a trial so you can see your inspiration photos come to life and then figure out what you want to change for the big day.
Who should get a wedding hair and makeup trial and when should I schedule it for?
Typically just the bride gets a wedding hair and makeup trial since they will be in the most photos and their looks will get the most wear and tear on the wedding day (hugs, tears, sweat, kisses) so they need special attention for the look to be long lasting. Other people can certainly get hair and makeup trials if they want to try out looks before the big day! I suggest scheduling the trial for at least 3 months before the wedding day so that if your look requires different skincare or haircare, you have time to start those new routines and have them work. I also suggest scheduling it earlier in the day so you have a longer time with the look and see how it will last for 12+ hours, which you’ll want for the big day. Bonus: schedule a cute photo session after so you can see how everything will look on camera, and you make good use of looking even more stunning than you already are!
How do I prepare for my wedding hair and makeup trial and where do they normally happen if I’m doing onsite hair and makeup on the wedding day?
Leading up to the hair and makeup trial, find some inspiration photos for hair and makeup. When you’re looking for inspiration, make sure the hair color, skin tone, and other features are similar to yours so it will look like you imagine when your artists try it on you. Identify the features that you like so you can articulate that to the artists, as well as anything you don’t like. Also, be prepared to tip 20% of the trial cost just like you would a normal beauty service. Onsite hair and makeup artists usually have a salon, studio, or other dedicated place they work out of, but they will communicate to you where the trial will happen.
Having a wedding hair and makeup trial is a crucial part of having a stress-free wedding day. It is worth the extra time and money to feel and look as beautiful on the outside as you are on the inside!
Vendor Credits
Photo - JoLynn Photography
Planning - SC Signature Celebrations
Hair - The Umbrella of Beauty
Makeup - Topaz Fire Beauty
Venue - The Carolina Estate
