Booking a Wedding Hair and Makeup Trial? Here's Everything You Need to Know

We tapped three experts for the best tips on how and when to schedule this beauty appointment.

close up glam shot of a bride

Photo by Ben Smith

As your big day inches closer, a wedding hair and makeup trial will provide an early glimpse of how your glam will look before, during, and after you say "I do." So, as with many other wedding details, planning your hair and makeup trial correctly is key, as it'll help ensure you have enough time to tweak and adjust your look before walking down the aisle—plus, it'll help ease your mind and mitigate any unexpected wedding day mishaps.

While you may be excited to call your hairstylist and makeup artist immediately after getting engaged, there are a few steps to take before officially booking your trials. First, you should have a date and venue squared away prior to sorting out your glam. That's because knowing when and where you'll be getting married—whether it's on the beach in the heat of summer or in a ballroom in the dead of winter—can have a big impact on the styles you consider.

Additionally, you should also have your wedding dress selected, in addition to a few accessories, like your veil, headpiece, necklace, and earrings. Knowing the style of your dress will influence how formal or relaxed your hair and makeup should be. Likewise, your wedding-day accessories will determine whether you rock an updo, opt for curls or a braid, or go soft or dramatic with your makeup.

Meet the Expert

  • Elena Miglino is a New York City-based bridal and celebrity makeup artist.
  • Reina Kim is a makeup artist and hairstylist who specializes in the wedding and fashion spaces.
  • Franck Izquierdo is a celebrity hairstylist and the co-founder of IGK Hair Care.

Need a few more tips? Here, we consulted with beauty professionals Elena Miglino, Reina Kim, and Franck Izquierdo for advice and valuable insight on wedding hair and makeup trials.

What Is a Wedding Hair and Makeup Trial?

A wedding hair and makeup trial is a preliminary run-through of a bride's day-of beauty look (though it isn't limited to brides, as grooms, bridesmaids, and parents can have trials, too). Similar to dress rehearsals, these trials are meant to test out and help refine a person's hair and makeup aesthetic, so that there aren't any snags on the big day. "Brides often become busier as the wedding approaches, so scheduling the trial earlier ensures they can feel confident about their chosen look," shares Kim.

bride getting her makeup done

Photo by Natura Collective

Wedding Makeup Trials 101

From the best time to book an appointment to the cost of this pre-wedding activity, here's everything you need to know about wedding makeup trials.

The Best Time to Book a Wedding Makeup Trial

Give yourself an ample amount of time to test and consider beauty looks by scheduling makeup trials three to six months (and no less than two months) before you tie the knot. "During this time, it's essential to have already selected your dress and wedding theme," adds Kim. "This allows [makeup artists] to incorporate these elements into your wedding look effectively. Additionally, the makeup artist can provide advice on skincare routines, hair condition, and accessories, ensuring the bride has ample time to prepare leading up to the wedding day."

The Cost of a Wedding Makeup Trial

The cost of a makeup trial can vary greatly depending on the makeup artist's experience, as well as the location they serve. With that in mind, average costs do fluctuate between $50 to $200-plus, but a general rule of thumb is that the trial should never be more than half of the wedding day price. What's more, some professionals may include the cost of a trial in their bridal packages, while others may charge extra.

How to Prepare for a Wedding Makeup Trial

The first stage of prepping for your makeup trial is finding an artist you'd like to book, and according to both Miglino and Kim, research and communication are vital when hiring a makeup professional. "Bridal makeup artists book up months, sometimes a year, in advance," Miglino says. "When choosing your artist, you want to make sure they are a bridal makeup artist, meaning they do weddings and understand the severity of the day. Make sure they have a contract and are 100 percent professional."

Once you finally lock down an artist, Kim notes that brides should then research a few inspirational looks to bring to their appointment. "Often, brides may not know exactly what they want for their wedding day. They may have a vague image of the look they desire, but the more they search, the clearer it becomes," she shares. Not only that, but Miglino also suggests looking back at old photos of yourself. "For your wedding, you want to still look like you. Show your artist a picture of yourself with makeup on—a time that you liked how you photographed and felt comfortable," she says. "And please note, Instagram can lead to false hopes. Most of the looks you see are highly filtered."

Lastly, Kim explains that "On the trial day, the bride should arrive with well-cared-for skin, clean hair, a white top, and any hair accessories and earrings she plans to wear on the wedding day." Miglino further adds, "I would also keep with your normal skincare routine to avoid trying something new and creating breakouts. A facial is a good idea a few weeks before and maybe a hydrating mask the night before."

Both Kim and Miglino highly encourage brides to speak up during their makeup trials and share their opinions during the process. "Be comfortable with your artist; [they are] there for you and want you to feel your best. If there is something you would like to change, feel free to tell [them]," Miglino shares.

bride checking out her hair in a mirror

Photo by Sasithon Photography

Wedding Hair Trials 101

Below, we explain the best time to book a hair trial, in addition to the required prep and costs associated with this beauty experience.

The Best Time to Book a Wedding Hair Trial

According to Izquierdo, you should book a hair trial about a month or two ahead of the wedding. "It’s most important that you give yourself and your stylist time to make adjustments if needed," he explains. "As you get closer to your wedding, it can get very busy, so it’s sometimes easier to work out your look a couple of months ahead of time."

If you plan to cut or dye your hair, however, Izquierdo recommends scheduling a trial about six months before the big day. "This way, your stylist can plan out the transition and begin to work with the color and cut," he shares. "Your final coloring should be done about two weeks before the wedding, to let it settle but still be fresh for your big day. And it gives you time to make any small changes before the day."

Izquierdo further adds, "A big cut should be discussed six months before the wedding so your stylist can begin to make the cuts and see how your hair responds. Any final cuts or changes should be done about 10 days prior to the wedding, so your hair has time to adjust to the cut and look more natural."

The Cost of a Wedding Hair Trial

As with makeup trials, the cost of a hair trial varies depending on your location and the stylist's level of expertise. That said, average costs can range from $50 to $150-plus. Some stylists may include the price of a trial in their bridal package, but others may charge extra. Some stylists may also require a trial before the wedding day so that nothing is left up to chance.

How to Prepare for a Wedding Hair Trial

To get the most out of your wedding hair trial, arrive with clean, dry hair that's ready to be prepped. If you're having a makeup trial done at the same time, arrive with a fresh face, as well. Otherwise, try to emulate your preferred wedding beauty—or just put on your everyday makeup—beforehand, so you can get a better feel of the look as a whole. Be sure to also arm yourself with inspiration photos that make your heart sing, the hair accessories you plan to use, and notes on any previous hairstyles you've tried and either loved or would prefer to forget. Furthermore, the stylist should know your specific wedding details, like the venue, location, wedding dress, and if you'll be changing throughout the day.

Another tip? If you're not totally thrilled with your hair after the trial, don't hesitate to schedule a follow-up appointment to really perfect your coif. "Overall, your wedding hair is a journey, and you should discuss your vision with your stylist as far out as you’re able to, so they can start to work toward your end goal," advises Izquierdo. "It’s also ideal to have your stylist with you on your wedding day because they know your hair and your personal style best."

Lastly, remember to keep an open mind and go into any trial with realistic expectations—but speak up if something isn't to your liking. This is going to be your wedding after all. Going solo is the best way to trust your gut reaction to a look, but if you enjoy some company for fodder, keep the group to a maximum of two very trusted people.

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