Wedding planning is fun! There are a lot of choices and decisions that need to be made, but, when it comes to wedding hair and makeup we’ve got you covered! That’s why we are breaking down the who, what, when, where, why and how of your hair and makeup trials!
Bride: Marguerite Cullen - MUAH: Ashley & Kelsey of Maryelle Artistry - Photographer: Scott Zuehlke
WHO should you bring?
Your hair and makeup trial are about YOU. It’s a chance to test out your vision and gain confidence in your wedding day look. That’s why we suggest you bring only one person along for the ride.
We recommend bringing your absolute bestie! The person who knows your style better than anyone else and can help clear your mind if things get overwhelming.
WHAT should you bring to the trial?
In addition to your bestie, there are three more things you’ll want to bring!
First on the list… PICTURES!
“A picture is worth a thousand words” and they can help your artists to understand the vision and your personal style better than any other tool. For example, a bride may say she wants her hair up high, however, “high” can be a subjective term, but if she brings a photo showing exactly how high she’s talking, then the message will become a whole lot clearer!
Secondly, you should bring the hair accessories that you want to incorporate into your look. Even if it’s not the exact piece that you plan to use, you should still bring something similar in shape and size so the artists have a better idea of what you are looking to achieve.
Finally, make sure you wear the right clothing to your trial. Choose clothes that resemble the color and shape of your wedding dress, a top with the same neckline as your gown will help you determine the best style for your hair while the color will help you match the makeup!
Bride: Carly Benge - Makeup: Ashley Jeanne of Maryelle Artistry - Photography:Dreamlove Photography
WHEN should you have your wedding trial?
Hair and makeup artists often require a non-refundable deposit to hold the wedding date. Some brides prefer to have their trial before they make that deposit to make sure the artists can deliver their vision. If you’d like to meet with your hair and makeup artist before you secure them for your wedding then we're happy to schedule your trial right away.
If you feel comfortable with your stylist, then you should book them immediately and schedule your trial closer to your wedding date. We typically recommend having your trial in the same season as your big day. For example, if you’re getting married in August then you should aim to have your trial in June. Keeping your trial in the same season as your wedding will allow you to have the same skin tone during each makeup appointment, you don’t want to pick your makeup in winter then arrive at your trial with a summer tan!
Hair & Makeup: Maryelle Artistry
That being said, the perfect time to schedule your trial is three months prior to your wedding date. Creating a three-month buffer will give you time to do your trial in a relaxed time frame before your big day and also the ability to reschedule in case of an emergency (ie. weather or illness).
WHERE does the trial take place?
Most trials take place at your location (home or hotel) or sometimes in a salon. Generally, our team is “on-location” artists, and we also have salon locations for some of our team. Depending on your needs and who you are booked with will determine the location of your trial.
That being said, you should schedule your trial three months prior to your wedding date. Creating a three-month buffer will give you time to reschedule in case of an emergency (ie. weather or illness).
WHY are trials important?
There are a few reasons why hair and makeup trials are important. The first is it gives a chance for your stylist to learn about your personal style as well as your skin and hair type. Then the two of you can explore the options for the best makeup and hair looks that work with your personal style and your dress. You will also be able to see how well this look holds for the camera (for your photos) as well as in person (as you greet your guest).
Hair & Makeup: Maryelle Artistry
Your trial is the perfect time to connect with your stylist on a personal level giving you the opportunity to develop that relationship before your big day. Seeing a familiar face behind the chair could be just what you need to help you feel relaxed and pampered on your wedding day.
HOW should you prepare your hair and skin for your trial?
When it comes to your hair, arrive with it clean and completely dry. We recommend you shampoo the night before your trial, but, if your hair gets frizzy overnight, then washing in the morning works well too. Just make sure you give enough time for your hair to be completely dry.
Keeping any frizz under control is important. So, if you have curly hair and you want to keep that natural texture all day then add in your favorite frizz control product or curl enhancer and allow time for your hair to completely dry before your appointment.
Anyone getting an updo using their natural texture always needs to give their hair extra time to completely dry "naturally" (or use a diffuser) before their appointment. You can ONLY come with your hair damp if you have requested a blowout INSTEAD of an updo style or dry style. If you have asked for both (a blowout and hairstyling), that will be a two-hour service. These requests must be made in advance to be scheduled into the timeline.
Once your hair is set, just wash and gently exfoliate (just enough pressure to move the product against your wet skin) your face, pat dry, and moisturize! It’s time for your wedding hair and makeup trial and it's going to be a beautiful experience!