What to Know Before Booking

In addition to selecting your wedding dress, shoes, and accessories, you’ll also need to consider your desired hairstyle and makeup for your big day. Just like trying on a gown before saying “yes” to the one, you may want to test out your preferred beauty look before your nuptials. Doing so with a hair and makeup trial can help ensure you have time to adjust your look before walking down the aisle—and avoid any unwanted mishaps at your celebration.

However, before booking such an appointment, there are a few key steps you’ll want to take. First, make sure you have a date and venue prior to sorting out your glam. 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 middle of winter—can greatly affect the styles you consider. Additionally, ensure you’ve selected all of your accessories, as well as your wedding dress, prior to your hair and makeup trial. Knowing the style of your gown will influence how formal or relaxed your hair and makeup should be. Likewise, your wedding-day accessories will determine whether you gravitate toward a dramatic updo, loose curls, or a twisted bun.

Below, we spoke to beauty professionals for advice and valuable insights on wedding hair and makeup trials. Read on for more.

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. Just like a ceremony rehearsal, these trials test out and help refine a person’s hair and makeup aesthetic so that there aren’t any mishaps 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,” says Reina Kim, a makeup artist and hairstylist. Brides aren’t the only ones who can schedule such an appointment; grooms, bridesmaids, and the parents of the soon-to-be newlyweds can also have hair and makeup trials.

When Should You Schedule Your Wedding Makeup Trial?

Schedule your wedding makeup trial three to six months before your big day. “During this time, it’s essential to have already selected your dress and wedding theme,” Kim says. “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.”

How Much Does a Wedding Makeup Trial Cost?

It depends. Much of the cost of a makeup trial hinges on the makeup artist’s experience, as well as the location in which they’re based. Typically, you can expect to pay between $50 to $200. A general rule of thumb is that the trial should never be more than half of the price of your wedding-day makeup. Some professionals may include the cost of a trial in their bridal packages, while others may charge extra for such an appointment.

How to Prepare for a Wedding Makeup Trial

The first step in preparing for a makeup trial is finding the right artist. “Bridal makeup artists book up months, sometimes a year, in advance,” says Elena Miglino, a celebrity makeup artist. “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.”

After booking an artist, start finding looks to serve as your inspiration. “Often, brides may not know exactly what they want for their wedding day,” Kim says. “They may have a vague image of the look they desire, but the more they search, the clearer it becomes.” Miglino also suggests looking back at old photos of yourself. “For your wedding, you want to still look like you,” she says. “Show your artist a picture of yourself with makeup on—a time that you liked how you photographed and felt comfortable. And please note, Instagram can lead to false hopes. Most of the looks you see are highly filtered.”

You’ll also want to consider what you wear to your appointment. “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,” Kim says. Miglino suggests sticking to your typical skincare routine to avoid any breakouts. “A facial is a good idea a few weeks before and maybe a hydrating mask the night before,” she adds.

What’s the Best Time to Book a Wedding Hair Trial?

Book a hair trial about a month or two ahead of your wedding, says Franck Izquierdo, a celebrity hairstylist. “It’s most important that you give yourself and your stylist time to make adjustments if needed,” he says. “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.”

However, if you plan to cut or dye your hair, he 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 adds. “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.” A similar standard applies if you’re considering a dramatic chop. “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,” he says. “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.”

How Much Does a Wedding Hair Trial Cost?

Like with makeup trials, the price of this type of hair appointment varies. Average costs typically range from $50 to $150. While some stylists may include the price of a trial in their bridal package, others may charge extra for it.

How to Prepare for a Wedding Hair Trial

To get the most out of your hair trial, arrive with clean, dry hair that’s ready to be prepped. If you’re doing your makeup trial at the same time, ensure you also have a clean face. However, if you’re doing your makeup and hair separately, try to emulate your preferred wedding beauty—or put on your everyday makeup—so you can get a better feel of the look as a whole. Bring inspiration photos, as well as any accessories you plan to wear on your head.

If you’re not totally thrilled with your hair after the trial, schedule a follow-up appointment to perfect your look. “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,” Izquierdo says. “It’s also ideal to have your stylist with you on your wedding day because they know your hair and your personal style best.”