A Hair & Makeup trial run is a crucial step to ensure everything runs smoothly with no surprises on the big day. It gives you an early glimpse of how you will look and feel.

Expert Tips for a Smooth Trial Run:

1. Get to know your artist: A trial is a chance to assess your artist’s personality and skill level to ensure they are the perfect fit and can execute your desired look.
2. Say YES to the Dress first: Your dress dramatically affects your hair and makeup style (e.g., a backless dress might call for an updo). Bring a photo of your dress to the trial.
3. Destination Brides: If you have a destination wedding, you can have a trial at home, taking detailed notes and pictures for your destination stylist. An insider tip is to schedule a Hair & Makeup trial for the day of the Rehearsal Dinner to get two occasions out of one session and ensure a flawless look for the next day.
4. Save Valuable Time: Knowing the desired look and how long it takes to perform saves time on the tight wedding day schedule.
5. Timing is key: Schedule the trial run about three months before your wedding date, but not any earlier than five months. If it’s too early, you may change your mind or need another trial closer to the date.
6. Come Prepared: Bring inspiration photos (like a Pinterest board) and note what you love specifically about the styles. Don’t forget to bring your veil!
7. IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS: Discuss financial expectations, including the number of people to be styled and the style each wants. Discuss on-location setup, travel fees, and if assistants will be needed.
8. Fly it SOLO: The artist advises against bringing overly opinionated friends or your mother, as this is your day and you should feel comfortable in your own skin.
9. SELFIE TIME!: Take photos from every angle, including full-length shots, and both outdoor and indoor photos, to help the artist recreate the look.
10. Ask Questions: Discuss any necessary preparation tips with your stylist, like when to shampoo your hair and which products to use.
11. Don’t Forget to Tip: Tip about 15 to 20% after the trial run and after the big day for the stylist and their assistant.

We’d love to hear all about your celebration – the date, the vision, the beauty wish list that’s been living in your head (and your Pinterest boards). Once you inquire using this form, our team will follow up with a full investment guide, additional beauty resources, and a custom quote tailored exclusively to you and your event. Prefer to talk things through in real time? Give the H&MU Hotline a ring to book a complimentary consultation, where we can chat details, explore possibilities, and begin crafting a beauty experience worthy of your day.