One of the most common questions we hear from brides is: Do I really need a bridal hair and makeup trial?
At Royal Makeup & Hair, we call this appointment a Bridal Hair & Makeup Preview because it is much more than simply “trying out” a hairstyle or makeup look. It is an opportunity for you and your artists to collaborate, make adjustments, and perfect your bridal look before the wedding day arrives.
While a preview is not required, we highly recommend one.
Royal Makeup & Hair provides on-location bridal hair and makeup in Savannah, GA; Charleston, SC; Washington, DC; Colorado Springs and the Denver, CO area; and the Hudson Valley, NY, so we work with both local and destination brides. We understand that a preview isn’t always possible, especially if you live far from your wedding destination. But when your schedule allows, it can make the wedding morning significantly more relaxed.
What Happens During a Bridal Hair and Makeup Preview?
Think of your preview as a dress rehearsal for your beauty look.
You’ll sit down with your artist and work through the inspiration you’ve chosen. Maybe you know you want a romantic low bun but aren’t sure how much volume you want around your face. Perhaps you love soft-glam makeup but want to see exactly how dramatic the eyes should be.
This is when we work through those details.
For most of our locations, we reserve approximately 75 minutes for hair and 75 minutes for makeup, giving your artists enough time to create and make reasonable adjustments to one primary look.
If you’d like to test several completely different hairstyles or makeup looks, additional preview time may be necessary.
When Should You Schedule Your Wedding Hair and Makeup Trial?
We generally recommend scheduling your bridal preview about one to two months before your wedding.
By then, you usually know:
- Your wedding dress and overall style
- Your veil and hair accessories
- Your jewelry
- Your wedding color palette
- Your approximate hair length and color
- The type of bridal look you’re drawn to
Scheduling too early can sometimes mean your preferences change significantly before the wedding.
What Should You Bring?
Bring photos of bridal hair and makeup that you love, but don’t feel like you need to find one photograph that perfectly represents your desired look.
Showing us several images can actually be helpful.
For example, you might love the texture of one updo, the front pieces of another, and the volume of a third. Your stylist can use those references to create something personalized for you.
Bring your veil, hair accessories, extensions, and jewelry whenever possible so you can see how the entire look comes together.
Can I Use My Engagement Photos as My Preview?
Sometimes!
If you want your engagement-photo hair and makeup to look essentially the same as your wedding-day look, scheduling your preview on the same day can be a great way to make the most of the appointment.
It also allows you to see how the look photographs.
However, if you want a completely different style for engagement photos, we recommend booking a special-occasion hair and makeup appointment for your photos and scheduling your bridal preview separately.
What If I’m a Destination Bride and Can’t Schedule a Trial?
Don’t panic.
We’ve worked with many destination brides who couldn’t schedule a preview beforehand.
Send detailed inspiration photographs, communicate your preferences clearly, and let us know about anything that is particularly important to you.
Your artist may need a little additional adjustment time on the wedding morning, which is why having a preview is preferable whenever possible, but a beautiful bridal look can absolutely be created without one.
The Biggest Benefit? Peace of Mind.
Wedding mornings have enough moving parts.
Your photographer is arriving. Flowers are being delivered. Bridesmaids are getting dressed. Someone is looking for the rings.
Knowing you’ve already seen—and loved—your hair and makeup removes one major unknown.
That’s why we consider a bridal preview less about simply testing makeup and more about creating a calm, organized wedding morning.
Royal Makeup & Hair offers on-location bridal previews and wedding-day services throughout Savannah, Charleston, Washington DC, Colorado, and New York’s Hudson Valley.
If you’re planning your wedding, contact the Royal Makeup & Hair team serving your location to check availability.
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