Wedding Hair & Make-Up Trials - What Happens When and Why They Are Important

Choosing the right person to do your hair and makeup for your wedding day is really important. You are going to spend a very special day with them, so it's important you get on and they are organised and reliable. There are lots of hair stylist and makeup artists available, so do your research - make sure you look at their reviews from previous clients and they have experience in wedding mornings. I always recommend a trial run with your chosen hair / makeup artist to try out styles and ensure you are happy before your big day.

I always like to start any wedding trial knowing as much about your big day as possible. To make sure I have all the information I need, I ask brides to complete a booking form beforehand, so I can reserve your wedding date and have all the information required for your big day. Once I have received your booking form we can arrange the best time for you to come to my home beauty salon for your hair and makeup trial. I usually suggest the trial takes place around 2/3 months before the big day - so your hair length and skin tone will be similar to the day itself.

I start the trial with a consultation, I like to see pictures of your wedding dress to gain a further idea of your wedding and the different styles and looks that would go with your perfect dress. For instance if your wedding dress has a beautifully detailed back you may want to have your hair up so you can make sure everyone sees all the beautiful detail.

The Makeup Trial Run

We will talk about how much makeup you wear on a daily basis, as well as any special occasions so I know how much makeup you normally wear. This is also a perfect opportunity to bring any pictures of styles you like.
We will take each step slowly, whilst adding little touches in stages step-by-step to make sure you are fully happy with your wedding day makeup. I will suggest colours, sometimes working on one eye at a time so you can see the different effects, incorporating your wedding colour scheme and flowers. For example, if you have pastel pink flowers, a matching pastel pink lip would look amazing in wedding pictures.

If you don't wear a lot of makeup day to day I can cleverly use highlight to make you feel special and sparkly on your wedding day to create a natural look so you feel comfortable, and don't feel caked in makeup. I use airbrush foundation which is light and high pigmented so its gives you a flawless finish whilst still leaving your skin feeling light and fresh.
If you normally wear a lot of makeup on a daily basis I can create a high defined look to suit your style.

As well as Airbase foundation, I use a wide range of high-end makeup range products including MAC, Bobbi Brown, NARS and Laura Mercier which provides long lasting water resistant makeup to ensure its tear proof for your big day! After you are 100% happy and confident with your makeup we will move on to your hair.

The Hair Trial Run

Different hairstylists carry out their trials differently, I like to make sure you feel as relaxed as possible so we can try a few different styles if you aren't sure of what style and look you would like to go for, or I can suggest styles based on your hair type, length and face shape. Its great if you come with some photos of styles you like and would like to try. Also if you have any tiaras, veils or hair accessories it's great to have these with you so we can incorporate them into the look and ensure the perfect positioning, and you can also see the fully finished look.

During the trial I don't use a lot of product on your hair, so we can change or adjust the style. On your wedding day I will use a lot more product and pins to ensure your hair will say perfectly in place to last all day and throughout the wedding evening (some brides even leave their hair and makeup for the next day!). If you are undecided between some of the styles we try there's no need to worry, as long as you let me know before your wedding day which style you have chosen to go for.

Your hair and makeup will always feel and look slightly different because someone else has done it for you, it's nice to have a trial when you can spend a few hours getting used to the look. On the trial you'll probably be wearing your normal clothes so you may feel as if it all looks slightly over the top, as your hair and makeup with be to suit your wedding dress. Please bear in mind most of your wedding photography will be full length to include your beautiful dress and wedding party, so avoid viewing your makeup with a close up mirror at the end of your nose! After the trial I recommend you view the look, put a formal dress on and stand in front of a full length mirror to ensure you are completely happy with the look. Or why not schedule your trial before your wedding dress fitting so you can see the complete look before your wedding day.

When you are 100% happy with all the looks and styles for your wedding day I will take photos of your hair and makeup and go through the timings for your wedding morning.

I like to ensure I have enough time to makeover you and your bridesmaids, Mother Of the Bride and anyone else who you'd like me to pamper for the wedding. I have been involved in hundreds of wedding mornings so will suggest timings to ensure your morning runs smoothly and no one feels rushed, taking into account travel times and allowing plenty of time for you to get dressed and of course any preparation photos by your wedding photographer. For further tips on timings please click here to read my blog.

I will send a follow up email with the details of the timings for you to confirm, all ready to see you on your big day for your wedding morning preparations!

To book your hair and makeup trial please contact me: jax@jax-glam.co.uk or 07970 026364