IMPORTANT: Bridal Trial Preparation

The trial is an important step in creating your dream wedding vision and your final bridal look and there are steps that need to be taken in order to ensure the trial runs smoothly and effectively. Not only do we have some "homework" for you to prepare, but your stylist and makeup artists need to know a little about you beforehand to make sure they are using the right products for you!

So today, we have some checklists for you to use for your own trial - what you need to come prepared with (and don't get worried, it's all fun wedding inspiration that you love compiling anyways!) and a checklist of questions to give to your stylist before the trial so she can prepare and brainstorm the products she is going to be using beforehand!

Your Trial Checklist

It is imperative that you come prepared to your trial with everything listed below, as the overall style and theme of your wedding will help determine the bridal styles that will best work for you! Although you may have some great ideas of what you want your hair and makeup to look like, always come in with an open mind, as your stylist will always have some great ideas for you based on the inspiration you show him or her.

"It is a great idea to come with inspiration photos to show your artist so we have a foundation to build on. Hair texture, thickness, and theme may play a role in the final look. And while some brides have an exact style in mind, once the stylist sees the dress and discusses the theme, we may tweek the style a bit to fit the bride and to flatter her the most with the dress and accessories she has in mind!" - Dee, Swell Beauty

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But always remember, while they are the professionals and have some great ideas, in the end the final decision is yours! And like we said yesterday, don't leave your trial until you are in love with your look :)

Here is what you need to come prepared with:

 - A photo of your wedding dress
 - Photos of your bridesmaid dresses
 - Floral, decor, and your wedding day inspiration
 - Your wedding theme and colors
 - Your veil, headpiece, or any hair accessories

 - Wedding day jewelry and accessories
 - Photo of yourself when you do your own makeup
 - Bring a maximum of two family/friends with you
 - Wear a white, loose tank top for pictures


Here is a quick sneak peek at Kelsey's consultation and how all of these items come into play!

Pre-Trial Consultation

As you know, a stylist is going to have TONS of different products and the reason is that not every product works well for everyone. If you have thick hair, curly, and oily hair, the products your stylist uses are going to be different than a bride with dry, straight, thin hair. Just like a bride who sweats easily will need different products than a bride who has extremely dry skin.

"It is also important to bring a photo of yourself so the stylist can get a good idea of what you look like on a day-to-day basis. A photo of your every day look in addition to a dressed up version of yourself allows your stylist to best bring out your features and your true beauty, without making you look like a different person." - Dee, Swell Beauty

So sending your stylist the answers to ALL of these questions beforehand, will help him or her be best prepared for your trial and will allow your time spent together to be most effective.

And thank you to Dee, owner of Swell Beauty for providing us with all of the necessary preparation tools and questions so all of you can have an effective trial when your day comes :)

Skin Questions

1. What type of skin would you say you have?
    A. DRY
    B. OILY
    C. NORMAL
    D. Combination

2. Do you have freckles? If so, do you like them covered?
3. Please describe your skin tone and complexion.
4. Do you way your eyebrows or facial hair?
5. Do you struggle with dark circles under your eyes?
6. Do you tend to wear a lot of makeup?
7. Do you tend to like more natural makeup?
8. Have you worn false eyelashes before?
Are you considering wearing them for your wedding?
9. Do you have eyelash extensions? Are you considering getting them before your wedding?
10. Do you have any allergies to specific brands of makeup/products? If so, what are they?
11. Do you have sensitive skin?
12. So you tend to sweat easily?
13. What color are your eyes?
14.
Do you plan to tan before your wedding? If so, what kind? (tanning bed, spray tan, sun)
15. Do you have any skin concerns? If yes, explain.

Hair Questions

1. How long is your hair?
    A. LONG
    B. SHORT
    C. MEDIUM

2. My hair is...
   
A. THIN
    B. MEDIUM
    C. THICK

3. What would you say your hair texture is?
    A. CURLY
    B. STRAIGHT
    C. WAVY
    D. COMBO

4. What color is your hair?
   
A. BLONDE
    B. RED
    C. BROWN
    D, BLACK
    E. OTHER

5. Does your hair tend to get oily?
6. How long can you go without washing your hair?
   
A. 1 DAY
    B. 1-2 DAYS
    C. 2-3 DAYS
    D. I have to wash it every day

7. Is your hair colors treated? Or do you have virgin hair?
8. Does your hair hold a curl?
9. Do you have a sensitive scalp to pins, brushing, and pulling?
10. Are you allergic to any hair products?
11. Do you wear hair extensions? If so, what kind?

12. Are you considering wearing hair extensions for your wedding day?
13. What hair products do you use?
14. Do you have any hair concerns? If so, what are they?

Coming prepared to your trial and giving your stylist as much information about yourself beforehand will allow him or her to be best prepared, to get their creative juices flowing, and bring out your wedding theme, style, and your natural beauty for your wedding day!


 

I hope that this series is not only fun for you to watch, see, and read, but that is eases any worries or unknowns about what your hair and makeup trial will be like. Our goal is to guide you through the process of choosing your stylists, offer you tips and tricks along the way, make sure you are best prepared for your trial, and help you through all the way to your wedding day!



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