How to get the most out of your Trial Run
Hey guys! Nastassia here. We get asked constantly on what a trial run is, when to book one, if it’s even necessary, how to prepare, what actually happens at the trial and what to do if something doesn’t quite work out.
Hopefully this guide will help all brides and hair and makeup artists with trial runs. Stay tuned at the end, we have a freebie for you!
What is a trial run?
A trial run is more than a practice run for your hair and makeup for your wedding day. It is a chance for you to meet your artist, get comfortable with them, learn each others personality and discuss your hair and makeup needs and what will work on your wedding day for YOU.
Mostly, trials are typically done about a month or 2 before the wedding date. Sometimes, brides will use the trial to determine if the hair and makeup company suits them (these are sometimes done a year in advance). Brides use trials for engagements (not recommended as your engagement look and bridal look are totally different!), bridals, rehearsals etc.
So, now that you’ve booked your trial with your hair and makeup artist, what’s next??
How to prepare for your trial run:
I feel like this is a big one. And often so overlooked.
- When scheduling a date and time with your hair and makeup company, take into account your travel time to your shoot destination. A trial run usually takes about 2 hours, and could be longer depending on changes etc
- Start by gathering hair and makeup photos that you like from Pinterest/Instagram etc.
(if you don’t know where to start, we have made Pinterest boards with some inspiration) https://www.pinterest.com/teasehtx/
- Prepare your skin and brows: This goes for your trial as well as your wedding day. Make sure your brows are groomed (I personally recommend threading but waxing is cool too!)
Skin: Don’t do facials the week of the trial, instead try it about 10 days before.
Dermaplaning is a great way to get peach fuzz off your face and your makeup will sit BEAUTIFULLY on your skin.
- Wash your hair the night before the trial and come with dry hair (no product) , no straightening! We need your hair and natural as possible. The day of the trial – fresh, clean face with no makeup (if you were running errands before hand, a little foundation/concealer is ok!)
- Day of the trial:
- Have a picture of your dress: We always ask what your dress looks like, so that we can take the airbrush makeup down to your neck and chest
- Have your veil available to see how it will look with your hair
- Wear white! (It will be a great visualization of how your hair and makeup will look plus take advantage of it, you are a bride!)
During your trial:
After you have met your hair and makeup artist and hit it off, remember to let them know of any concerns you have about your skin or your hair (before they begin – such as rosacea, pigmentation, cowlicks, which side you prefer your hair part etc.)
Show them your hair and makeup inspirations and discuss if they will work for your eye and face shape and similarly for your hair length and texture.
Once you see the finished look, please be sure to vocalize any concerns you have! This is YOUR day and you should never have to feel guilty/shy to bring up anything you do not like about the style, it could be the smallest thing, let your artist fix it for you!!
After your trial:
Make notes on your phone on how the makeup or hair wears. 3 hours – 6 hours – 10 hours.
What faded first? Did an eyelash pop out? These things happen so let us know so that we can make changes!
So, just to make things extra easy on you, I created this free printable for you on the entire process of the trial run. You can grab it here:
Leave a comment below on anything I may have left out or if you have a general question about trial runs!
Thank you for reading!
