After months of planning and anticipation, the only thing that should be a surprise on your big day should be how incredibly relaxed and happy you feel. Having a trial run for your hair and makeup works in the same way that trying on your dress or having a rehearsal does- it ensures that the details are ready exactly as you like it with no stress. Trial runs are important for planning ahead, but they also are one of the many simple and significant moments that come with the adventure of planning. Be smart and use these eight tips to help you prepare to embrace the magic!
1. Use it as an excuse for some extra fun!
Schedule it on a day where you can make plans to show off! A full face of glam and a gorgeous blowout is definitely reason enough to plan a date night. Many brides even combine their trial run with their engagement photoshoot, which is a great option for brides on a budget. Don’t want the groom to see any details of your ‘I do’ look? Plan for a girls night out afterwards. Try to use this as an opportunity to get excited and celebrate with the ones you love.
2. Do your research.
Start with ideas of the looks you like and take note of the ones you don’t. Look through different varieties of styles so that you can compare them to find the best one for you. Are you going for a natural, sunkissed look? Do you want to strut down the aisle with a smokey cat eye? Will you have bouncy, tousled curls or a sleek-back updo? Get a sense of the style you want and start to look for photos of models who have similar features to you. Match your eye and hair colors with the photos so that you can get the most accurate image of how you’re going to look. Make sure to bring the photos with you or send them to your stylist in advance!
3. Wash your hair the night before.
When styling hair, the finished effect will last longer on hair that was not freshly washed. Don’t be too worried about having a greasy look- natural oils help your hair hold its positioning. If you won’t be able to wash the night before, just reach out and ask what the best option would be for getting your hair clean before your appointment. Your team of professionals know exactly how to make your hair look perfect!
4. Take extra good care of your skin.
If you don’t already have a regular skincare regime, this would be the time to start. Make sure to wash your face and follow with moisturizer before bed to prevent oils settling overnight. An occasional face mask leading up can help brighten your skin and tighten up any stress wrinkles.
5. Wear sunscreen and tone that tan!
In the weeks leading up to your big day, you should take extra precautions to ensure that your skin is healthy, silky and smooth! Find a face moisturizer specifically for sun protection and use that underneath your normal foundation. Basic face makeup will not offer enough protection so it’s important to take the extra step. Just make sure that you find the perfect product for your skin type- not all sunscreen is created equal!
If you want to be a bronzed goddess on the big day, a spray tan may be the best option. If you know you’re going to want a darker glow for the wedding, wear a similar tan to your trial or discuss your vision with your stylist.
6. When the trial day arrives…
Come to your appointment with dry hair and a clean face. Your stylist is a pro at knowing what works and what doesn’t for specific skin types and hair textures, so it’s best that you come completely fresh to start from scratch. If you do come with makeup on, it will most likely need to come off regardless, which will waste the time you have in your appointment! If you’re a busy-bee and coming to your trial from somewhere else, bring makeup wipes in your car and plan to remove your makeup before you come in.
7. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
This is YOUR day! Your stylist is there to help you achieve the look that you want. No suggestion is too wild or to crazy. Ask questions so that you can be completely confident in your look. Don’t like something? Have a strange request? Don’t be afraid to voice your opinion! At the end of your trial, you should leave with a look that is even better than the image you brought in your head.
8. Have fun!
The most important thing to remember is to enjoy the moment! Take it all in- this is a preview of what it will be like when all of the hard work comes together. Make sure to embrace this little celebration. Sit back, relax and enjoy being pampered. Your stylist team loves what they do- and you deserve it!