Bridal hair and make up is one of the most fun parts of a wedding for any bride.  However, with so many options and prices, it can often be frustrating to find the right people you trust to do such an important job. To ensure you find the right person, do your research ahead of time.  Ask for references from past brides, or ask your current salon if they do bridal hair/makeup, or can recommend anyone.  Facebook is a great forum to post a message asking for recommendations and get responses from people you may not regularly talk to.  Yelp and other review sites can also be a great resource if you want to check on a salon.  Once you have found a couple possibilities, schedule trials as soon as possible.

Bridal Hair & Make-up Trials

Hair and Make up trials are the most important thing a bride can do to ensure she looks the way she dreamed of for her wedding.  Trials can range between $50-$150 and can be done at the salon, the home of the artist, or at your home depending on the artist.  You can do as many trials as you want with various artists, but just remember each trial will add to the budget.  Some artists will discount the charge of the trial if you sign a contract with them for your wedding.  Here are a couple tips to remember for the trial:

• Bring a picture or thread sample of your wedding outfit, dress or gown so they appropriately chose colors.
• Give them as much detail as you can about your wedding (time of day, look you are going for, how your outfit will be worn, veils and Indian bridal bindis you may wear and how many events you need them for)
• Talk to them about your skin and hair before hand so they know what products will work best on you.
• Plan a time when you have at 2-3 hours to spend with them so they are not rushed.
• Bring a trustworthy friend with you to give their honest opinions.
• Know ahead of time what you like and don’t like.  If you want airbrushed make up, make sure the artist does that.  If you want hair extensions, make sure the hairstylist has some available for the trial.
• If you liked the trial of an artist, consider using them for your engagement photo session or engagement party as one more “test” to ensure you like their work
• Bring pictures of what you would like your hair and make up to look like.
• The key is no surprises on the wedding day. You want to leave the trial feeling as pretty as you would imagine yourself on.

Other Options

If you are working with a small budget and prefer to do your own make up, consider going to a make up counter and asking them for help well before the wedding day.  They will show you how to put on the make up and what colors work best.  Usually you just have to buy one product after this, which can range anywhere from $20-$50.

If you prefer a trusted friend who is a good with make up or hair, do a trial ahead of time and don’t be afraid to change your mind on them or ask for something different.

Enjoy getting pampered during these trials, take your time, and have fun. A bride looking and feeling beautiful on her wedding is the key to great pictures, lasting memories, and a happy groom.

-Been-there-Bride Blogger

Image 1 via: Couture Beauty Team
Image 2 via: Fashion Lady
Image 3 via: Designer Hairstyle
Image 4 via: Lucero Photography