The Bridal Preview, also known as a trial, is a crucial time that the bride and her Beauty Stylists have to connect and collaborate on creating her perfect signature style for her wedding day. It is the perfect time to try things that you are curious about implementing on your wedding day.  

In this post, we want to share with you everything you need to know about preparing and having a successful Bridal Preview and leave your appointment feeling confident knowing you will look and feel beautiful on your wedding day. 

SCHEDULING YOUR BRIDAL PREVIEW 

• Through our experience, we find that scheduling the Bridal Preview the week of the wedding (if you can wait) is the best time within the wedding timeline. When Bridal Previews are done months in advance, we have experienced on the wedding day that skin tone may change (lighter/tanner), hair length and color is different which can ultimately change the overall look that was planned. Having the Bridal Preview during the week of the wedding from a Stylist standpoint is ideal as it is the closest you will look on your wedding day. 

• Work with your Stylist to schedule your Bridal Preview at your earliest convenience. Makeup and Hair Stylists like most vendors book up 6-12 months in advance and usually do not have weekends available due to weddings. Reserve a time with them as soon as you can to secure a spot. 

PRE-APPOINTMENT

Come prepared

• Start at least six months before your wedding thinking about the vision you have for your wedding day look. We like to ask our brides “In three words, explain what your vision is for your wedding look.” From there, begin going through photos of yourself that you like as well as photos of looks that resonate with you. 

• Take time to put together a pinterest board of looks that you like to give your Stylists a visual idea of what you are looking for.

• With makeup and some hairstyles you can even add photos to your board of how you like to wear your makeup. Photos that are close are ideal, it’s difficult to distinguish details on far away photos 

• Look for photos of styles on similar skin tones, hair and eye colors as your own. 

• We know it can be very overwhelming trying to pair down the options. Hone in on photos of  2 or 3 styles that you like and you can discuss with your Stylists how to personalize it from there. 

• Include photos of looks that you don’t like as this can also be very helpful 

• If possible, include photos of your dress, hair accessories, shoes, and jewelry on your Pinterest board. This will give your Stylists an overview of your entire look as well as a peak into your style. 

• Provide as many details as you can if you have a specific look in mind. 

• Blush brides can schedule a personal style call with Christa to get into the details of your vision. She will share all of this information with your Stylists ahead of time in preparation of your appointment.

• Be sure to alert your Stylists of any allergies ahead of time

DURING APPOINTMENT

If your Stylists are coming to you:

• Have them set up in a room with lots of natural light, table space and an electrical outlet. -Most makeup artists prefer a bar stool height chair, if you have one they would be so thankful if you let them know before the appointment. We bring our own chairs, but it’s always good when we have a backup. 

Come alone 

• Many times having family or friends come to the Preview only add confusion and uncertainty for you. 

• Allow yourself this time to work with your Stylists uninterrupted on creating a look that you will love.

• Remember, it’s ultimately about what you want to look like on your wedding day. Ask yourself, when I look at my wedding photos in 10 or 20 years, will I still love the way I looked on my wedding day? 

Try a few looks

• Ask your Stylists if they can try one or two looks during your appointment. If you are unsure on whether you’d like to do a bold lip or smoky eye, the Bridal Preview is the time to try these to see which one best suits your vision.

• During our Bridal Previews, we can create up to two different looks for our clients to allow our brides to try looks they may be interested in.

What to Wear

• Wear a top or dress that has a similar neckline and color to your gown to give you an idea of what you will look like on the big day. 

• Bring all jewelry and accessories you’ll be wearing on your wedding day

• If you don’t like or want to adjust something, tell your Stylist at the appointment. As Stylists, the ultimate goal of the Bridal Preview is for you to leave completely happy and confident with the look that was created. Speak up your 

POST APPOINTMENT

• After your preview, wear your makeup and hair for the day if possible to take photos to see how it translates throughout the day and get used to wearing makeup if you wear very little day to day. 

• Try to note any adjustments you’d like your Stylists to make and provide honest, detailed feedback. If you had any allergic reactions during the day after your Bridal Preview, always let your Stylist know.

• Share any adjustments or changes that you’d like your Stylists to note for the wedding day.

We hope these tips will help you have a successful Bridal Preview. We have found that these tips and most importantly excellent communication with our clients ensure they leave their appointment ecstatic about their wedding day look and excited for their wedding day. Is there anything you think we missed? We’d love to hear your tips below.

Would you like to schedule a Bridal Preview with us? Contact us to schedule a Bridal Preview.