A Bridal preview or a bridal trial, is an appointment prior to the wedding day that allows the bride to see themselves in the hair and makeup they may want for their wedding day. This is a great time to visualize the overall design and tie it in with your hair and makeup look.
A bridal preview isn’t necessarily a time to test out your hair and makeup artist, rather it is a time to be collaborative with your artist to bring together a look that will encompass your full wedding design.
Meet the expert
Kylee Hudson Studio is the owner of Kylee Hudson Bridal, a hair and makeup company specializing in bridal hair and makeup artistry based in Southern California. KHB is known for our ethereal natural hair and makeup looks. “We strive to help our brides feel like an elevated version of themselves.”
When Should a Bride Book a Preview?
A preview appointment should be booked anywhere from 3-6 months prior to the wedding date. Keep in mind that if you book a preview too far in advance your style may change or your hair and skin may change. Think hair lengths, color and skin texture. Booking your appointment semi close to your wedding date will allow for a better visual of what the look will truly be like on the wedding day!
Preparing For a Hair and Makeup Preview
Step 1: Start by scheduling an appointment with a licensed esthetician approximately 3-6 months prior to the wedding date. This is key to having the best skin possible! A professional esthetician will be able to give the right product recommendations and treatments to get flawless skin. Healthy skin leads to better makeup application.
Step 2: A hair cut and color appointment should be next on the to-do list before the preview appointment. Having healthy hair in the length and color that is desired for the wedding day will help visualize the full look.
Step 3: Begin searching for the right inspiration photos of the desired hair and makeup look. Some brides struggle with finding the *perfect* hair and makeup look while searching the internet, so focus on finding similar styles to what is desired. When searching for photos, find models with similar coloring as yourself. For example, if the bride has brown hair and brown eyes then searching for photos showcasing similar features will be best.
During this whole process think back on the full wedding design and remember that the hair and makeup look chosen should enhance and tie the full design together.
Why is a Preview Appointment Important?
As a bridal hair and makeup artist myself, a preview is incredibly important for the anxious and the relaxed brides! During your preview a bride is able to meet their artist in person, which right away should ease all the nerves. Being able to see the full makeup and hair look prior to such a big day is so helpful too.
All in all, a preview should be exciting and a great way to collaborate with the professional artist.
Remember to breathe, relax, and have fun!
MAKEUP + HAIR Kylee Hudson Studio | PHOTO Francesca Dominique; Purity Weddings; Danielle Beacon
