How to Prep for Your Bridal Makeup Trial (And What You’ll Get When You Book)

If you’ve never had a bridal makeup trial before, you might be wondering: What do I bring? What should I wear? How do I make sure I love the final look? You’re not alone.

Your trial isn’t just a quick preview, it’s a chance for us to build a beauty plan that’s tailored to you. From your skin to your style to how you want to feel when you look in the mirror… every detail matters. I actually give all of my booked brides a full step-by-step Trial Guide that covers everything from prep to post-trial communication.. but today, I’m giving you a peek inside. If you're thinking about booking, here’s what you need to know to show up confident and get the most out of your trial.

Section 1: What Is a Bridal Makeup Trial?

Your bridal trial is your beauty blueprint. It’s where we map out your glam, test products on your skin, and figure out a look that feels like you.

Think of it as a dress rehearsal, but for your face. It’s not just about “trying on” makeup. It’s about building a look that really helps capture the overall essence of you and your special day.

During your trial, we’ll:

• Talk through your inspiration

• Assess your skin and prep needs

• Try out the key features of your glam (complexion, eyes, lip combo, etc.)

• Get super specific, because the small things matter (lash style, bronzer placement, coverage level, blush shades)

This is also your time to speak up, ask questions, and make sure what we’re creating feels like you. It’s a collaboration.

Section 2: How to Prep for Your Trial (The Essentials)

I go over everything in my full Trial Guide, but here’s a sneak peek of the three most important things to do before your appointment:

1. Wear White or Light Clothing

You’ll be wearing white on your wedding day, so don’t show up to your trial in a neon hoodie or black turtleneck. Choose something light-colored (white or beige is perfect) with a similar neckline to your dress. It helps you visualize the full look. This also helps to makes sure the makeup doesn’t feel “too much” or “not enough” when it really counts.

2. Start With a Clean, Moisturized Face

Skip the makeup, I got you. Come in with freshly washed skin. Avoid trying new products the week of your trial (we don’t want any surprise reactions!). And please, no microneedling, chemical peels, or intense treatments right before. We want calm, healthy skin that feels like its usual self. Also, pro tip, don’t try any random or new skin treatments the month of your wedding!

3. Bring Inspo That Matches Your Features

I always say: the inspo needs to match your face, not just your vibe. Choose reference photos of people with similar skin tone, face shape, and features. Not sure where to start? I guide you through this during the trial and I also have a curated Pinterest board that is broken up into skin types, glam types, etc. My trial guide also teaches you how to choose Inspo!

✨ Booked brides receive my full 2-page Trial Guide which includes skin prep timelines, what not to do, and how to give helpful feedback after your appointment.

Once your trial is done, the real magic starts.

After our session, I review everything we tested:

• Products used

• Shade matches

• What worked (and what didn’t)

• Your feedback in real time

From there, I fine-tune the glam plan for your wedding day, adjusting anything that didn’t feel quite right so we can show up fully prepared. The goal? No surprises. I want you to walk into your wedding day glam session with confidence, feeling calm, and knowing that you are walking away with a makeup look that photographs and wears beautifully from “I do” to last dance.

If you book with me, you’ll also receive a private bridal guide with full details, notes, and prep resources for the big day. Because your wedding day beauty deserves a little luxury and a lot of intentional care.

A good trial doesn’t just create a makeup look, it builds trust. It’s the first step in designing a beauty experience that’s tailored to what you need and not just simply what’s trending.

If you’re ready to feel seen, supported, and truly celebrated, I’d love to work with you.

💍 Inquire about your bridal glam experience here

✨ And if you loved this post, be sure to explore more tips inside The Beauty Edit — soft glam starts long before the makeup goes on.