You'd be surprised at the amount of brides that still ask this question. And the simple answer is YES! Most make up artists, including myself, will include the trial as part of a package deal but even if they don't it's definitely a necessity.
(Do you want to risk this happening on your wedding day?!)
You wouldn't purchase your dress without trying it on first, would you?
Well your make up should be treated exactly the same way. It will not only make you feel a lot more relaxed about the style and products you've chosen but it will also make things a lot easier for your make up artist in the morning. While a bridal trial can take anything from 45 minutes to 2 hours your wedding day make up should happen a lot quicker. I don't think any bride would fancy telling her awaiting husband at the alter that she's an hour late because she couldn't decide if she wanted a soft smokey eye or a defined cut crease!
(Soft and natural style bridal make up on Kirsten Stewart)
The trial is also a time to work out how well you connect with your artist. Remember that they are going to be an integral part of that morning and will be there from the crack of dawn until you are ready to leave. This morning is stressful enough where even the most laid back of bride's can turn into the terrifying bridezilla, don't laugh this is exactly what happened to me!, so you want a person that's going to stay calm, smile and try to make you feel better. If you don't feel a connection at your trial with this person then my advise is not to book them. Harsh but true.
So what are the steps before booking your trial with an artist?
(artist at work)
Firstly I would say narrow down your style. It's rare people turn up to the hairdressers without a picture of their chosen doo and you should think of your make up like this. Celebrity weddings and bridal catwalk shows are a great place to start, so get Googling. Does your wedding have a theme? Should that theme be reflected in your make up? If you're going for a shabby chic, homemade wedding is a full on Kim Kardashian face really going to fit? Do your research and start to save some pictures.
Now it's time to find your artist. I'll try and keep this section as non biased as possible ;) First find someone who seems to have experience with your chosen style. Look for someone that has a good reputation, has worked or trained with some reputable companies or schools and that asks you loads of questions. The questions thing sounds like a strange one but it's something I feel is very important. I send my brides a full on questionnaire about their skin, their style, their current make up choices etc. That way I'm not still faffing around on the day on the trial still deciding what to do.
(vintage style wedding make up)
Please, please, please don't fall into the trap of having someone unprofessional but cheap from down the road do your face. If your tempted just Google the horrific infections that can be passed on by dirty brushes or make up of someone that doesn't know what they're doing. Or if you're at all squeamish don't and just take my word for it! If your eyes are weeping on your wedding day it should be from happiness and not from the beginnings of an eye infection.
Send your artist loads of pictures! All those pictures that you've been collecting, send them! Also why not send them pictures of yourself where you really like how your make up looks?
(Kim Kardashian Wedding Make Up)
Now it's time to organize the actual trial. I generally try to do mine 4 or 5 months before the wedding. Trials will usually take place at the artists home or studio. The reason for this is that they generally have a much larger choice of products by doing it from here. Most will also give you the option of doing it from home but may charge a small travel fee.
One thing I suggest is to have your trial done in the morning. Remember that on your wedding day your application will be taking place quite early and you need to make sure the application lasts all day. By getting it done in the morning you'll have a better idea of how it's going to wear off. Remember it can sometimes take up to two hours to decide on the finished look so make sure you've given yourself loads of time.
What can you do to make your trial go a little easier?
(the wedding morning)
First of all my big no no is not being the right colour. This may sound a little crazy, or even racist, but nothing riles me more than a bride who is going to wear tan for her wedding turning up at her trial without it. This really throws the whole session. Firstly it's going to make choosing a foundation nothing short of impossible and secondly certain looks are going to look extremely different with and without tan.
Although it's not necessary wearing something white on top can really help as again it gives you a better idea of how the whole thing will come together.
If you're planning on having your hair up on the day, stick it in a high pony or bun. If you're having in down, leave it down. Your hair doesn't have to be exactly how it will be on the day but having it similar definitely doesn't hurt. I even have a veil and some headpieces in the house to give us a fuller impression, and a bit of a laugh!
Take pictures. I have a professional Nikon that I use with all of my trials. We take a lot of photos. With flash, without flash, inside and outside. If your artist does not offer this then bring a camera with you and take loads of pictures.
Bring someone with you! The whole entourage might be a little bit distracting but having one or two with you makes the whole process a little more fun and gives you more opinions. I even offer additional trials for Bridesmaids and Mothers of the Brides for a small extra fee.
(Christina Aguilera with the wrong foundation colour)
Things to observe in your artist. Are they warm, friendly and affable? Did you have fun at your trial? Did they ask you loads of questions? Did their make up kit and brushes look clean? Was their application technique hygienic? Are you happy with your final look?
If the answer to any of these questions is no.... you might want to start looking for another artist.
So have you made your decision? Happy with your artist? Then book them! If not don't be afraid to turn them down and start looking again. I usually follow up my trials by sending lists of the products we used and the pictures taken so that even if you haven't fully decided you have all the information from the trial.
I hope this blog helps some of you brides out there and I wish you loads of luck in your future!
Kerry
Website: www.weddingsbykerry.com
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