How to Get the Most Out of Your Bridal Trials.
Bridal season is fresh upon us! I did 3 trials last week alone and I'm booked for almost every Saturday in August. I love this time of year; and helping brides feel and look fabulous on their wedding day.
It is important to keep a few things in mind when deciding what to do with your hair and makeup for your wedding day. The key is to look like yourself, but a more formal or polished version. You never want your guest to question who the girl is standing at the altar!
Here are a few tips to help ensure you love the way you look in your photos.
Having your makeup professionally done will ensure that, when you look back at your photos, you love the way you look. Consider having the artist do airbrush, as it tends to feel lighter while still having optimum coverage. It is also much easier to layer for the type of coverage you are comfortable with. Also, try to stay away from trendy looks and stick with the classics. This way you avoid having your photos and memories from your special day looking dated.
As with makeup, you also want to go with more classic looks when it comes to your hair, whether it be in style or color. You want to look timeless, and not cringe in a few years time when you look at your photos. Sometimes theme weddings have this effect as well, but if you don't care and really want to have that vintage Victorian wedding then, girl, do it up! Who am I to judge?! Just food for thought.
Get regular haircuts. Split ends won't look good on your wedding day. Most brides don't cut their hair for a whole year before their wedding thinking that it's best to have as much hair as possible. This is actually not the case; if you have too much hair your stylist is going to have to spend time hiding or minimizing it in an updo and then you just end up with a heavy style that will give you a headache. Not to mention, most stylists charge by the hour, and the more hair you have the more expensive your updo. Get regular haircuts and start thinking and discussing your goals with your stylist, as they can direct you on the amount of hair you will need. If you can't grow the length or the density desired there is always the option of clip-in extensions. Most stylists can find and color match it for you. This is also an additional cost. Again, communicating with your stylist in advance works to your advantage.
Avoid trendy hairstyles. As with makeup, it is just a suggestion. The timeless, classic looks go a long way. You don't want too many things to try to compete for your guests' attention.
DO NOT flat iron your hair on the day of your trial or the day of your wedding. This can't be stressed this enough: hair that has been flat-ironed will not curl and if it does, it won't hold. While we are on the subject dirty hair is no longer ideal for updos. If it is too dirty, it will not hold and will not look good. With the variety of products out there, it is no longer necessary to put you or your stylist through that. Washing your hair and letting it air dry is the most ideal. Stylists know how to fix any type of frizzy or unmanageable hair; no need to add another issue to the mix. One or maybe two-day-old hair is fine.
Bridal Hair Checklist
1 year-9 months before your wedding
It is never too early to contact your hairstylist to schedule services for your special day! Encourage your wedding party members to also schedule appointments. Ask about available bridal packages. Sometimes stylists offer special deals if you book ahead or book joint hair and makeup.
6-9 months before your wedding
Discuss your hairstyle, color, and length goals with your stylist. Create a plan of action or decide if you want extensions! It’s good to test out the option, so you can make adjustments. Clip-in extensions also come in a variety of colors now.
3-6 months before your wedding
If the hair is damaged you can begin conditioning treatments and continue up until your wedding day. If you have severely damaged hair, consider starting this sooner, rather than later. Ask your stylist about at-home treats or schedule a list with a relaxing scalp massage.
1-2 months before your wedding
Schedule an appointment for a consultation and trial to discuss ideas and options for bridal hair and make-up. Bring pictures of what you like, as well as pictures of your gown and headpiece or veil. These materials will help for better consultation and ensure that you are happy with the results. Don't be afraid to schedule another trial if you are not happy or don't like the style on you. Most stylists want you to be happy; they won't mind having another trial. Just be considerate and keep in mind that there might be an additional charge.
3-4 weeks before your wedding
Get your last haircut before your day! If you didn't do your trial already, you really want to do it now. Make arrangements with your stylist if they are traveling to you on the day of the wedding and confirm details and the number of bridal party members that will need services. Specify how many for hair and for makeup. Most stylists will ask you this info at the trial, but it never hurts to be sure.
2 weeks before your wedding
If you have shorter hair, like a bob, and are wearing it down, this is when you want to get your haircut. Two weeks before the big day ensures that the style is still fresh but not too short. This would also be the ideal appointment to color your hair.
1 week before your wedding
If you have naturally dark hair and wear it blond, retouch your color this week before to take care of any dark roots. Highlights should also be retouched this week.
On your wedding day
Remember to wear a button-down shirt to preserve your finished look. Relax and enjoy this time with your wedding party and prepare for your big day knowing that you are in good hands!
There you have it! Everything I can think of that is wedding beauty-related. If I didn't answer your question, please feel free to comment below or email me at Lesley@LDFhairpro.com.
Stay tuned for my next post where I give away my curly hair secrets.
Thanks and lots of (hair) love!!
Lesley D. Flanagan
