Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting journeys of your life, but let’s be honest, it can also feel a little overwhelming at times. That’s why I’ve put together this ultimate guide to help make the process smoother and more enjoyable for you!
Originally created exclusively for my brides, I’m happy to share it with everyone online. Whether you’re just starting to plan or putting the final touches on your big day, this guide is here to help. And hey, if I’ve missed anything or if you’ve found it helpful, drop me a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!
Before Trial Session
Your wedding day is all about feeling like the best version of yourself—radiant, confident, and utterly you. That’s where makeup and hair trials come in. Your trial session is more than just a sneak peek at your look; they’re your opportunity to experiment, refine, and perfect every detail until it feels just right.
During your trial session, you’ll have the chance to:
1. Try out different looks to discover what complements you best.
2. See how various products interact with your skin and hair (because no one wants surprises on the big day!).
3. Share your preferences and provide feedback to fine-tune the final look.
4. Build a rapport with your makeup artist so you feel completely at ease.
5. Address any concerns beforehand to ensure everything runs smoothly.
To make the most of your trial, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Lash Extensions
If you have them, please remove them before your session. This helps us create a clean canvas for your makeup.
Fringe
Consider layering and trimming your fringe to chin level. This will help frame your face beautifully when styled.
Wardrobe
Wear a white, thin-strapped, off-shoulder, or tube top. Steer clear of colored tops, T-shirts, or long sleeves, as these can interfere with how we assess your overall look.
Hair Washing
Wash your hair the day before or the day of your session, and make sure it’s fully dry. Oily or damp hair can make it tricky to achieve the perfect style. If your scalp tends to get oily easily, use a clarifying shampoo to deep cleanse your scalp.
Root Touch-Up
If there’s a noticeable difference between your roots and the rest of your hair, a quick touch-up will enhance the final look, especially for medium to light brown shades.
Contact Lenses
Consider wearing colored contact lenses. Brown lenses are ideal for Asian makeup styles, while gray works beautifully for Western looks.
Sensitive Skin
If your skin is very sensitive or allergic to certain ingredients, consider bringing along your own skincare products.
Hair Preparation
Ideal Length and Cut
For most hairstyles, the ideal length is armpit to mid-back length with a layered cut. Make sure your fringe is trimmed and layered to frame your face when styled. While it might be tempting to grow your hair super long, super-long hair can tangle easily and make styling more challenging.
Layering for Volume
Ask your hairstylist to add layers for a more airy and bouncy look. A straight, blunt cut can make it challenging to create volume.
Highlights
Highlights can sometimes create visual clutter, making it harder to achieve that polished look. A solid color on the other hand, gives me a clean canvas to work with, allowing me to sculpt hairstyles that are both beautiful and timeless. If you still prefer to highlight, opt for subtle tones rather than high-contrast colors to keep things soft.
Hair Color
A solid brown tone creates an even, clean base that works beautifully for both intricate and sleek hairstyles. If you prefer braided and airy hairstyles, a medium to light shade works wonders. If you prefer classy and elegant hairstyles, I recommend going for a darker shade.
Conditioner Use
If your hair is dry or damaged, focus conditioner on the ends to keep them hydrated without weighing down your roots. On the other hand, if your hair is fine or soft, skip the conditioner for a few days before your wedding. This will help add a bit of texture and grip, making it easier to style.
Oily Scalp Care
If you have an oily scalp, consider using clarifying scalp treatment or shampoo. It helps reduce excess oil and gives your hair that fresh, clean feel which is perfect for holding any style.
Skin Preparation
Exfoliation
Gently exfoliate your skin and lips to remove any dead skin cells once or twice a week. Why exfoliate? Makeup applied over unexfoliated skin can look flaky and uneven. Avoid harsh chemical exfoliators, as they can dry out or irritate your skin. Instead, opt for something gentle!
Hydration
For at least a week before your session, treat your skin to a moisturizing face mask and an eye mask every night. Well-hydrated skin not only feels amazing but also helps your makeup glide on smoothly and last longer. Think of it as a little self-care ritual leading up to your big day!
Brows
Have your brows trimmed and shaped before your session. While I can tidy them up on the day, using a razor might cause some irritation, and we want your skin to stay calm and happy.
Pimple Care
Breakouts before the big day? Avoid drying pimple creams, as they can dehydrate your skin and cause the surrounding skin to flake. Instead, opt for pimple patches. They’ll help flatten the surface while not drying out the skin.
Lash Lift
If your lashes are stiff and tend to point downward, consider a lash lift.
Lash Extensions
While lash extensions can be tempting, they’re not always the best choice for your wedding look. They can sometimes make the eyes appear droopy, and adjustments won’t be possible during your makeover session. However, if you have very sensitive or teary eyes, extensions might be worth considering.
Oily Skin
If you have very oily skin, bring along a compact powder for touch-ups on the day. It’s a simple way to keep shine at bay and ensure your makeup stays fresh and flawless all day long.
Click here for more tips on how to make your wedding makeup last all day!
Additional Tips
Veil
Elbow and fingertip length veils are the most popular choices. If you’re dreaming of a longer veil, let me know in advance! Some hairstyles may need a bit of extra reinforcement to hold a longer veil securely.
Check if your veil and dress need steaming, and if they do, steam them a day ahead of time. This ensures everything looks crisp and picture-perfect on your big day.
Fresh Flowers for Hair
Love the idea of fresh flowers in your hair? Ask your florist for small, loose flowers and foliage that can be easily woven into your hairstyle.
Session Duration
On the day, makeup and hairstyling will take 2 hours, with an additional 30 minutes for putting on your gown, accessorizing, and making final adjustments. Keep in mind that timing might vary with other makeup artists.
If you’d like to capture those behind-the-scenes preparation shots, I recommend having your photographer and/or videographer arrive about 30 minutes our session concludes. That way, they can snap all the magical moments without rushing!
On the Actual Day
Attire & Accessories
Before our session begins, make sure you’re wearing your Nu Bra, a button-up shirt or bathrobe, and your contact lenses. Avoid wearing a regular bra, as it can leave marks that might show after you change into your gown. If your Nu Bra feels a little loose, wear a tube top over it for extra support.
Hair Preparation
Your hair should be fully dry before we start. If you have bangs, leave them down instead of pinning them up—this makes styling much easier!
Skin & Hair Products
Keep your skin and hair free of leave-on products like face cream or hair oil. After washing your face, you can apply a light toner and serum if your skin feels dry, but avoid anything heavy.
Setup
Prepare an air-conditioned room with two chairs and a table surface for our session. Avoid large chairs, like gaming chairs, as they can get in the way.
Minimize Distractions
To keep things running smoothly, try to limit the number of people in the room. If others are present, kindly ask them to avoid talking to you during the makeover. This helps minimize distractions and keeps us on track!
Second March-In
If we’re doing a style change for your second march-in, designate a bridesmaid to help with your gown change. The touchup and hairstyle change will take about 30 minutes, so having someone assist will make the process seamless.
Music Preferences
I’ll play some light music during our session to set the mood, but if you have a favorite playlist, feel free to start it beforehand!
I hope this guide has been a helpful starting point for your wedding preparation! Remember, the key to a stress-free wedding day is planning ahead and trusting the process. If you have any questions or need advice, I’m always here to help.
I’d love to hear from you! Let me know in the comments if there’s anything else you’d like me to cover in future posts. Whether it’s more tips on wedding beauty, styling advice, or something completely different, your feedback helps me create content that’s truly useful for you.
Here’s to making your wedding day as magical as you’ve always dreamed! 💕
Cover photo by itsalwaysasunday
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This blog is an ultimate gem for brides, offering detailed tips on wedding makeup and hair preparation to ensure a flawless, stress-free look that perfectly complements your special day.