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 thrilled 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, and that’s where makeup and hair trials come in. These trials are more than just a sneak peek at your look—they’re your chance to experiment, refine, and perfect every detail.
During your trial session, you can:
- Try various makeup looks and hairstyles to find what suits you best.
- See how different products react with your skin and hair.
- Discuss your preferences and provide feedback to refine the final look.
- Get comfortable with your makeup artist.
- Identify and resolve any concerns or allergies beforehand.
Lash Extensions: Please have them removed before your session.
Fringe: Layer and trim your fringe to chin level to help frame your face when styled.
Wardrobe: Wear a white, thin-strapped, off-shoulder, or tube top. Avoid colored tops, T-shirts, or long sleeves, as these may affect our assessment of the look.
Hair Washing: Wash your hair the day before or the day of your session, and ensure it is fully dry. Oily or damp hair can make it challenging to achieve the ideal hairstyle.
Root Touch-Up: If there’s a noticeable color difference between your roots and the rest of your hair, a root touch-up will enhance the final look, especially for brown or light brown styles.
Contact Lenses: Consider wearing colored contact lenses to make your makeup pop. Brown is recommended for Asian makeup styles, and gray for Western styles. Avoid black lenses.
Sensitive Skin: If you have highly sensitive skin, bring your own skincare products.


Hair Preparation
Ideal Length and Cut: The best hair length for most styles is around armpit to mid-back length with a layered cut and fringe trimmed and layered. Avoid growing your hair too long, as this can cause tangling and make styling more difficult

.
Layering for Volume: Ask your hairstylist to add layers for a more airy and voluminous look. A straight, blunt cut can make it challenging to create volume.
Hair Color: I recommend a solid brown tone as it provides an even and clean foundation to create intricate or clean hairstyles.
Highlights: Highlights are not recommended especially if you have dry and frizzy hair. If you choose to add highlights, opt for subtle tones rather than high-contrast colors.
Color Recommendations: For a braided, airy hairstyle, a medium shade works best. For a classy, elegant style, a darker shade is ideal.

Conditioner Use: If your hair is dry or damaged, apply conditioner only on the ends. If your hair is fine or soft, avoid conditioner for a few days before your wedding day to enhance texture.
Oily Scalp Care: If you have an oily scalp, consider a clarifying scalp treatment or use a clarifying shampoo to reduce excess oil.
Skin Preparation
Exfoliation: Gently exfoliate your skin and lips to remove dead skin. Makeup applied over dead skin can appear flaky or cakey. Avoid harsh chemical exfoliators such as AHA & BHA as they might dry and irritate the skin.
Hydration: Use a moisturizing face and eye mask every night for at least a week before the session. Your makeup will look the best on well-hydrated skin!
Brows: Have your brows trimmed beforehand. While I can trim them on the day, your skin may become irritated by the razor.
Pimple Care: Avoid drying pimple creams as they can dehydrate your skin. Choose non-drying pimple patches if you have any active pimples. This will flatten the skin surface, allowing me to conceal them perfectly.


Lash Lift: A lash lift is recommended if your lashes are stiff and pointing downwards.
Lash Extensions: Lash extensions are not advised unless you have very sensitive or teary eyes. Extensions can sometimes make the eyes look droopy, and adjustments won’t be possible during the makeover session.
Oily Skin: If you have very oily skin, consider bringing a compact powder to touch up on the day.
Click here for more tips on how to make your wedding makeup last all day!
Additional Tips
Veil Recommendation: If you plan to wear a veil, I recommend choosing one without an attached comb, as a comb adds weight and may not suit certain hairstyles.
Veil Length: The most common veil lengths are elbow and fingertip. If you’re considering a longer veil, please let me know in advance, as certain hairstyles may not be able to hold it securely.
Veil and Dress Prep: Check if your veil and dress need steaming and, if so, steam them a day in advance.

Fresh Flowers for Hair: If you prefer fresh flowers, ask your florist for small, loose flowers that can be easily incorporated into your hairstyle.
Session Duration: Makeup and hairstyling will take 2 hours with an additional 30 minutes allocated for putting on your gown, accessorizing, and making final adjustments to your look. Please keep in mind that the timing may vary with other makeup artists! If you’d like to capture preparation shots, it’s best to arrange for your photographer and/or videographer to arrive about 30 minutes before our session concludes.
On the Actual Day
Attire & Accessories: Please wear your Nu Bra, a button-up shirt or bathrobe, and contact lenses before our session begins. Avoid wearing a regular bra, as it may leave marks after changing into the gown. If your Nu Bra feels loose, consider wearing a tube top over it.
Hair Preparation: Make sure your hair is fully dry before the session. If you have bangs, please leave them down rather than pinning them up.
Skin & Hair Products: Keep your skin and hair free of leave-on products like face cream or hair oil. After washing your face, you may apply a light toner and serum if your skin feels dry.
Setup: Prepare an air-conditioned room with two chairs and a table surface. Avoid large chairs, like gaming chairs.
Minimize Distractions: Try to keep the number of people in the room to a minimum. If others will be present, kindly ask them to avoid talking to you during the makeover, as it can cause distractions and delays.
Second March-In Prep: If we have a look change for the second march-in, please designate a bridesmaid to assist with your gown change. The touchup and hairstyle change will take about 30 minutes.
Music Preferences: I’ll play some music during our session, but if you prefer your own 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.