Planning · 2 min read
Bridal Makeup Trial Checklist: What to Bring, Ask and Test
Updated
A bridal makeup trial is a rehearsal. It’s your chance to find out, weeks before the wedding, whether a look suits you, photographs well and survives a full day. Use this checklist to get real answers from it, not just a pretty afternoon.
When to book your trial
Book it 4–8 weeks before the wedding. That’s close enough that your skin and hair will be similar on the day, and far enough out to try a second time if the first look isn’t right. If you can, schedule it on a day when you have plans in the evening, so you can see how the makeup holds up over 8 hours or more.
What to bring
- 6–10 photos of makeup you love, and 2–3 you don’t
- Photos of your dress, veil, jewellery and flowers
- A white or ivory top to wear, so the colours near your face match the day
- Your usual skincare, so the artist can see what your skin is used to
- Any products you already love and want to include
- Your hair styled roughly as planned, or pinned back
Questions to ask your makeup artist
- Which products are you using for staying power, and are any of them waterproof?
- Is anything you’re using likely to cause flashback in photos?
- How long will my makeup take on the day, and what time should we start?
- How many people can you do in one morning, and will you bring an assistant?
- Which products should I buy for touch-ups?
- Do you clean brushes and use disposable applicators between clients?
How to test your look properly
- Daylight: stand by a window. This is how guests will see you.
- Flash: take a photo with your phone’s flash on. Look for a white cast, patches of shine or eyes that look bare.
- Distance: ask someone to photograph you from across the room. Is there still definition?
- Tears: mist your face lightly with water and dab under your eyes. Does anything run?
- Time: check again at 4, 8 and 12 hours. Note where it fades first.
After the trial
Look at your photos the next morning with fresh eyes. Write down every product and shade, and where each was used. If something felt “not me”, say so now. A good artist would much rather adjust at the trial than on the wedding morning.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear to my bridal makeup trial?
A white or ivory top with a neckline similar to your dress, and your hair styled or pinned roughly as planned. Both change how the makeup reads in photos.
How long does a bridal makeup trial take?
Usually one to two hours, including the consultation, the application and time to adjust the look.
Should I have a trial before booking my makeup artist?
If you can, yes. A trial is the best way to check that an artist’s style suits you before you commit to the date.
Want to learn the techniques yourself? Our free first lesson walks you through planning your bridal look step by step.
