If you’re getting married this year, chances are your bridal hair and makeup preview (often referred to as a “trial”) is either coming up soon, or already on your to-do list!

Your preview is such an important part of the wedding planning process. It’s your opportunity to explore your wedding hair and bridal makeup, refine your vision, and make sure you feel confident, comfortable and completely yourself on the wedding day.

As a bridal makeup artist and hair stylist, I often find that the best previews happen when brides know what to expect and how to prepare. So, I’ve put together this complete guide to help you get the most out of your preview, from hair and skin prep, to inspiration, timings and mindset.

Whether you’re dreaming of soft, boho wedding hair, modern bridal makeup, or something beautifully understated, this guide will help set you up for success!

What is a bridal preview?

A bridal preview is a dedicated appointment where we create and refine your wedding hair and makeup look ahead of your wedding day. Rather than a “one-and-done”, it’s a collaborative process. We’ll talk through your wedding plans, your personal style, your dress, and how you want to feel on the day, then translate that into hair and makeup that enhances your natural features and lasts beautifully.

Think of it as a dress rehearsal for your wedding day bridal look!

If your bridal preview is coming up, the tips below will help you feel prepared, relaxed, and confident, ensuring you get the most out of your appointment.

Prep your hair & skin

Hair: Keep It Clean

One of the most important things you can do before your preview is to arrive with clean, dry hair.

Wash your hair the evening before
Blow-dry it smooth
Avoid applying styling products (oils, serums, mousse, dry shampoo)

Clean hair gives your hair stylist complete control and allows styles to last better and look more polished — whether we’re creating soft waves, a bouncy blow-dry, or relaxed boho wedding hair.

Skin: fresh & makeup-free

Please arrive at your preview with cleansed, makeup-free skin.

You’re very welcome to apply your usual skincare, but try to avoid anything overly rich, oily or heavy on the day, as this can affect how bridal makeup sits and lasts.

Exfoliation matters

The night before or the morning of your preview, gently exfoliate your skin. This helps remove dry patches and allows makeup to apply smoothly and evenly.

Healthy, well-prepped skin always leads to the best bridal makeup results!

Thinking about lashes?

If you’re considering lash extensions or LVL, this is an important one!

If you think you’d like individual or strip lashes added for your wedding day, I generally advise skipping extensions or LVL treatments for your preview. These can limit what’s possible and often don’t blend as seamlessly with strip or individual lashes.

Natural lashes give us more flexibility and allow us to create a softer, more bespoke finish, especially for modern, natural bridal makeup.

Bring your accessories (if you have them)

If you already have your wedding accessories, bring them along to your preview:

Veil
Hair pins or combs
Headpieces
Earrings or jewellery

Seeing everything together helps you visualise the final look and ensures your wedding hair works beautifully with your accessories.

That said, don’t stress if you don’t have these yet. I have a selection of accessories and veils available to try if needed.

Dress up (sort of!)

You don’t need your wedding dress for your preview, but what you wear does make a difference. Try to wear a top that’s similar in colour and neckline to your wedding outfit. This helps you see how your wedding makeup and hair will balance with your overall look and avoids distraction from clashing colours.

Bring your favourite makeup (optional)

If you have one or two makeup products you absolutely love (perhaps a lipstick you wear all the time), you’re very welcome to bring them along. This is completely optional, but it can be helpful if there’s a shade you feel especially comfortable in or would love incorporated into your bridal makeup.

Hair extensions: bring them if you have them!

Planning to wear clip-in hair extensions on your wedding day? Please bring them to your preview so we can style with them and ensure everything blends seamlessly.

If you don’t have extensions yet, that’s absolutely fine. We can discuss length, volume and colour at your preview, and I can advise on whether they’re necessary at all.

Fake tan: match the wedding day

If you plan to wear fake tan on your wedding day, please do so for your preview too! This allows your makeup artist to colour-match accurately and gives you a true picture of your final wedding makeup look. Just remember to avoid tanning your face - your foundation will take care of that.

Bring some inspiration images

Bringing inspiration images is incredibly helpful. Aim for around 5–6 hair and makeup images that you truly love. These give us a clear starting point and help communicate your vision.

Too many images can feel overwhelming and make it harder to pinpoint what you actually like.

Top tip: Try to choose images of people with a similar hair colour, skin tone and features to your own. This helps manage expectations and makes inspiration more realistic and achievable.

Timing matters

Arriving on time ensures we can explore your full bridal hair and makeup look without feeling rushed. Every detail counts, and your preview should feel calm and considered.

If possible, try to keep the rest of your day clear (or plan something lovely afterwards!) so you can enjoy seeing yourself fully finished without needing to rush back to work.

Relax, enjoy & trust the process

Your preview should be an enjoyable, confidence-boosting experience.

It’s normal to feel a little nervous beforehand, especially if you don’t wear much makeup day to day. Take a deep breath - you’re in safe hands.

And remember:

✨ Tweaks are normal!

Sometimes the first version isn’t the final version, and that’s okay. Think if the preview as a first draft. Our goal is to refine your wedding hair and bridal makeup until it feels completely right for you.

Your bridal preview is about more than just hair and makeup. It’s about feeling listened to, understood and supported. Communication and trust are key to achieving a look that feels effortless, modern and timeless.

Getting married in London?

If you’re getting married in 2026 or 2027 and are looking for a London-based bridal makeup artist and hair stylist specialising in soft, modern, boho-inspired wedding hair and makeup, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us to enquire about your wedding date and start planning your dream look.

alice@lucenthairandmakeup.co.uk | +44 (0)7500848183 | @lucenthairandmakeup

What Every Bride Should Know Before Her Bridal Hair & Makeup Preview