Do I need a trial?
We highly recommend a trial. Often you have an idea of what you would like for your hair and makeup but it’s still a great idea to try it out in person. As it’s just like trying on the dress and getting alterations made, sometimes your hair and makeup needs some small adjustments to make the style more you. Often it’s minor tweaks such as changing the part of the hair or adding a deeper lipstick tone but the trial gives you the opportunity to try the look and workshop those adjustments.
Sometimes our brides have lots of inspiration looks that all differ slightly so at the trial we will be your sounding board. We’ll talk you through your photos to work out what you do and don’t like about each one, what compliments your dress and what does and doesn’t work with your own features. So the end result will be a look that embodies what you love.
The trial is also useful for us to see how the hair and makeup wore throughout the day and then we can make adjustments if needed as we tailor things like the foundation to suit your skin type so they can be adjusted if you get oily or dry. We also often make skincare or haircare recommendations for you to implement after the trial to elevate your bridal look.
And bonus – It also gives you the chance to meet your artists so by the time the wedding roles around it’s like hanging out with friends!
Who doesn’t need a trial?
If you live inter state or overseas then we can arrange a zoom consult instead for you. Please email me photos of yourself, your dress and your inspiration prior to the consultation.
What happens at the trial?
- We get to know you.
- We give you a thorough consult and go through your inspiration images so we can create your dream look, unique to you and your style.
- We take photos of the finished look so that we can replicate it for the wedding.
- We see how well everything lasts and if we need to make any small adjustments for the day.
How much is a trial?
2024 pricing:
Hair and makeup trial: $360 (plus GST if with Gem, Jen, Gladis, Niki & Vanessa)
Hair only or makeup only: $180 (plus GST if with Gem, Jen, Gladis, Niki & Vanessa)
You can pay on the day, cash, osko transfer or paywave/credit card (2.2% surcharge).
How long is a trial?
Please allow 3 hours for the hair and makeup trial together.
Who does the trial?
Your trial is with the same artists as your wedding day.
Unless there are unforeseen circumstances such as illness. This is one of the reasons we recommend you to have your trial within 6 weeks of the wedding and not one year in advance to decrease the likelihood of needing to change your artist incase something unexpected occurs such as pregnancy.
When should I have a trial?
We recommend around 4-6 weeks before the wedding.
This means it’s fresh in all our minds for the wedding day. You will have all of your outfit finalised as we like you to bring along all of your accessories (veil and hair accessories).
Additionally we need to have your trial in the same season as your wedding as for example if you have your trial in Winter and your wedding in Summer then the base will be completely different as generally the skin gets drier in Winter and oilier in Summer with the humidity so this does change the products we use.
Having the trial 4-6 weeks ahead of your wedding also gives you time for a hair cut if your hair style requires it or to introduce recommendations made by us such as using a hydrating serum.
We will email you 4 months before your wedding to organise a trial.
On what days can I book a trial?
Each artist has different availability but generally most of our team are available on Wednesdays and Thursdays for trials.
Fridays – Sundays we are busy with weddings and Mondays our artists have a day off so trials are not available Fridays-Mondays.
What time of day should I have a trial?
Trials need to be during day light hours. We offer two sessions per day generally at 9.30am or 1pm.
This is literally so we can see how your look photographs as your wedding photographer uses mainly natural light for the wedding photos. This also gives you the opportunity to wear your look for a while and see how it settles and wears.
Where is the trial?
This is dependent on your artist. You will travel to your artists home studio.
We will let you know the location when you book your trial. We have artists home studios in Beverly Hills, Darlinghurst, Croydon Park, Castle Hill and Peakhurst.
How to prepare for a trial?
- Research styles and preferences of hair and makeup to help us to be clear about your goals.
- Your hair needs to be clean and dry.
- Make sure you have your hair cut according to the style you like (for example, if you want face-framing layers).
- Exfoliate and moisturise your skin.
- If possible do not wear makeup to the trial.
- If you get your brows or face waxed, please try to do this more than 5 days before if possible. Sometimes this can cause breakouts and makeup might not stick as well to freshly waxed skin.
- If you are having a spray tan for your wedding, try to get one for your trial as well. This is not essential, but your skin tone does effect what tones we use and so to see the exact look we need the same skin tone for both.
What should I bring?
- Your accessories (earrings, hair accessories and veil); this helps us make sure the whole look balances and comes together beautifully. We do have some pieces to try on from And You Bridal but we like you to bring your own if you have it so we can make sure our hairstyle works with the jewellery you have chosen. We like to see your veil to see what type of comb you have so we can work out how to incorporate it into the hairstyle.
- Photos of your dress, your bridesmaid’s dresses and a mood board of your wedding style (if you have one) so we can make sure everything compliments your overall theme and vibe.
- Photos of hair and makeup inspiration (this can be what you do and don’t like).
Do I need to bring hair extensions?
Many of our up-dos don’t require extensions; most down-styles do.
We will analyse your hair and style at the trial to see whether you need them. If you would like glam waves then you will need extensions.
We can colour match you for extensions at the trial and give you our discount code for Zala hair extensions.
If you do have your own extensions you can bring these to the trial. If they are new please wash them to remove the coating.
How do I book a trial?
We will email you 4 months before your wedding to organise a trial, so please reply as soon as possible to that email to book a trial as we do book out.
