Once you’ve booked your trial, send your hairstylist your inspiration images and a photo of you in your wedding outfit (although, a seasoned stylist should ask for this once you’ve made your appointment). If you haven’t sent your inspiration photos ahead of your trial, bring them on the day. It’s a good idea to give a few examples of different styles you like, especially if you’re not sure if you want to wear your hair up or down. “I always like to see at least three to four photos of what they like, both up or down,” says Vik. “Then, once I see the bride in person and I see their hair, we can discuss which style is better based on their hair type and texture.”
When it comes to the actual trial appointment, arrive with clean, freshly-washed hair, just as you would on your wedding day (unless your stylist advises differently). Taking the time to prep your hair beforehand gives you more time during your trial to fine-tune the style for your wedding day.
Coming prepared also means being mindful of what you’re wearing to the appointment. “In our pre-trial instructions, we tell brides to wear white, or whatever color they plan to wear on their wedding, and potentially a top that mimics the neckline of their dress as it will give you an idea of what it will look like on your wedding day,” says Kelly, who has had clients show up in sports bras and lime green sweaters. In my case, I wore an old Anine Bing T-shirt that made it hard to picture the final look, which is one of the reasons I found myself spiraling at my dress fitting. After speaking to Kelly for this story, I called my hairstylist and booked a second trial—wearing a white button down that mimicked the neckline of my wedding blazer.
But go to the trial alone
With a laundry list of factors to consider, from the weather report to the buttons on the back of your dress, adding your mom, sister, or bridesmaids’ opinion into the mix only adds to the stress. Most beauty pros and bridal beauty agencies make that decision for you by setting a one-guest or no-guest policy, as they’ve seen the confusion and tension it can cause.
“We’ve had major issues with having extra people at the trial, but even with one guest there can be this dynamic where that person doesn’t agree with what the bride wants to do,” says Kelly. “If you are going to bring a guest, make sure it’s someone you trust, and set boundaries with them ahead of time on how you want them to weigh in.”
A word about hair accessories
Expensive or handmade, simple or extravagant, newly purchased or passed down from family, the most important thing is that a bridal hair accessory isn’t an afterthought. It’s a major detail you want to share with your hairstylist right away so they can plan accordingly. And whatever it is, it should be something that feels really special to you.
