01
Bridal hairstyles
Updos, half-up styles, braids and soft waves — chosen for your hair type, dress, veil and weather.
- Updos hold best in heat and wind
- Half-up suits most veils
- Bring photos of hair like yours
- Test the veil at the trial
Style & the look · 6 subtopics: Hair, makeup & beauty
Bridal hairstyles, makeup, trials, skincare, nails and a beauty timeline that keeps the morning calm.
02
Bridal makeup
Long-wear products, skin prep and a look that photographs well in daylight and flash.
- Book the trial 2–3 months before
- Photograph the look in flash
- Waterproof mascara
- A touch-up kit
03
The beauty timeline
Allow 60–90 minutes each for the bride’s hair and makeup and about 45 minutes per service for others.
- Count people and services
- Divide by the number of artists
- Add a buffer
- The bride finishes last but one
04
Skin, nails and wellness
No new treatments in the final month; haircut or color two to three weeks before; nails a day or two before.
- Steady skincare, nothing new
- Color 2–3 weeks before
- Nails 1–2 days before
- Sleep, water and real meals
05
Doing your own hair and makeup
Practice the full look twice, photograph it with flash and choose long-wear products.
- Two full practice runs
- Photograph with flash
- Setting spray and blotting papers
- A friend to help with the back
06
Grooming for grooms
A haircut a week or two before, a beard trim a few days before and a good night’s sleep.
- Haircut 1–2 weeks before
- Beard trim a few days before
- Moisturizer and lip balm
- Blotting papers for photos
Articles on hair & beauty.
For the bride3 min read
Wedding hairstyles: updos, half-up, waves and braids (and how to choose)
The main bridal hairstyles, what each suits, how weather and veils change the choice, and how to get the most from your trial.
For the bride3 min read
Bridal hair and makeup timeline: how long it really takes
How many hours to allow for the bride and each attendant, how many stylists you need, trial timing and a sample schedule.
For the bride5 min read
Wedding Hairstyles for Short Hair: Ideas, Accessories and Trial Tips
Short hair gives you more options than most people expect. Here is how to choose a style, work with a veil or accessories, and get the most from your trial.
For the bride4 min read
Wedding Makeup for Hooded Eyes: Techniques, Products and Trial Questions
Hooded eyes need a slightly different approach to shadow and liner. Here is what to ask for, what to practice and how to keep the look intact all day.
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