Bridal Hair Trial Guide: What to Expect & How to Prepare
- Paula Pace
- 23 hours ago
- 4 min read
Hello and welcome to your complete Bridal Hair Trial Guide by Simone Whitehead Bridal Hair.
I'm Simone Whitehead Bridal Hair Simone Whitehead Bridal Hair | best Wedding Hair North East
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before the all important Bridal hair trial with essential advice on how to prepare, what to bring, and exactly what to expect on the day.
Keep reading for practical tips with your Bridal Hair Trial Guide to help you feel confident, relaxed, and excited about your Wedding Day hair.
Your wedding day hairstyle is one of the most photographed details of your entire day, so getting it just right is essential. A bridal hair trial gives us the opportunity to create and test out your chosen look, refine the details, work out timings, and select the right products, tools and accessories well in advance.
It’s your rehearsal — ensuring that on your wedding morning everything runs smoothly, your style lasts beautifully, and you feel completely confident when you take the walk down the aisle.
1. What Is a Bridal Hair Trial?
A bridal hair trial is just that, a trial run and a practice session with your wedding hair stylist, a few months before the big day. During the trial you can:
Test different styles
Check how your hair holds throughout the day
Confirm accessories, veils, or extensions
Make adjustments based on your vision and wedding style
Think of it as a rehearsal for your wedding day hair.
2. When Should You Book Your Hair Trial?
If possible, I like to organise your bridal hair trial 2-3 months before your wedding day
Ideally 2–3 months before the wedding (giving plenty of time to discuss any changes)
Factors affecting timing: hair length, extensions, color treatments, multiple events and numbers within the bridal party.
Day time trials work best to see natural lighting and how your hair behaves throughout the day
In the wedding heavy months of June, July, and August, there will be no Saturday trial dates, only midweek days.
3. Preparing for Your Bridal Hair Trial
There are a few requests from me to help you prepare for your Bridal Hair trial in order to create your perfect Bridal Hair look. These are:
Hair health: Avoid trying new products or treatments immediately before the trial
Color: If you’re planning to color or highlight, do it at least a week before
Inspiration: Bring images, Pinterest boards, or photos of your dress
Accessories: Veil, tiara, hairpins, or flowers to test placement
Hair type notes: Fine, thick, curly, or straight, long or short— let your stylist know in advance
Wash and blowdry your hair the night before. Please leave off any oils, serums and heavy conditioners that will cause hair to weigh down, flop or become too fly-away.
Check out my post on Wedding Hair care tips
4. What to Bring to your Bridal Hair Trial.
Photos of hair inspiration
Details of dress and veil/tiara
Any hair accessories or extensions
Notebook for notes and observations
Pro tip: If possible, bring someone whose opinion you trust (mother, maid of honor) for honest feedback.
5. What Happens During the Bridal Hair Trial?
The Bridal hair trial gives us that all important moment to get to know you, learn about your big day and your overall vision that will put you at total ease in preparation for your magical day.
The trial will include:
Consultation: Discuss ideas, wedding theme, personal style
Hair prep: Wash, blow-dry, straighten/curl as needed
Styling: Updo, half-up, curls, braids, etc.
Accessory test: Place veil, tiara, or pins
Photo check: Ensure style photographs well
Adjustments: Make tweaks based on comfort and look
Bridal Hair Tip: Ask about longevity, products used, and how to touch up on the day.
6. Common Mistakes Brides Make
Sometimes a Brides vision and inspiration may not match the Brides hair texture, thickness and timings on the day, so occasionally we need a healthy reality check and work with what we have, when I may recommend for example, how your style would look best, how to look after your hair etc.
Those common mistakes Brides can make.
Waiting too long to book a trial
Bringing too many conflicting inspiration photos or AI generated images (see below)
Forgetting to factor in veil placement
Not considering hair type, texture or weather
Assuming that bridal hair won't take very long. Styles like Hollywood waves can take hours.
7. After the Hair Trial
Take photos in natural and artificial light
Make notes of what worked and what didn’t
Confirm the hair products used and timing for the wedding day
8. Bridal Hair Trial Checklist
Here's a simple Bridal Hair Trial checklist to help us create that dream Bridal Hair style.
Inspiration images
Dress and veil/tiara/accessory details
Hair health prep complete
Extensions (if applicable)
Questions for stylist
Photos during trial
9. Frequently Asked Questions About Your Wedding Hair Trial
Q: How long does a Bridal hair trial take?
A: Usually 1–2 hours (sometimes more) depending on style, complexity, details and party numbers.
Q: Do I need a Bridal hair trial if my stylist already knows me?
A: Yes — a trial ensures your look is perfect for your wedding day and photos.
Q: Should I do a Bridal hair trial and wedding makeup trial on the same day?
A: It can be a massive benefit to have both your Wedding Hair and Makeup trial on the same day to coordinate the look, but allow enough time to test each properly. Even better if you can get your dress fitting in the same day.
You may find this post useful
10. And Finally...
Hopefully this Bridal Hair trial post has highlighted the importance of a trial and what you need to know. Your bridal hair trial is an essential part of your wedding journey to ensure stress-free wedding day hair. Proper preparation, communication, and a little trial-and-error will ensure your hairstyle lasts all day, looks amazing in photos, and suits your personal style.
I can't wait to meet you.
Ready to plan and your Bridal hair trial? Contact Simone Whitehead today to book your session and make your wedding day hair perfect.
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