What to Expect
And How to Prepare
Your bridal trial is the place to say,
“I like it, but could we try…?”
A softer lip, a different parting, a little less volume.
These details matter, and we want to hear about them.
At Gemma Nichols Hair and Makeup, your wedding hair and makeup trial is a collaboration. We bring the experience, you bring your ideas and honest opinions, and together we work out the details of your bridal look.
What happens at a bridal hair and makeup trial?
We start with a conversation. How do you usually wear your makeup? What looks inspire you? Can we see your dress photos to understand your style. What do you love about the hairstyles you’ve saved? Is there anything you know you don’t want? Basically it’s all about us getting to know what you do and don’t like through a thorough consultation.
You don’t need to arrive with every decision made. If your inspiration includes several different looks, we’ll help you identify what appeals to you about each one.
Then we create your look and refine it together. We’ll consider details such as your hair texture, preferred coverage, accessories and how comfortable you feel wearing the finished result.
If a hairstyle needs extensions, or your hair is unlikely to hold those very loose waves, we’ll explain the options. You’ll have realistic advice to help you make a decision.
We also photograph the finished look so we have a reference for your wedding day.
Wear your look for the rest of the day and let us know how it feels and lasts. You might prefer a dewier or more matte finish, or want to tweak a detail of your hair or makeup. These refinements are all part of the process, so your wedding day look feels completely like you.
When should you have your wedding hair and makeup trial?
We generally recommend around five to six weeks before your wedding.
By then, you’re more likely to have chosen your earrings, veil and hair accessories, so you can bring them to your trial. These details influence your hair and makeup, and we want to see how everything works together.
This timing also leaves room to follow up on any recommendations, such as focusing on hydration in your skincare routine or adding some face-framing layers to complement your chosen hairstyle.
Your look will also be fresh in our minds on your wedding day. Alongside the detailed notes and photos we take, that familiarity helps us pick up where we left off, knowing the little details you loved.
Gem will contact you four months before the wedding to organise your appointment.
Allow at least three hours for a combined hair and makeup trial. Extensions and Hollywood waves can require additional time, so please mention these when arranging your appointment.
How to prepare for your bridal trial
A little preparation helps us make the most of your time together.
Save a few reference photos. Tell us what you like about each one: the eye definition, skin finish, shape of the bun or softness around the face. Examples of what you don’t like can be useful too.
Bring your accessories. Your veil, hair accessories and earrings help us see how the details work together.
Have outfit photos handy. The neckline and overall style can help guide decisions about your hair and makeup.
Follow your artist’s hair preparation instructions. Hair should be clean and dry, with any specific instructions discussed beforehand, particularly if you’re wearing your natural curls.
Arrive without makeup. Keep to skincare products you already know work well for you, and tell your artist about any sensitivities.
Mention extensions and tanning plans. Bring any extensions you already own, and ask how to prepare them. If you plan to have a wedding tan, let us know so we can discuss how that may affect your makeup choices.
What if you want to change something?
Please tell us.
You might like the overall look but prefer a softer eye, a different lipstick or less height in your hairstyle. That feedback helps us understand your preferences.
Speak up during the appointment so we can work through the details together. You can also let us know afterwards how the look felt and wore throughout the day.
Your trial is a chance to explore those decisions before your wedding morning.
What should you do after the trial?
Wear your look for the rest of the day if you can. Notice how comfortable the makeup feels, how the hairstyle settles and whether there’s anything you’d like to adjust.
Take a few photos and make a note of your feedback while it’s fresh in your mind.
Look after the hairstyle while assessing it. When travelling home, keep it clear of the car headrest as much as possible; rubbing against it can disturb the styling.
A few practical questions
Will my trial be with my wedding artists?
Your trial is always arranged with the artists booked for your wedding.
Where are trials held?
At your assigned artist’s home studio in Sydney. We’ll confirm the location when arranging your appointment.
Which days are available?
Availability varies between artists, with appointments generally offered on Mondays to Thursdays between 9.30am - 4pm.
Can I bring someone?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring one support person.
What if I live interstate or overseas?
Get in touch with Gem to discuss the options. We can prioritise a trial for when you come back to Sydney or worst case scenario we can arrange a Zoom consultation so we can talk through your plans, reference photos and questions.
How much does a bridal trial cost?
Gem will confirm the current fee for your chosen services when arranging your appointment.
Planning your wedding hair and makeup in Sydney?
Your trial is one part of the support we provide, from talking through your inspiration to refining the finishing touches.
Explore our wedding hair and makeup services, or check availability for your wedding date. Tell us where you’re getting ready and who needs hair and makeup—we’d love to hear your plans.
