How to Prepare for Your Bridal Trial (Cape Cod Bride Edition)

Booking your bridal makeup trial is one of the most exciting steps in your wedding beauty journey. It’s the moment your vision starts to come to life, and as a Cape Cod bridal makeup artist, I love helping brides discover a look that makes them feel completely themselves (just a little more glowy).

To make the most of your trial session, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s everything you need to know to walk into your bridal trial feeling confident and ready.

Bring Inspiration—But Keep It Realistic

Pinterest and Instagram are amazing for gathering ideas, so come with a few saved looks that speak to you. Look for patterns, are you drawn to soft glam, bold liner, glowing skin, or a natural flush? Sharing your preferences helps me understand your style and create something just for youl.

Pro Tip: Try to choose photos of people with a similar skin tone, eye shape, or features, this gives us a more realistic starting point for your look.

Wear White (Or Something Close!)

Wearing a white or ivory top helps you see how your makeup will look against your dress. It also gives a better feel for how the tones and intensity will translate in photos and in person on your actual wedding day.

Arrive With a Clean, Moisturized Face

Please arrive with clean skin, no makeup, no leftover mascara, and apply your usual moisturizer beforehand. This gives me a perfect canvas to start with and helps your makeup go on smoothly.

If you’re unsure about your skincare routine or have specific concerns (dryness, texture, etc.), we can chat about that too!

Bring the Details: Timeline, Hair Ideas, & More

It’s helpful if you can share a few logistics, like what time you need to be ready or if you’ll be doing a first look.

If you already have your hair stylist booked or know your hairstyle, that’s great info to bring too, it all works together to shape your overall look. Still searching for a hair stylist? I have worked with the best, and am always happy to offer recommendations to clients. And don’t forget to mention your dress style, venue (beachy, formal, garden?), and any color themes.

Be Honest and Ask Questions

This is your time to speak up! If something feels too bold, too subtle, or just not you, I want to know. My goal is to make sure you walk out feeling excited and confident about your wedding day makeup.

Bonus: Take a Few Selfies in Natural Light

After the trial, snap a few photos near a window or outdoors. Makeup can look different in various lighting, so taking some photos throughout the day will help you see how it wears—and give you peace of mind before the big day.

Your Trial Is the First Step to a Stress-Free Wedding Morning

Your bridal makeup trial should feel fun, relaxed, and collaborative. It’s all about making sure you feel like the most confident version of yourself when you walk down the aisle.

If you’re planning your wedding on Cape Cod and still looking for a bridal makeup artist, I’d love to chat and help bring your dream look to life.