From Trial to Aisle: What Brides Wish They Knew About Hair & Makeup Prep

Planning a wedding is filled with excitement - and a million moving pieces. Between vendor meetings, dress fittings, and finalizing your timeline, hair and makeup prep can sometimes get pushed to the bottom of the list. But beauty is one of the few things that touches nearly every part of your big day - from your morning photos to your walk down the aisle.

At OnTrend Hair & Makeup, we love being part of the journey, and we’ve learned that the more prepared you feel, the more present and confident you’ll be. That’s why we created this guide - to help you feel calm, ready, and truly radiant from your bridal preview to your final touch-up.

Simplifying Your Bridal Preview

Your bridal preview - sometimes called a “trial” - is your chance to step into your wedding-day look for the first time. It’s more than just a makeup test - it’s where the magic starts.

To make the most of your preview, follow these key tips:

• Gather clear inspiration. Pinterest, Instagram, and bridal mags are your friend - but go in with 3–5 looks that reflect your true style. Whether you love a sleek updo or soft waves, knowing what you don’t like is just as helpful.

• Think about your overall wedding theme. Your venue, dress, and style (romantic, boho, vintage, glam) should all feel connected. We’ll help your look feel cohesive.

• Arrive with clean, dry hair. Unless told otherwise, wash your hair the night before. Avoid product build-up or dry shampoo, which can interfere with styling.

• Skip the makeup. We love working with a clean canvas - don’t worry, we’ll take it from there.

• Bring accessories. Veil? Hairpins? Earrings? Bring them to the preview so we can test the full look.

• Wear a button-down or zip-up. This makes changing easier and helps you visualize how your glam will look with your outfit.

• Be open but honest. Tell us your likes, dislikes, and what you’re unsure about. We’ll offer expert suggestions, but it’s a collaborative process.

• Expect to take photos. We’ll snap shots from multiple angles and distances so you can see how your look photographs—and so we can recreate it perfectly on the big day.

• Details matter. We’ll also ask questions about your venue, timeline, accessories, and weather to make sure everything is tailored to your day.

Wedding Day Beauty: Tips for a Smooth Morning

As your day gets closer, you’ll want to feel relaxed and ready - not rushing or second-guessing anything. That’s why Sara created a simple prep list she sends to every bride 1–2 weeks before the big day. Here are the highlights:

• Wash and dry your hair the night before. Clean hair styles best, especially if you're doing waves or an updo.

• Exfoliate and hydrate. Do this the night before using products you already know and trust. Don’t try anything new last-minute!

• Avoid SPF. It causes flashback in photography. We’ll use products that prep and protect without compromising your glow.

• Shape brows in advance. Book any brow appointments a few days before to avoid redness or irritation.

• No steaming near the glam area. Steaming your dress near your hair/makeup station can cause curls to fall or makeup to melt. Steam early in a separate room.

• Bring a touch-up kit. We recommend a lipstick (we’ll tell you the shade), blotting powder, and maybe a compact mirror for quick refreshes.

• Stay hydrated and rested. Drink water and get sleep the night before. It really makes a visible difference in your skin and energy.

• Wear a robe or button-down shirt. This makes changing easy and protects your final glam.

• Communicate clearly. Let us know your room location, schedule, and any changes early so everything runs smoothly.

• Avoid last-minute surprises. Adding clip-in extensions, hair switches, or new accessories the day of can throw off timing - tell us ahead of time so we’re prepared.

• Take a moment to breathe. Seriously. Your beauty team has your back. Take a deep breath, soak it all in, and trust the process.

Real Stories, Real Results

One bride told us she used to think beauty prep would be “just another thing on the to-do list” - but her preview made her feel excited, not overwhelmed. Another shared that her biggest stress relief came from the checklist Sara sent before the wedding. “I didn’t even think about how much SPF could mess up my photos - I’m so glad I read that tip!”

Simple reminders like these make all the difference. And when you feel confident in the little details, you can fully enjoy the big moments.

Finding Your Wedding-Day Beauty Balance

Your beauty routine should feel like you - not a version of someone else, and definitely not stressful. With the right prep, expert guidance, and a little pampering, getting ready becomes one of the most relaxing parts of your day.

From your bridal preview to your first look, we’re here to make sure your beauty experience feels personal, elevated, and seamless.

Everyday Beauty Favorites from the Bridal Suite to Real Life

While our brides arrive to glam sessions with clean, makeup-free skin, we know you still want easy, go-to products that make you feel confident in your day-to-day - before and after the wedding.

These are some of Sara’s favorite ONTrend essentials that brides love long after the big day is over:

• Oil-Free Daily Moisturizer + Niacinamide Vitamin Boost Serum: A one‑step duo that preps your skin all week long

• Tinted Moisturizer: Fresh, even coverage for errands, brunches, or travel days

• Automatic Eyebrow Pencil: Quick definition in seconds—no sharpening needed

• Dual lash mascara: Clump-free length and volume with lash-conditioning ingredients

• Crème Concealer Stick: Perfect for touch-ups on blemishes or under eyes

• Lip Oil or full Lip Kit: Moisturizing shine or full lip color for any occasion

• Talc-Free Blush: Lightweight and buildable with a natural finish

Shop ONTrend Makeup

Whether you're heading to a dress fitting, your honeymoon, or just tackling your everyday to-do list, these products are all about helping you feel fresh, confident, and effortlessly put-together.