A few year ago a bride I was photographing on her wedding day sat in the makeup chair, excited but running on that wedding-day adrenaline. The makeup artist worked her magic, and when she spun her around to reveal the final look…

It wasn’t her. The foundation felt heavy. The contour was too sharp. Her brows looked completely different than how she usually did them. Everyone noticed but didn’t say much, it was a quiet room at this point.

She tried to hold it together, but as soon as the makeup artist left, she broke down in tears.

And I don’t mean a “happy little tear down the cheek” moment. I mean full-on, mascara-smearing panic.

With only minutes to spare, she grabbed a makeup wipe and started redoing her own makeup—stressing out, rushing, and losing precious moments with her girls.

The Lesson? A Makeup Trial should NOT be Optional.

Listen, I get it. Wedding budgets are real, and it’s easy to look at a makeup trial as “just another thing” to add to the list. But here’s why you NEED it:

1. You’ll see exactly how the makeup looks on YOU. Every face is different. What looks soft and glowy on one person might look overdone on another. A trial ensures you love how you look before the big day.

2. You’ll have time to make adjustments. Hate the lipstick? Prefer a different foundation? Want your eyeliner softer? A trial lets you work through those tweaks before you’re racing against the clock.

3. You’ll actually feel confident walking down the aisle. No second-guessing. No mirror-checking. No “OMG, do I look okay?” thoughts. Just pure, radiant, stress-free bridal energy.

What to Do If You’re on the Fence

Still not sure if a trial is worth it? Here’s how to make the most of it so it feels like an investment, not an extra cost:

1. Schedule it before your engagement session or bridal shower. That way, you get professional makeup done for another event AND get to see how it wears throughout the day as well as how it photographs.

2. Bring inspo photos—but be flexible. Your artist will work with your features, skin type, and personal style to create a look that enhances you.

3. Wear it for a full day. See how the makeup holds up after hours of hugging, smiling, and maybe even dancing in your living room.

4. Communicate openly. Your makeup artist wants you to love your look! Be honest about what you like and don’t like so they can adjust accordingly.

So beautiful bride to be, if you’re debating whether or not to schedule yours, this is your sign to do it. Give yourself the gift of a stress-free wedding morning—because you deserve to feel like the best version of YOU.

And when you’re glowing with confidence, trust me… the photos will show it.