Wedding Hair and Make-up Trial: UK Guide and Costs

A wedding hair and make-up trial is a practice run of your wedding-day look with the artist you have booked. Book your artist six to twelve months ahead, especially for a summer Saturday, and schedule the trial for around six to eight weeks before the wedding, once your outfit, accessories and colour scheme are settled.

Expect to pay roughly £90 to £150 for a trial with an experienced artist, according to Bridebook's 2026 pricing guide, though some packages include it. This guide covers what to bring, the questions to ask, how morning timings work for a whole wedding party and how to prepare your skin.

When to book your artist and your trial

Good hair stylists and make-up artists can only be in one place on a Saturday, so the most popular get booked early. Guides for Brides suggests booking six to twelve months ahead, particularly for peak summer dates and Saturdays, and having the trial around six to eight weeks before the wedding.

That timing gives you room to adjust the look, or even rethink it, without panic. It also means your trial happens when you know exactly what you are wearing. If you are growing out your hair, changing colour or having it cut, tell your stylist early so the trial reflects how your hair will be on the day.

Some couples like to plan the trial for the same day as an engagement shoot, a hen or stag celebration or a dress fitting, so they can see how the look holds up over several hours and in photographs.

What to bring to your trial

Photos of your outfit: including the neckline and back detail, plus fabric swatches if you have them. If you have not finalised it yet, browse wedding dresses first, as the outfit shapes everything else.
Your accessories: veil, hair vine, comb, headband or earrings. Bring the real items if you can, or similar ones. Find ideas among our bridal accessories suppliers.
Inspiration images: a handful of looks you love, and one or two you definitely do not.
A top in a similar neckline and colour: it helps you judge the overall effect, especially in photographs.
Your own products: anything you rely on, such as a favourite foundation or lipstick, plus details of any allergies or sensitivities.
Hair prepared as advised: many stylists prefer hair washed the day before rather than on the morning, so ask what they need.

Take photos in daylight, indoors and with flash before you leave. Then wear the look for the rest of the day to see how it lasts and how you feel in it.

Questions to ask your hair and make-up artist

Is the trial included in the price, and is it deducted if we book?
Do you do hair, make-up or both, or do you work with a partner?
How long do you allow per person for hair and for make-up?
How many people can you get ready alone, and will you bring an assistant for a larger party?
What travel fees, early-start fees or parking costs apply?
Can you stay for touch-ups, and what does that cost?
Which products do you use, and are they suitable for sensitive skin?
Do you offer lashes, and are they included?
What deposit do you take, and what are your cancellation terms?
Do you hold public liability insurance?
What happens if you are ill on the day?
Can you provide a touch-up kit or lipstick to keep?

How timings work on the wedding morning

The morning schedule is built backwards from the ceremony time. Guides for Brides suggests allowing about 60 to 90 minutes per person, depending on the hairstyle and make-up. Most artists aim to finish the person getting married with plenty of time to spare before photographs and getting dressed.

A typical approach:

Wedding party members go first, with the person getting married usually last or near last so their look is freshest.
Hair and make-up often run side by side, with two artists working in rotation.
Finish at least an hour before you leave for the ceremony, to allow for photographs, getting dressed and a calm moment.
If several people need styling, a second artist or assistant keeps the morning from starting at dawn.

Here is an example schedule for a 2pm ceremony, leaving around 1.30pm, with two artists getting four people ready:

Time	Hair artist	Make-up artist
7.30am	Arrive and set up	Arrive and set up
8.00am	Wedding party member 1	Wedding party member 2
8.45am	Wedding party member 2	Wedding party member 1
9.30am	Parent or family member	Wedding party member 3
10.15am	Wedding party member 3	Parent or family member
10.45am	Person getting married	Break and preparation
11.30am	Finishing touches and veil	Person getting married
12.15pm	Touch-ups and pack down	Touch-ups and pack down

Your artist will tailor this to your party size, the complexity of each style and travel time to the ceremony. Share it with your photographer so they know when to arrive.

Typical UK costs

Bridebook's 2026 data puts the average spend at £417 on hair and £394 on make-up. Its pricing guide gives these typical ranges:

Trial: around £90 to £150 with an experienced artist; some packages include trials
Bridal hair on the day: from about £120, with highly sought-after stylists charging £300 or more
Bridal make-up on the day: from about £150 up to around £400, depending on the artist and look
Wedding party: from around £60 per person for hair or make-up

Guides for Brides puts typical spend on bridal hair and make-up together at £250 to £450. Travel is usually extra, charged either per mile or as a flat fee, and early starts may carry a surcharge; neither source gives a standard figure, so ask for a full written quote. Prices tend to be highest in London and the South East and for peak-season Saturdays.

Add hair and make-up to your budget planner when you sign up for free, remembering to include the trial, travel and any wedding party members you are paying for.

Skincare in the lead-up

Make-up sits best on skin that is calm and well hydrated, and that takes time rather than last-minute fixes. Many artists suggest the following:

Start a simple routine months ahead: gentle cleanser, moisturiser and daily SPF, used consistently.
Book facials early: if you enjoy them, start a few months out and avoid trying new treatments close to the wedding.
Avoid anything new in the final weeks: new products, peels, waxing or brow treatments can cause unexpected reactions.
Time tanning carefully: if you use fake tan, try it before your trial so the artist can match your make-up.
Drink water and sleep: unglamorous, but you will see the difference.

If you have a skin condition or are using prescription treatments, talk to your GP or dermatologist well before the wedding about anything you plan to change.

Finding the right artist

Look for an artist whose portfolio includes skin tones, hair types and styles similar to yours, and check that photos show the look in natural light. Reviews from couples are useful, but a trial is the real test of whether you feel like yourself.

Browse wedding hair and make-up artists near you, check their availability for your date on their listings, then save favourites to your shortlist and send one enquiry to several at once with your date, location and party size.

Questions couples ask

How long before the wedding should we have a hair and make-up trial?

Around six to eight weeks before the wedding is a common recommendation. It is close enough that your outfit and accessories are decided, but leaves time to change the look or book a second trial if needed.

How much does a wedding hair and make-up trial cost?

Bridebook's 2026 pricing guide puts a trial with an experienced artist at around £90 to £150. Some artists include a trial in their wedding package or deduct it from the final bill, so ask before you book.

How long does hair and make-up take on the wedding morning?

Guides for Brides suggests allowing 60 to 90 minutes per person, depending on the style. With several people getting ready, a second artist or assistant can save a very early start.

Should the person getting married go first or last?

Usually last or near last, so the look is freshest for the ceremony and photographs. Leave at least an hour between finishing and leaving, to allow for getting dressed, photos and a moment to breathe.

Do we need to pay for the wedding party's hair and make-up?

There is no fixed rule. Some couples cover everyone, some pay for the wedding party only, and some ask guests to book and pay the artist directly. Agree it early so the artist can plan the schedule and quote accurately.

The Wedding Hair and Make-up Trial: Timings, Costs and Tips