
What to expect on the day of the trial
What exactly is a bridal trial?
This is an opportunity for you to meet with your makeup artist or hair stylist in advance of your wedding to choose a style and have a look at what might work. This gives both the bride and the artist a chance to get to know each other and to get a run don of how the bridal morning will run. The makeup is a trial run and final tweaks will be made on the wedding day based on results from the trial.
Where does the trial take place?
The Bridal trial is held at Niamh’s studio based in Rathfarnham, Dublin 16. This usually takes place at the beginning of the calender year, between January to March typically before weddings season really kicks in. Trials are available at other times of the year but will most likely be a weekday as most weekends will be booked up.
When you arrive, We will sit down and double check all of the details on your booking form & then discuss the look you want to achieve. It’s very helpful to have any pictures or pinterest boards of ideas you may have. You could follow Niamh’s Facebook page or Instagram (@niamhmartinmakeup) either for inspiration of recent brides. A picture of your dress and any accessories you may be wearing can help also. Niamh will work with your features and desired style and we can get a great idea for the ‘final look’, but obviously it will all come together much better on the wedding day.
Can I bring my bridal party with me?
You are more than welcome to bring along up to two other persons to your trial. Some people choose to have makeup trials for their mothers or bridesmaids. This is not essential but is of course an option, however this needs to take place on the same day as your bridal trial. Each trial takes approximately one hour. A second trial is rare but is an option if there is something you are overly concerned about. At the end of the trial We will take pictures of the look and take any notes which will be kept in your file. Niamh will also advise which products were used on the lips (incase you wish to purchase them) and any other products we feel would benefit you throughout the day for small touch ups.
It is important we do our best to achieve your perfect look so always be sure to tell Niamh of anything you’re unsure of as that’s what the trial is all about!
On the morning of the wedding...
Niamh will arrive at the agreed time on the morning ready to start with the bridal party. She will set up the makeup kit ready for action. An area with a large table and good lighting will be required. Every wedding is different and she will adapt to fit each wedding but usually we will start with one of the bridesmaids and work through the entire bridal party leaving the bride until later in the morning. This leaves the bride free to relax during the morning and have breakfast and be available whilst flowers arrive etc.
Each face takes approximately 30/40mins and aim is to have everyone ready approx one hour before you need to leave for ceremony. Once the bridal party is complete, the bride can take her last moment to relax, maybe have a glass of bubbles and take everything in. As the bride is getting dressed, Niamh will then finish of any last makeups and any touch ups needed. Once the bride is dressed and ready, Niamh will arrange any final touches and once everyone is happy that is our queue to leave. Niamh will be with the bridal party until about half hour before ceremony when it is advisable to have as few professional suppliers left in the room, this is the opportunity to enjoy with family before the day commences.
