Is it really important to do trials for your wedding hair, makeup, and photos? Although wedding planning can be a busy time and drain finances, it’s truly essential to take a moment to ensure who you have hired is a PERFECT fit with your vendors.

Still not convinced? Let me tell you the top 5 reasons why you should have an engagement session/vendor trial (especially for photos, makeup & hair!) + scroll down for my tips on how to approach a conversation when you’re not happy after a trial or have questions.

It’s important to get-to-know the Photographer/ Hair & Makeup Artist and visa-versa.
Typically, you've fallen in love with their work on social media or another event you attended. So, you already know what they can DO, but an engagement session can be a really a great time to feel out that person as a WHOLE. You spend a good amount of time with your photographer on the day of your Wedding, so your engagement session will help you see if this person not only matches your energy, but makes you feel entirely comfortable! This will absolutely make a difference on the day of your Wedding! Do they make you feel at ease and natural? Have they listened to your wants and have they been able to accommodate your wishes?
You’ll learn how your photographer or beauty stylist is on time management.
This is one most Couples don’t tend to think about. Backstory: Some years ago, my best friend took family photos for us and my boys were really uncomfortable with it. They are not big picture takers, but she blew me away because she was so fast with each idea and pose! My best friend, aka photographer, made us feel comfortable and had the best attitude when they would make a funny face or be silly and we all ended up having a great time. The best part, she was so good at capturing the moment so quickly, that it didn’t consume our whole day with photos. This is exactly how you want to feel about your photographer; someone who meshes with the day and doesn't need to overtake photos to get the best shot.
Side Note: In need of family photos? Contact the best- Lisa Lorene Photography IG: @_lisalorenephotography_
Additionally, I attended a destination wedding years ago and the makeup artist was TWO hours behind. While the wedding party started on time, her services were slow. That’s not to say everyone didn't look amazing, but the lack of time management caused the wedding to start two hours late and my wedding planner brain was exploding (haha!).
You will get more comfortable with the camera or makeup.
If you’re anything like me, I freeze when I’m in front of the camera. So, an engagement session will give your photographer a chance to show you new poses and help you really find your inner model. Especially if you are a super stiff person (also like me), your photographer will be more aware if they will need to offer more direction on the day of your Wedding. I often hear the photographer say, “Let’s try that one pose from your engagement session.” It’s like a pre-practice for the big day!
In regards to makeup, I can’t tell you how often my Brides will tell me, “I don’t tend to wear makeup very often,” and are worried about looking overdone. By having them test different foundations, everything from airbrush to light application, you'll give yourself a chance to get used to this new look too!
You will see how you look with their editing.
A few years ago, I worked with a photobooth company that was the go-to photo booth for the Kardashians. I was really excited, because I felt like I would have my ULTIMATE bougie moment, but when I saw my skin color with their filter, I hated it. My inner Khloe was nowhere to be found! The point is, we may all think we look one way in a photo, but it’s not until you see yourself under the filter, when you know if they are fit for you!
You’ll have photos to use for your Wedding Website and Save the Date Cards.
Not doing an engagement session is a BIG regret of my Couples. You’ll never be engaged again, so savor the moment with beautiful photos! Plus, you can use those photos in many aspects of your Wedding; from the Website to your Save the Date cards. Even as a pretty canvas to welcome your guests to your Wedding or a custom Guest Book Album!

So what can YOU do to prepare for your engagement photos & trials?

I always recommend creating a Pinterest or Style Guide in our Jamison Events Planning Platform that you can share with your photographer or hair and makeup artist. This will be filled with inspirational photos of looks and shots that you like! It will also help them get an idea of your style and expectations.

We are on Pinterest! @JamisonEvents

We share our REAL weddings + provide all the dreamy wedding inspo you can create your wedding board with!

Trials don’t have to stop with your Hair and Makeup Artist or Photographer…

How about your DJ?

One way to ensure you are hiring the right DJ for your event is to ask for videos they may have of them working an event. Try out our DJ checklist when interviewing potential candidates! You may even be able to quietly pop into a Wedding prior to your big day for a chance to see your DJ in action. Make sure that you’ve been given permission to do so by the Couple who will be getting married and also make sure to dress appropriately for the occasion. (PS- this should only be a 5 minute max stop in). Check out our other blog, TOP Reasons Why Your Wedding DJ is Important!

And Florals?

While there are often costs involved in a mock table, if you are able, we always recommend planning a mock table trial with your florist. Your florist can either add the cost into your package or charge it separately (communicate this prior to booking). This trial is a great way to see your guest tables, see what you like the look of and what you’d prefer to change and see the coloring and overall aesthetic.

What if you’re not happy with how the trial or session worked out?

If you don’t like the photos they took or the hair style, communication is key, and honesty, honesty, honesty. We never want to hurt someone's feelings, but honesty will help that vendor learn to do better on future occasions. Go into the appointment clear with your expectations and communicate throughout the appointment with what you like and don’t like. This will help ensure the end result is what you are hoping for.

However, if you still aren’t happy with the end result, we highly recommend chatting with that vendor. They may be able to change a process, offer another trial or it could be that they just might be unable to accommodate your expectations, but that is exactly why you planned the trial ahead of time.

**Noted: If you choose not to book that vendor, fees for the trial or engagement session will not be refunded.

All in all, taking the time for a trial, engagement session, meeting or mock setup is always a good idea. This all ensures you have booked the proper Wedding Vendor in the long run for your big day!

Have a Wonderful Day,

Jamison

Photo Credit-: Judy and Gavin Photography, Lauren Newman Photography

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Pre-Wedding Trials for your Wedding Hair, Makeup and Photography