How  to Make the Most of Your Trial Run Before the Wedding
In the past,when I have done what I thought was a successful trial run ( the bride seemed happy with the different looks and we seemed to have a good relationship), and then I don’t hear from her again ( I don’t get the booking ), I try to  analyze what I could have done to change the outcome. 

First, I think it’s important to describe how I start the meeting.  I like to spend the first half hour getting to know  the bride and finding out everything that I feel is important for me to know about the wedding; the time of day, the location, colors of the linens, flowers, etc.

Then I ask about the dress’ length, color, and style. Is she wearing a veil or a tiara or both?Maybe she’s just wearing a flower or pins in her hair;  which brings us to investigate the look that she’s going for.

I find that the best way for a bride to communicate her vision is through pictures that she has cut out of magazines. This works for both hair and makeup. Most brides do bring in a picture to show how they’d like their hair done.  However, I find that the same rule applies to makeup.  For example, what might be a “natural look” for one bride might seem way overdone for another.

When looking for a picture, it’s best to choose one  where the model has similar coloring to hers. When it comes to choosing a hair style, she should  keep in mind the texture and length of her own hair.

Before I start styling, I take a digital picture of the bride without makeup. I print this and use it as her “before” shot.  After each look is styled,we talk about what she likes and doesn’t like and try to remedy the situation. I take more pictures to make sure that the looks are documented from all sides. I print these also so the bride can take them home to decide which one she prefers. I also make copies to keep for my own reference. When the bride leaves, I give her a copy of the contract with a self addressed envelope so that if she decides to hire me, she can sign it and send it back to me with the deposit to hold the date. When I receive it, I sign it, make a copy and send it back to her.

Basically, I try to be a good listener and execute the style and look that  the client asks for.

For me, the most important outcome is that she’s happy with the result and that it was a pleasant experience.  If that isn’t the case, I would hope that she’d let me know and allow me to schedule another trial gratis, of course.