Bridal Portraits vs Trial Runs
You’re planning your dream wedding and trying to check off all the boxes — including your bridal portraits and hair + makeup trial. We get this question all the time: “Can I just use my bridal portraits as my trial run?”
It sounds efficient, right? One appointment, one glam, one set of photos. But here’s the truth, while bridal portraits and trials can go hand-in-hand, they’re not the same thing. Each serves a different (and super important) purpose in helping you look and feel your best. Let’s break it down.
Consider Only Bridals If You...
Already know exactly what look you want.
Feel confident committing to your glam and being camera-ready in one appointment.
Are choosing a hair + makeup style you’ve worn before and know works perfectly for you.
If you’re decisive, experienced with professional beauty services, and just want to capture your look in photos — booking only a bridal portrait session might be all you need.
Consider a Trial and Bridals If You...
Haven’t had professional hair + makeup done before.
Tend to be indecisive and prefer testing out different styles first.
Want your bridal portraits to reflect your true wedding-day look.
This combo gives you the best of both worlds, time to experiment and the chance to perfect every detail before your portraits.
Why Separating the Two Is a Game-Changer
No pressure. You’re not making a big glam decision the same day as your photoshoot.
Time to tweak. You can adjust your hairstyle, lip color, or lash length before portraits.
Perfect artist pairing. Your trial is guaranteed with your wedding-day artist — no juggling schedules with your photographer or venue.
Doing both means you get the peace of mind and the perfected look that photographs flawlessly.
The Truth About Trials vs. Bridals
We always get asked if they’re interchangeable… and the truth? They’re not always. Brides who book both a trial and bridal portraits consistently tell us how much calmer, more confident, and radiant they felt on their big day. The extra step truly pays off and it shows in every photo.