1) It’s Not an Audition—It’s a Rehearsal
A Bridal Preview isn’t about testing whether your artist is “good enough.” Our work can easily be found in several places on line. The preview is a dress rehearsal for your beauty look—refining tones, lash style, parting, and polish so everything flows with your dress, hair texture, and venue vibe. As long as you have open communication and realistic expectations we can collaborate to create the perfect look for your big day!
Preview Day Reminders
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No new skincare actives; pause retinol 2–3 weeks prior
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Come with clean, moisturized skin—no mascara
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Wear white/ivory top for accurate color read
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Bring veil, clips, and extensions
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Clean, dry hair; blowouts by request
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Communicate likes/dislikes clearly before leaving
Bridal Previews are hosted Wed-Fri at our FWB Studio unless otherwise arranged. Children and pets are not permitted on premises.
2) Translating Pinterest Into Reality
Pinterest and Instagram photos are gorgeous inspiration, but they don’t always reflect real-life logistics:
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Hair: That Hollywood waves inspo pic? If your hair is thin, layered, or shoulder-length, it won’t look like the model’s waist-length extensions. In this case, your preview is where we talk through options—extensions for fullness, or a style that works better with your natural hair (like a secure chignon or a textured boho braid).
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Makeup: Filters and heavy editing can make colors look more intense or skin more flawless than in real life. The preview lets us pull what you love from those images and adapt it to your features, skin tone, and the Florida lighting.
This way, you leave knowing you have a look that’s realistic, flattering, and truly you.
3) Skin & Product Testing
Every bride’s skin is different—and so is every head of hair. The preview lets us stress-test both:
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Skin: We’ll find the right foundation formula so it lasts through tears, humidity, and flash photography.
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Hair: We’ll see how your curls, waves, or braids hold up under styling. For outdoor beach weddings, we often recommend secure options like boho/mermaid braids or elegant updos—styles that give you the “downish” look of curls, but won’t wilt in the salty air or midday sun.
It’s the moment to test how long your curls last, whether extra products or extensions are needed, and how we can build durability into your look.
4) Timing Is Everything
Wedding mornings run on a tight schedule. A preview allows us to:
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See how long your makeup application actually takes.
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Test how long it takes to prep and style your hair, especially if extensions are involved.
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Build a realistic timeline so you and your bridal party aren’t rushed.
5) Build Trust & Comfort
Your preview is also a chance to relax into the process. You’ll get comfortable in the chair, ask questions, and fine-tune details before the big day. Many brides say the preview is the first time they really saw themselves as “the bride.” That sense of calm and excitement carries straight into your wedding morning.
How to Prepare: Your Bridal Preview Checklist
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Hydrate & Moisturize: Plump, hydrated skin makes makeup glide and glow.
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Pause Actives: Avoid new routines/retinol for ~2–3 weeks; skip chemical peels close to the preview.
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Arrive Fresh‑Faced: Clean, moisturized skin—no makeup (especially mascara).
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Bring Inspo (2–4 images): From Pinterest or your own photos when you’ve felt beautiful.
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Dress the Part: Wear white/ivory to mimic gown tones for realistic color balance. Colored shirts while reflect a color cast onto the face resulting in foundation, blush and lip colors appearing off. Similar to how different you look under yellow warm lighting, fluorescent lighting, natural bright sun and that golden hour sunset lighting.
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Accessories: Bring veil, clips, and any extensions you plan to wear.
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Hair: Clean, dry hair; blowouts are separate if needed. We’ll advise ideal wash timing for wedding day. "dirty hair is better" is an old and very untrue myth. Please come with clean hair!
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Test Wear: Keep your makeup on all day to see durability in different lights.
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Speak Up: Love it? Say so. Unsure? Say that too. The preview is the perfect time to tweak.
FAQ
Can I trial before booking? Yes, but your date remains open to other bookings until your contract and retainer are received.
Does a trial hold my date? No. Only a signed contract and retainer secure your wedding date. If you choose to have a trial before you book, you'll have a courtesy window of 24 hours after your trial to secure your date. After which it is first come first serve.
When should I schedule it? About 2 months before the wedding—after your dress and overall style are set.
Why is my Bridal Preview scheduled closer to the wedding, instead of right after I book? This is a full blog worthy post
Ready to see your look come to life?
Serving Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Navarre, Pensacola & the Emerald Coast.