Keep having regular haircuts. At your trial, your artist can give you guidance on whether you need to grow your hair. If your hair is very long or not layered, it can be difficult to manage and style, limiting the looks your artist can show you at your trial.
Look after those locks. Pay special attention to hair care in the weeks before your trial and wedding, so that your hair is shiny and healthy. If you’re unsure of the best products for your hair type, consult with your stylist.
Don’t get your hair cut or colored just before the wedding! It’s better to be safe than sorry, so avoid having a cut too close to your wedding. Especially avoid a radical change of style.
Hair texture. I recommend you don't fight your natural texture. Curly hair looks amazing either down or up. Straight hair can be curled into waves and wound into ornate up-dos (with the help of pins and hairspray). Wavy hair can be either straightened or curled and is the perfect texture for half-up/half-down styles as well as updos.
When scheduling your hair appointments for your actual wedding day, add a cushion of time so no one (you or your bridesmaids) will be delayed. I suggest 30 minutes for curls or blow-dry and 45 minutes for up styles, the bride should get an entire hour.
Trial. The session should allow enough time for you to try three different hairstyles. Be sure to bring your headpiece (or photo of it) along. Book your stylist four to six months ahead of time, and have your trial four to six weeks prior to the wedding.
Explain the style of your wedding and reception to your stylist, and bring a photo or sketch of your gown.
Wear a button-front shirt or dress for your day-of styling. That way, when you change into your wedding dress, there is no pulling of shirts over your finished hairdo.
Be product free on the day. On your trial day and wedding day, have clean, dry hair. Avoid using a lot of conditioners that morning, especially a leave-in one. Stay away from silkening products that weigh your hair down and make it slippery to work with.
Take pictures as you go. Bring a friend to your trial, and have her take photos of all your options from every angle. Be sure to capture the front, profile, back, and even how your hair looks from above. The goal is to have every side be your “best side,” since you’re sure to be photographed from every angle on the big day.