My experience was terrible with the artist who was assigned to me.
I ended up having to do my OWN hair on my wedding day, because the person poorly managed her time with my bridesmaids, left to do me at the end, spent probably 45 min on my mak...eup, and then had only 20 minutes left to do my hair before I had to leave to go to the venue. Basically what happened, is, when she finally got to my hair, she couldn't manage to get my hair to curl. I do my hair in the style I was asking for (s-waves) lots of times and it turns out great. This person was supposed to be an expert, and she couldn't get it right. It became time for me to go (limo arrived) and my hair wasn't even done. My hair had already gone limp from what little she had done, and she and the other artist LEFT before I was finished. The BRIDE should be the most important client, and I received the worst service, which wasn't even finished! When I arrived at my venue, I had to then spend 15 minutes curling my own hair, which put me way behind schedule with my photographers.
Also will note that the Preview trial went poorly. I felt uncomfortable voicing what I didn't like because when I would try to say something, because each time I tried to say something, my opinions were not validated, and the person kept saying that THEY thought I looked "great" (wrong makeup tones for my complexion and 'look' I wanted; hair style left unfinished and could not manage to achieve the wavy look that I myself can do). The bride/client's opinion is what matters most. For example, I tried two different false eyelashes. She kept trying to tell me the full lashes were 'so beautiful' on me and will look better in my pictures, but I didn't like them and preferred the individuals. The way she reacted when I kept saying
I didn't like the fulls, was essentially telling me "ok, well its up to you, but this is just my professional opinion" but it was the way she responded that made me feel like my preferred choice would mean that I would not look 'beautiful' and the pictures wouldn't be as good. Professional opinions aside, if the client is not happy with what she looks like, and does not feel beautiful and comfortable, then don't make her feel like she is going to be less attractive if she wants to go with a different look.
I will say, the 2nd artist that came on my wedding day did a great job with my mother and bridesmaids. It's just a shame that I couldn't have had that person do my hair and makeup instead!
The lesson I learned from this experience is, MAKE SURE you a) feel comfortable with the artist you're trialing b) they LISTEN to you and make you feel good about your choices and opinions, c) make sure they do what you want at your trial-- It should be finished and styled completely-- you don't want to be left wondering if they are going to be able to achieve what you want on the big day.