Your wedding day is the most important day of your life, and you want to look and feel your best! Want to make sure when you look back at your wedding photos that your hair stands the test of time? There are a lot of things to consider when choosing your hairstyle for the big day. Let’s face it…next to your dress, your hairstyle will be the biggest accessory you will be wearing that day. No bride ever wants to be a victim of “bridal hair regret.”
Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Hairstyle
Lots of Hairspray
I don’t care if you weren’t around in the 1980s but let me tell you something…hairspray was a girl’s best friend. Granted, there is a fine line between having some volume and looking like the lead singer from a hair band. A lot of brides opt out of using hair spray because they want a natural look and want to avoid “crunchy,” untouchable hair. Most stylists will know the best types of hairsprays to use to give your hair soft, natural movement with a stronghold.
Add Accessories
Picking the perfect bridal hair accessory can be a daunting task for any bride, but it doesn’t have to be. In no time, you’ll be able to find that perfect hair accessory that pulls your complete look together. First, consider the dress you’ll be wearing. As a general rule, if your dress is simple, you can accentuate it with a more detailed and ornate hair accessory. A simpler headpiece like a sweet ribbon or a headband is better suited for a heavily embellished dress. Try not to get bogged down by every little detail of your accessory making sure that it matches your dress exactly. The most important question to ask yourself is, “Do I feel beautiful, confident and special?” If your answer is “yes,” then you’ve found your hair accessory.
Veil or No Veil?
That’s the question. The good news here is that there is no rule that says you must wear a veil for your nuptials. These days, pretty much anything goes, and most brides don’t necessarily rely on or even know the tradition behind wearing a veil. Since it’s your wedding, you should wear what makes you feel the most confident. On a positive note, wearing a veil will guarantee some epic photos and it will bring a certain amount of drama and romance as you walk down the aisle. It’s pretty safe to say that your wedding is probably your only opportunity to wear a veil. On the downside, if you’re having an outdoor wedding, watch the weather. Nothing is worse than a bride fussing with her veil throughout the ceremony. For some brides, a veil is just another accessory to have to worry about and purchase.
When To Wash Your Hair
Wash your hair the night before. We all have our hair-washing routine, but you’ll want to avoid washing your hair the day of the wedding. Second-day hair works best because it allows natural oils in the hair to come through. Freshly washed hair is hard to manage because it doesn’t have enough oils to hold curls, especially in bridal hairstyles. If you’re worried about being greasy, use a dry shampoo. It works wonders.
Do a Trial Run of Your Hairstyle
You’ll want to book this appointment about three months before your wedding day. What happens at this appointment???…fun, talking about all things bridal and pampering. Be sure to bring your inspiration photos so your stylist can get an idea of the overall look you’re trying to achieve. If you are planning on wearing a veil or hair accessory, bring that with you, too! As your hairstylist is working, go ahead and say what you like or don’t like as the hairstyle is coming together. Be honest. It’s a lot easier for them to rework it. If a pin is poking your head or you want more volume, speak up.
Don’t Make Too Many Changes
Many brides think that getting fresh color right before the big day is a good idea. Most hairstylists will suggest getting a dye job about two weeks out before the wedding. Going with a balayage or ombre is a great option for adding color with less damage. Just like color, however, it’s not wise to get a haircut too close to your wedding. A lot of brides think their ends will be nice and fresh, but sometimes when ends are freshly cut, they don’t hold well in place. Most stylists will suggest getting your hair trimmed four to six weeks before your wedding, keeping in mind if your stylist gets a little “scissor happy” and you need a quick fix, quality extensions are always an option.
Check Your Neckline
For the best and most complete look, don’t treat your dress and your bridal hairstyle like two separate things. Your hair should work to complement and enhance your wedding dress. Although there are no rules, you may want to consider the neckline of your dress when choosing your bridal hairstyle. Wearing your hair half up and half down gives you the best of both worlds and looks fabulous with a strapless dress. Accessorizing and adding bling are great options, too! Dresses with a sweetheart, V-neck or plunging neckline look amazing with glam waves of Old Hollywood or even a voluminous ponytail. My favorite hairstyle for an off-the-shoulder dress is the classic and timeless chignon.
Wedding Day Weather
Weather can be pretty unpredictable, especially in the Midwest, but you definitely want to take it into account when thinking about bridal hair. Knowing the general season of your wedding day will give you a pretty good gauge of what kind of weather you can most likely expect on the big day. If you are getting married in a hot or humid climate, you may want to reconsider wearing your hair down. A windy, beachy destination can also wreak havoc on your ‘do. Unless your stylist is a magician, your hair could be a flat, sweaty mess. Pulling your hair back doesn’t mean it has to be boring or uber-traditional. There are so many options that will hold up rain or shine. Ultimately, you should wear what makes you feel the most beautiful and most comfortable.
Two Different Hairstyles
You’ve already knocked their socks off with your coif walking down the aisle, so why not surprise them with a whole new ‘do at the reception. You can certainly wear your hair down with some loose beach waves and then pin it up loosely for the reception. That being said, this is easiest to accomplish if your stylist is attending the wedding itself! If not, perhaps you have a hair-savvy bridesmaid who can do the honors.
At the end of the day, remember to be YOU. Just because it’s your wedding day doesn’t mean your partner wants a new version of you. After all, they already fell in love with you and the hairstyle you were rocking before the big day. When deciding on your bridal hairstyle, make sure you pick something that makes your feel amazing but still looks like you!
