Choosing your
wedding hair style
can be almost as tricky as drawing up the seating plan for your reception: all eyes will be on you during your big moment, and the whole day will no doubt be documented on a hundred camera phones, not to mention by the official wedding photographer. You definitely want to look back on your hair with no regrets!
One of the most common dilemmas is whether to go for a classic updo, or a more contemporary looser and more creative style. Here are some pointers to help you decide.
The classic updo
Wearing your hair up in a chignon or a French twist is a classic wedding hair style. It looks sleek, stylish and sophisticated, ensuring that your hairstyle will look timeless in the photographs that you will enjoy looking back on. It’s generally a flattering look no matter what your age or facial structure, making you look and feel more elegant.
The updo also works better with certain types of dress. If you have a ball gown style, or a dress with an intricate neckline that is intended to be the focal point, then wearing your hair up will show it off to best effect rather than fight with it. The same applies to elaborate necklaces or earrings; wear your hair up so that they can be seen!
A further consideration is the overall tone and theme of your wedding: if it’s a formal affair that follows the usual wedding traditions, then an updo will complement the venue and mood of the day. Finally, consider the natural texture and length of your hair: short or medium length fine or very silky hair may be more challenging to keep in place throughout the day.
Contemporary styles
In recent years, loose soft waves or half up, half down wedding hairstyles have become very popular. These freer styles can be more creative and easy to adapt to a range of different wedding themes. For example, if you are having a rustic wedding with outdoor socialising, a messy bun or loose half-up style could work well with the surroundings.
If you have a flowing bohemian style dress in diaphanous fabrics, then loose soft waves will complement this look perfectly. If you have a strapless or spaghetti strap dress, then a casual updo with some loose tendrils to frame your face could work well.
If you are having a chic urban wedding and wearing a non-traditional outfit such as a two piece suit or a jumpsuit, then a slicked back ponytail or a sleek blow dry will complement this look well.
Again, you need to take your natural hair length, body and texture into consideration, as styling products can only do so much and the effects may be undone if the weather is wet or windy. Loose hairstyles call for hair that is in great shape, so if you are wearing your hair down invest in some deep conditioning treatments in the weeks before your wedding.