How to Choose your Perfect Wedding Hairstyle

So, you’re getting closer and closer to your big day and your vision is starting to take shape. You’ve got your wedding vendors lined up, the invites sent out and you’ve even got your gorgeous, elegant wedding dress bought and tailored. Almost everything is done. The question is, how are you going to complete your perfect wedding look? What are you going to do with your hair?

There are tons of options to think about and a lot of the time your hair design is contingent on your outfit. Fundamentally, if you have a higher neckline or a dress with a lot of beautiful detailing on the back, then the chances are you’re not going to want to have your hair down, covering all of that detail. That’s just one example, but only once you have your dress and your overarching theme for your wedding day, then you can start thinking about your wedding hairstyle, and working out what you want.

There are quite a few things to consider when it comes to wedding hairstyles, so let us be your guide into this wonderful world and help you find your way to your dream bridal look.

Updo, half and half or down?

This is the main question and probably the first question that your hairdresser is going to ask you is whether you want your hair up, down, or somewhere in between. You might come in with a load of reference photos in different styles, but fundamentally, this is the first thing that you need to decide.

All three styles definitely have their merit and the length of your hair will determine the viability of some of these options as well but once you have your wedding dress settled, there are some things that you’re going to want to consider.

Things like if you’re having a wedding venue that’s open to the elements. If this is the case you’re going to need something secure and hairsprayed that won’t get in your face if the wind picks up. Alternatively, if you want to let your hair down and dance the night away, this is something to consider. Chances are you won’t have time for a full hair restyle in between the ceremony and reception with all the photos, speeches and people to say hello to.

Find a hairstyle that is going to work practically for your wedding as well as aesthetically – exactly the same as you would when picking your wedding dress.

Accessories

Secondly, your hairdresser is probably going to ask you if you have any accessories that you’d like to incorporate into your overall wedding look. This can vary from tiaras to headbands, to flower crowns to jewelled hair pins and motifs and beyond. What kind of wedding hairstyle you’re able to have can massively depend on what accessory, if any, you want in your hair on your wedding day.

For instance, if you want a flowing rock and roll kind of beach wave look but you have a tiara that needs to be pinned and secured into the front section of your hair, this isn’t going to work cohesively and the overall look will appear messy and confused.

Similarly, if you want a slicked back, elegant and tidy updo but you have a flower crown to incorporate, it might look a bit odd too. Work with what you have and ask your hairstylist if you’re unsure. They’re the pros, they’ll know what to do!

Veil slots

Separate from other hair accessories and pretty much exclusive to bridal looks are veils. With dozens of different types of wedding veils from short 1960s style cropped affairs, to full cascading cathedral veils and everything in between, they’re certainly something to contend with when choosing your perfect wedding hairstyle.

Remember, the hairstyle needs to look good both with the veil in front of the face and when your new spouse pulls back the veil to see your face. There’s nothing worse than a veil being so pinned into position to look flawless while you’re gliding down the aisle, only to pull half your hair out when you try and pull it back. Think practically as well as aesthetically, this is the recurring theme here.

Vintage references

Although you should always go into a wedding hair consultation with plenty of photo and video references, this is doubly important if you’re having a vintage inspired or era-specific wedding theme.

While a lot of wedding hairdressers will be familiar with different styles and eras, it doesn’t mean that they’re experts and if you have a vision that you want to execute, you better come prepared! This also goes for any makeup looks that you want to accompany your vintage inspired hair. It’s all one big picture here, so in the test run treat it as such!  

Final tips

Let’s wrap up with some final tips for how to choose your perfect wedding hairstyle.

• Start looking early and experiment at home. Use sites like Pinterest to collate looks that you’re interested in and try some of them out ahead of time. When you have your wedding hair taster session, there is limited time to try looks so you’ll have wanted to have whittled it down by then.
• ​​Account for the seasons and the wedding venue. If you’re outside, especially in a coastal region, make sure that your hairstyle can withstand the wind and won’t blow out into a mess before you get a chance to get all of those lovely wedding photos.
• Always bring way more bobby pins than you need. This might be a little job that you roll out to one of your bridesmaids, but as we all know bobby pins love to go missing and as the night wears on, your hair might start drooping and shifting. For your wedding, you should bring spares and backups of pretty much everything and when it comes to your hairstyle, it’s no different at all!

Bridal Hairstyles

These brides hairstyles by Stephanie Brinkerhoff and photographed by Ciara Richardson are truly inspired. No matter which of the four is your favorite all of them effortlessly combine elegance and glamour with a young and fresh chic vibe. I’m in love! You’ll notice that none of these looks appear overworked, there are no ‘hair spray helmets’ going on, and the makeup is soft and gorgeous allowing natural beauty to shine through. Be sure to save your favorites to show your stylist!

Which of these hairstyles would you love to have on your wedding day?