Here Comes the Bride
For many of us who have seen friends and family get hitched this year, the wedding season may already be over. However, for the brides-to-be for next year or the year after; the planning has only just got underway. Even though my tenure as a wedding hair stylist has ended, the desire to help women achieve the hair of their dreams has most certainly not. There are lots of things to think about for your wedding day. Your wedding hairstyle is one on a very long list. Here are my top tips for preparing and maintaining your wedding hairstyle on the day.
Things You Need To Prepare For A Wedding Hairstyle
Photo Credit: Sweethearts Hair
Whether you are at home or at another location such as a hotel there are a few crucial things to remember for the big day. Washing the hair the night before is a very good idea and your stylist will love you for it. It will still feel fresh but it won't be too silky to style. You'll also need a mirror and a chair. Not only does the stylist need to see what you look like but so do you! Plug access can also be a commonly overlooked problem. An extension lead is highly recommended. Without it, you are relying on the plug being in the right position.
Ideally, you should have already taken the veil and any accessories to the trial beforehand. If that wasn't possible, be sure to let your stylist know where you would like everything to go, especially the veil. When choosing bridesmaids or flower girl accessories, the most style-friendly ones are Hair Twists and Paper Flowers on wire. Ebay is a fantastic and cost-effective resource for these items. The flowers are light as they are made of paper and the wire bends easily into the hair. Hair twists are also fantastic for holding the hair into place. Also, any accessories that are on crocodile clips rather than slides are preferable. They are a lot easier to put in and are less likely to disturb the hairstyle.
On The Day
If your hair is going up, there can often be many pins going into the style. It's not uncommon for one of them to catch onto another one. If this happens it can feel very uncomfortable or even painful. Never wait until the end of the style to say something. It's easy to reposition at the time; very hard to find it at the end. You should also keep a couple of these grips / bobby pins on your person just in case something does happen to fall loose during the day.
It is very important that you as a bride are consulted about your hairstyle all the way through. Whether it's what sort of curl you need or how much height you want. You need to have a degree of control so that the final wedding hairstyle is really what you want.
If you are wearing a veil, this can be pushed into the hair upwards or downwards. This doesn't necessarily matter but the security of it does. Even if the veil attachment feels very secure; I reinforce this with some grips / bobby pins at either side. This ensures the veil stays in place all day.
That Special Hairstyle
If you have your heart set on having your hair down with curls. Be sure that your hair type can take the sort of curl you want. Or at least can hold them on the day. If the curls are likely to drop. It is advisable to go for a low hairstyle with pieces trailing out. Or, have it down with elastics to still give the hair some extra support.
Short or fine hair can sometimes be a worry when thinking about possible hairstyles. Don't be put off by some of the hairstyles that look like they require more hair. Tools such as hair padding and chignon makers can transform your hair into a Pinterest-worthy style. The same goes for length. Consider buying some hair extensions to go those extra inches. Just be sure to invest in the real hair extensions that match up to your colour. Synthetic ones can't be styled. They also have an artificial shine and any colour differences will show up in those all important pictures. Here are some of my favourite wedding hairstyles for brides and bridesmaids.
Rapunzel Princess Hair
Photo Credit: Sweethearts Hair
This is a great style if you want your hair down but your hair struggles to hold a curl. It is supported with elastics so it will stay in place no matter what.
Braided Wedding Chignon
Photo Credit: Sweethearts Hair
Using a chignon maker, this gives a classical bridal look and can be used in a variety of different ways.
Combination Crown Braid
Photo Credit: Sweethearts Hair
This is a different take on the traditional crown braid. The combination gives a little more of a Boho look. Great for those wanting a less traditional wedding hairstyle.
The Crown Braid Updo
This is a softer version of the crown braid which adds another dimension to the hairstyle. The extra height on top makes it an ideal bridesmaid hairstyle.
Further Recommendations
You'll need to make sure you have all your accessories out and available. Make sure you have a surface for the stylist to work from. Or at least somewhere they can put all their products, sprays and tools. Ideally in a corner of the room, away from the hustle and bustle of the other activity around such as people getting dressed, make-up and photography.
I would also recommend braiding hairstyles for your little flower girls. These hairstyles are a little more indestructible and will last longer than just the trip down the aisle. Expect flower girls to run around, climb under tables and generally do anything but keep still. And of course if nobody has to worry about their hair, you can get on with enjoying your very special day.