How do you choose the perfect bridal style for your wedding day? You probably have an album or board dedicated to ideas and images you have found on the internet, but how do you pick the one that is just right for you? While it ultimately comes down to personal preference, there are a few things to consider that may help you make your final choice.
What are the things you should consider that make each person’s head of hair unique and their own? Length, texture, density, and cut should all be accounted for when choosing your hairstyle inspiration.
Let’s talk about length! Short hair is typically above the shoulder, while medium hair falls past the shoulder. If your hair reaches past the bottom of your shoulder blades or below, you have what is considered long hair.
Texture is the next piece of the puzzle. Would you describe your hair as straight, wavy, or curly? And how much do you have on your head? That is what we refer to in the hair industry as hair density!
The last thing to analyze in understanding what you have to work with is your haircut. When you keep in mind your haircut, you are ensuring that you are setting realistic expectations for yourself and your stylist. A cut that is more layered may be better suited for a more textured style. A style that is all one length may need a little fine tuning or face framing at your next appointment if you are drawn towards more wispy undone styles.
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If you are having a ceremony or reception outside this one is especially important. Each time of year has its weather advantages and disadvantages depending on the specific area. For example, while summers in East Tennessee make for incredible clear views of the mountains, the humidity is a force to be reckoned with that time of year.
If you know ahead of time that you may have to combat rain, wind, heat, humidity, or even snow; choose a style that can withstand those elements. An updo is always a safe bet if you might encounter problematic weather. Wearing your hair completely down or half up may leave a chance for your style to fall flat or become frizzy over time. You want to ensure that you look just as beautiful walking down the aisle as you do leaving the reception with your new spouse!
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Of course, the dress is a very important part of your wedding, but it’s also a very important part of choosing your perfect bridal hairstyle as well! The hairstyle that you choose should be flattering to the cut of your dress, while still keeping in mind any embellishments or details you want to showcase.
Pay attention to your dress’ neckline and back. If they are both lower, is that something you want to emphasize or would you feel more comfortable if you left your hair down to cover? A dress that is strapless leaves room for more versatility in hairstyle choices. Updo, half down, down, braided, or to the side would all be flattering.
Referring to the opposite, brides that have a dress with a higher neckline or longer sleeves tend to wear their hair up more often. If your dress has a low or open back, depending on the length of your hair, a braid could be very complimentary.
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Wedding theme and aesthetic can play a great role in your hairstyle choice. The words that you use to describe the look and feel of your wedding day should also describe your personal style for the day as well. If your wedding day was bohemian and effortless it wouldn’t feel cohesive to have a very worked, vintage pin up hairstyle.
Glamorous weddings are a great chance to wear a voluminous, curled style. They are also a great opportunity to wear an accessory that is over embellished and sparkles for days. A bohemian or eclectic wedding is a wonderful time to rock a large braid or undone style. Dress it up with vintage accessories or fresh florals to make a statement.
If a timeless wedding is more your aesthetic, doing a modern take on a classic look can really have an impact. Whether it is a more airy version of finger waves or a more pieced out french twist, these are not your grandmother’s styles. When it comes to choosing a classic look, details and finishing are key. These styles can even stand alone beautifully without embellishments if you choose.
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When looking at photos for inspiration, search for images that match your hair color. It will give you a more realistic idea of how that particular style will look in your own hair. Blonde and highlighted hair will always show more detail, where smaller braids or twists can get lost in dark hair colors.
That doesn’t mean those with darker hair shades are limited in choices though. A great temporary way to break up dark hair is to use small flowers like Baby’s Breath or small accent pins. A more permanent solution is to add soft highlights or babylights. The added dimension from these color services will show off texture and create depth that may not have been there before.
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Some cakes need a topper and some brides need a veil! A veil can be a gorgeous and timeless statement on your wedding day. They come in varying lengths with cathedral being the longest and the heaviest. When you are trying your dress on make sure to also try the veil of your choice on and walk around the room. Take note of the weight and if it pulls away while you move. If it is heavy or pulls away from your head, you may need to plan for a more secure style.
If you choose to wear a veil, first decide where you would like it to be positioned on your head. Then, decide if you want any part of the style to be visible while your veil is in place. If your veil is quite heavy, make sure to position it so it will not collapse the finished hairstyle. A common misconception is that you must choose an updo to anchor the veil. A half up or all down style is still achievable as long as there is proper pin reinforcements set in place.
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Finally, every wedding timeline is slightly different. Some choose to elope in an intimate setting, and others choose to have a day packed full of loved ones and dancing. The hairstyle you choose should fit the activities and schedule of the day. If you are getting ready in the morning with all of your bridesmaids but the ceremony isn’t until evening, pick a style that you know will last.
Those with fine, or straight hair may want to steer clear of completely down styles that will lose their curl. If you plan on dancing the night away with your bridal party, a more secure style may be a better option than something loose that could become undone. An elopement or bridal portraits leave room for more style options. The time frame the style has to stay intact tends to be smaller and normally there is no reception.
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If this list was overwhelming, the right bridal hair specialist can alleviate those woes. They stay up to date on the current trends in the industry, know the best products on the market, and have experience working with a wedding timeline. A good bridal hair specialist knows that a consultation, whether it be via email or in person, is key. Once you have found someone you trust, look at their portfolio for inspiration. Finding styles you know your stylist can recreate is another great way to set realistic expectations. Instagram is a great way to find a bridal hair stylist in your area AND it gives you access to their online portfolio right at your fingertips!
@knoxvillebridalhair
Wedding planning can be stressful, so hire a professional you trust and make sure to follow @knoxvillebridalhair for more hairstyle inspirations and hairstyling advice.
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