While planning your wedding day down to the last detail before ever meeting your future beau may be going a step overboard, it’s important to begin planning not only the event itself, but also your wedding look with lots of time to spare before the big day.
What’s your dress like?
Your hair shouldn’t be competing with your dress; it should complement it. If your dress is simple, it’s safe to go with a more dramatic hairstyle. If your dress is an extravagant ball gown full of embellishment and sparkly details, consider a more subtle yet elegant updo. If your dress has a gorgeous, open-back design, choose a side ponytail or braid to show it off. Basically, it’s important to choose a hairstyle that matches your dress and personal style.
What’s the weather like?
If your wedding takes place inside or during cooler climates, it’s safe to go for those gorgeous cascading curls or any other hairstyle of your choice. But if you’re getting married in a hot, humid climate, for instance, consider an updo, so you won’t need to worry about frizzy hair sticking to your back or your curls falling out.
What’s your hair length, volume, and texture?
It’s easy to fall in love with an intricate Pinterest hairstyle, only to find out that your hair isn’t long or thick enough to pull it off. In this case, consider only looking for hairstyles that can be done on shorter hair. Otherwise, thankfully, you can wear hair extensions to achieve the hairstyle of your dreams.
Veil or no veil?
Will you be wearing a veil on your wedding day? If so, keep in mind that “veils smash airy updos”. Opt for a more sturdy wedding hairstyle, like a low bun instead of a soft, wispy, loose updo, to preserve your wedding hairstyle while wearing a veil.
Do a trial run ahead of time
Once you’ve decided on a hairstyle that you like, we can’t stress how important it is to do a trial run with your hairstylist. Only when recreating the style in real life do the little “oh no’s” come out. Is your hair long enough for it to be safely secured all day? It’s always better to address last-minute surprises ahead of time, instead of stressing out the week before, or even worse, the day before your wedding.
Bring visual references to your hairstylist
Providing your hairstylist with photos of exactly what you’re looking for will help avoid any miscommunications and misunderstandings. After all, everyone’s idea of the perfect soft waves or updo is completely different. Be sure, however, to narrow the visuals down to 3-5 images, as too many inspirational photos may complicate the process and cause confusion.
Should you do your own hair for your wedding?
If the only hairstyle you’ve perfected is a ponytail, then perhaps it’s a good idea to consider a professional hairstylist for your wedding hair. If you like playing with hair and have mastered a few techniques, you can certainly create the most beautiful wedding hairstyles all by yourself. Consult online tutorials and take some time to practice and perfect the hairstyle in the months leading up to your wedding, so you can style your hair with ease the day of.
It’s also a good idea to have a close friend or family member practice your wedding hairstyle with you, so she can lend a helping hand if needed on the big day. What’s important to realize is that it is not necessary to have something over the top for your wedding day. It’s surprising how much hairstylists will charge to create the simplest hairstyle. Simple soft curls or half-updos are super easy and elegant.
Do NOT get a haircut right before your wedding.
Or any other drastic hair changes or dye jobs, for that matter, as they’re just too unpredictable. Instead, plan and get a tiny trim a few weeks before the big day for healthy-looking hair. “A lot of brides skip this step, trying to get as much length to their locks, but this will help with split ends, flyaways, and of course, blending your hair with your extensions.
Be sure to also keep your locks nourished and moisturized in the months leading up to your wedding with regular, deep-treating hair masks. If you do go down this path and find yourself in an unfortunate predicament, however, hair extensions can save the day.
Be true to the real you
Remember that your wedding is your day. You decide what will make you feel happy, beautiful, and comfortable. If that means wearing your hair natural or rocking the simplest hairdo, so be it. After all, beauty radiates from within. Weddings are a happy and momentous celebration; however, they can last upwards of 12 hours.
Change up your look for the reception
Most brides have a second, less elaborate dress for the reception, to accommodate a night of dancing and merriment. Why not do the same with your wedding hairstyle? Consider having your hairstylist on site for a quick hair change or touch-up in between the ceremony and reception.
Prep your hair accordingly the day before
Some hairstylists prefer for you to get a blowout the day before, so your hair is in the ideal state to hold a style on your wedding day. If you have curly or frizzy hair, have your hair professionally blow-dried the day before so it is smooth and polished in preparation for styling.
If your hair is naturally smooth and easy to manage, it’s perfectly okay to shower in the morning. The stylist should be able to make your hair plenty prepped with products. One thing is for sure, though: Never flat iron your hair before getting it styled. Ask your hairstylist how they would like you to prep your hair for the wedding during your hair trial, to avoid any hair mishaps on the big day.
Pack an emergency wedding hair kit
Inquire about the hair products your stylist is using on your wedding hairstyle, so you can purchase travel-size versions to bring with you. If you cannot have your hairstylist on site for touch-ups, these extra products will be key saviors in a moment of panic.
Although there is usually no need for a hair touch-up if the stylist has done their job properly, an emergency hair kit is always great to have on hand for peace of mind. Other items to pack? Bobby pins, extra hair ties, a hair brush, dry shampoo, and a travel-size hairspray will always come in handy.
Shop around for the perfect hairstylist to match your vision
Some of us have been loyal to our hairstylists since we were in high school. Perhaps they know how to layer your hair just right or understand your hair’s texture when it comes to dyeing, to achieve that perfect balayage. Keep in mind, however, that hairstylists have their specializations.
If you’re looking for a bohemian, soft half-up-do but your hairstylist is well known for glam looks, it may be in your best interest to give another stylist a try. Scout hairstylists in your area, peruse their work through Instagram, book a consultation, and don’t be afraid to branch out!
