How To Choose Your Bridal Hairdo

Most brides have a hairstyle in mind when planning for their big day, and others don’t know where to begin. There are so many hairdo's to choose from and it seems like stylists are dreaming up new and creative hairstyles all the time. Honestly, I think it is totally ok if you do not have a clue what to do with your hair. This means you are open to suggestion and don’t have your heart set on one particular style. Why is that good? Because there is actually a lot to think about when it comes to choosing your bridal hair.

Let’s start with overall look. What kind of bride are you going to be? Modern and minimal? Soft and romantic? Dramatic and show-stopping? If you aren’t sure, just think of the dress you will be wearing and match it's vibe. For example, minimal and simple dresses pair well with a sleek ponytail or simple low bun. Boho dresses look great with loose wavy locks or braids. And what pairs better with a princess ball gown than a full up do and tiara? When you know your overall look, you can begin finding the hairstyle that is perfect for you. 

Next think about if you would like to have your hair up, a half up and half down, or if you want to keep your hair down. Depending on your hair length, this might be a simple decision. If your hair is short, you may not have these options. Although I have seen hairstyles make a short haircut look like it was a stylish french bun so you may have more choices than you think you do. And, there is always the option to add extensions if you want a longer or fuller look.

Final Touches

Once you have decided on the style, you can finish off your look by deciding on a veil or tiara, or both…. or neither. If you do want to have a veil or tiara, you will have to decide where these items will be placed. Do you want your veil to hide the beautiful hairstyle you just had done? Can you place the veil under your bun or half undo? Will there be room on top of your head for the tiara to sit right? Play around with the veil and tiara to see what looks best with your hairstyle and dress. I was adamant about having neither of these for my wedding and ended up with both, so you never know what suits you and your style.

Now that you have a general idea of the things mentioned above, do some searches online for styles you like best. Also, consult your stylist on what would work best with your face shape and hair type. Keep in mind that some styles do not work with certain types of hair so don’t be set on a certain style until you know if it can actually be done. Make sure to do a trial run to see if the style you have chosen is right for you. 

I Wanna See Your Beautiful Face

From a photographers perspective, there are a few things I have run into that can be problematic for photos. Hair that is left down, half up, or has loose pieces around the face, may blow around if there is a breeze and block your facial expressions. Loose locks of hair are romantic and beautiful, but consider pinning back some hair to keep it from getting in your face or flying around. Bring along some bobby pins just in case the wind picks up and we need to pin hair back. I usually bring some along for just this scenario. 

For hairdos off to the side, make sure you are aware of which side of the face it’s styled. Although you may want everyone to see your beautiful hairstyle during your vows, it is best to keep it on the opposite side that is facing your guests. Your guests want to see you during the ceremony. They want to see all the emotion during this part of the day, and I want to capture your beautiful face as you say “I Do”. So if you are standing on the left side of the alter or archway, have your hair styled over the left shoulder. 

Lastly, if you are worried about your style getting flat or loose before photos, consider doing portraits before the ceremony starts. This way your hair and make up is fresh and picture perfect. This is just another perk of doing first look photos. 

Chat With Your Stylist

The hairstyle you choose for your wedding day is a big part of your overall bridal style. Aside from the dress, I personally believe it is the next important part. Even if you are an expert on doing your own hair, having it professionally done is a great idea. Not only do you get Pinterest perfect hair, but you get to be pampered on your wedding day which makes you feel even more special. If you don’t know where to begin in picking a hairdresser, ask the internet! Facebook has amazing wedding buy and sell pages where people happily share their recommendations for vendors. You can also use websites like Wedding Wire to search for stylists in your area. Then check out their google reviews. Do your research and take the time to meet them in person for a quick consultation. Find someone that not only does great work, but also vibes well with you. This person will be with you at the beginning of the day so you want that experience to be awesome. I have worked with many terrific stylists over the years and would be happy to recommend them to you. Feel free to reach out!