ON YOUR WEDDING DAY YOU WANT EVERYTHING TO BE PICTURE PERFECT — INCLUDING YOUR HAIR. AFTER ALL, YOUR WEDDING MIGHT BE ONLY ONE DAY BUT THE MEMORIES (AND THE PHOTOGRAPHS) WILL LAST FOREVER.
Wedding hairstyles: Long hair
Women with long hair have many hairstyle options. You can wear your hair up in a classic bun or down in cascading curls. Consider the shape of your wedding dress when selecting your hairdo. A strapless gown may look better with your hair down, while an off-the-shoulder dress pairs nicely with an updo. If your dress is backless, you’ll want to wear your hair up to show it off.
The width of your dress also comes into play with wedding hairstyles. A poufy ball gown generally looks best with a smaller hairstyle, while a body-hugging sheath looks amazing with a tall or voluminous ’do.
Here are two beautiful wedding hairstyles to consider with long hair:
Wedding hairstyles: Curly hair
If you are blessed with curly hair, consider a half-up, half-down hairstyle on your wedding day. This style is very easy to achieve. If you aren’t splurging on a stylist, you can actually do it yourself.
With this look you pull the front of your hair away from your face while leaving the back of your hair long. With this style you can show off your beautiful face without wearing a harsh updo.
Simply pull the sides and top of your hair into a ponytail high at the back of your head, leaving the rest of your hair long. Secure the ponytail with a hair-friendly elastic band. Blow-dry your bangs (if they are long enough) to one side for a retro 1960s-inspired side-swept look. Use a crystal-encrusted comb, barrette or other hair accessories to disguise the band.
Wedding hairstyles: Short hair
Brides with short hair look their best by leaving their hair down in simple curls or gentle waves. If you want to put your hair up on your wedding day but it is too short, consider hair extensions. Today’s hair extensions are hardly detectable and will look absolutely gorgeous.
Wedding hair tips
Preparation is key when choosing your wedding hairstyle. Several weeks before your wedding date schedule an appointment with the stylist for a trial run. Bring a picture of your wedding gown, along with your tiara, veil or another headpiece. It may also be beneficial to bring photos torn from magazines to give your hairstylist an idea of the type of styles you prefer. At this appointment, you can also get your hair colored or roots touched up, if necessary.
Stick with the classic styles if you want a timeless look in your wedding photos. If you aren’t afraid of trendy styles that might look ridiculous in photos 20 years from now, then go for it!
If you are unhappy with the results at the trial run, be open and honest with your stylist. You don’t want to be dissatisfied on your wedding day. It’s best to handle any issue now, while you still can.
Don’t pick a style that requires excessive maintenance. On your wedding day, you don’t need to worry about your clip sliding out, your updo falling down or other hair mishaps. Remember: you don’t just need to walk down the aisle — your hairstyle must last from early in the morning for photographs to the last dance at the reception.
Wedding hairstyles: For men
Men’s hairstyles are not nearly as complicated as women’s styles; however, you’ll still want to look your best on your wedding day. Start out by making sure your hair looks healthy. In the months leading up to your wedding date, use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. If you hair is dull or dried out, try a deep-conditioning treatment.
Got gray? If you are graying a bit on the sides of your hair, consider hair color. Head to the salon about two weeks in advance for best results.
Stick with the classics. Long rocker styles and trendy punk cuts aren’t your best option for your wedding. Consider a classic style such as a short, textured look or a classic Ivy League cut. A classic short haircut, the Ivy League is also known as the Princeton or Collegiate cut. The hair is cut around the ears and a squared at the nape of the neck. The sides and back are tapered very short at bottom, and the hair on top increases in length from approximately 1 inch at the crown area to 3 1/2 to 4 inches at the front/fringe area. The front length of the hair hangs approximately to eye level. If you want a little volume, a classic tapered cut with a textured top is a terrific choice. A textured top will also help disguise thinning hair.
