A Bride's Guide to Choosing a Wedding Hairstyle (2024)

You should feel confident, beautiful, and authentically yourself every day, and your wedding day is no exception! Choosing a wedding hairstyle that makes this happen is key. With countless options available, from elegant updos to romantic braids and chic ponytails, there's a world of possibilities to explore. Whether you're looking for a timeless classic or a modern twist, the right hairstyle can complete your bridal look and help you shine on your special day. We'll dive into a variety of wedding hairstyles that cater to diverse hair types, lengths, and textures, while also considering factors such as your dress, the weather, and your personal comfort, ensuring that every bride can find inspiration tailored to their unique style and personality.

5 KEY THINGS to Consider When CHOOSing Your Bridal Hairstyle
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1. Complement Your Outfit With Your Hairstyle

When choosing your wedding hairstyle, it's essential to consider how it will complement your bridal outfit. Take into account the neckline, back, and overall design of your dress. If your gown features intricate details like lace, beading, or embroidery, you may want to opt for a hairstyle that allows these elements to shine. For example, a sleek bun or a low updo can showcase a beautifully detailed back or an ornate neckline. On the other hand, if your dress has a simpler design, you might choose a more intricate or voluminous hairstyle to balance the overall look. Additionally, you can consider the fabric and movement of your dress; if it's a flowing, bohemian-style gown, loose waves or a soft, braided updo would make for a cohesive look.

2. Weatherproof Your Wedding Hairstyle

In addition to your outfit, be sure to factor in the weather conditions you'll likely encounter on your big day. This is especially important if you're getting married during the summer months when high temperatures and humidity can affect your hairstyle. If you're anticipating a hot and humid wedding day, consider hairstyles that will keep you feeling comfortable and looking fresh throughout the festivities. An updo, such as a sleek bun or a romantic chignon, can be a great choice as it keeps your hair away from your face and neck, preventing it from sticking to your skin or becoming frizzy. If you prefer wearing your hair down, opt for styles that incorporate braids or twists, as they can help control and manage your hair in humid conditions. Your hairstylist should have recommendations for anti-frizz products and strong-hold hairsprays to ensure your chosen style stays put, even in the heat.

3. Work With Your Natural Hair Type & Texture

While skilled stylists can work wonders, working with your hair's natural characteristics can make the styling process easier and ensure that your chosen look lasts throughout the day. If you have fine, straight hair, consider styles that add volume and dimension, such as loose waves, a textured updo, or a half-up, half-down style with teasing at the roots. For brides with short hair, your stylist can help you find ways to create the illusion of volume and texture, such as a side-swept style with pinned waves, a vintage-inspired finger wave look, or a textured pixie with a decorative headpiece. If you have thick, curly, or wavy hair, embracing your natural texture can create a stunning and effortless bridal look. Opt for styles that showcase your curls or waves, such as a loose, romantic updo or a half-up style with flowing curls. Discuss your hair type and texture with your stylist, as they can recommend styles that will work best with your natural hair and suggest products that will help maintain the look throughout the festivities.

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4. Prioritize Your Comfort And Personal Style

Remember to prioritize your comfort and personal style preferences. After all, you want to feel like the best version of yourself on your wedding day! If you typically wear your hair in a ponytail or bun on a daily basis, you might feel most confident and comfortable on your wedding day with a hairstyle that reflects your go-to look. Choose a style that reflects your everyday look but with an elevated twist. For example, a sleek, low bun with a few face-framing tendrils can be a sophisticated and comfortable choice. Alternatively, a chic, high ponytail with a bit of volume at the crown can be a stylish option that keeps your hair away from your face. On the other hand, if you love wearing your hair down and feel most confident with your locks flowing freely, a half-up, half-down style or loose, romantic waves might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the key is to choose a hairstyle that makes you feel beautiful, confident, and true to yourself. Don't feel pressured to conform to traditional bridal hairstyles if they don't align with your personal style.

5. Put It All Together With A Wedding Hair Trial

Once you've narrowed down your wedding hairstyle vision, a hair trial is the next step. During a hair trial, you'll work closely with your stylist to discuss your vision, experiment with different styles, and make any necessary adjustments to achieve just the right look. This process helps to alleviate stress and uncertainty on your wedding day, as you'll have a clear idea of how your hair will look and feel. Additionally, a hair trial gives you the opportunity to assess the longevity and comfort of your chosen style, ensuring that it will hold up throughout the event. You can also use this time to discuss and experiment with different hair accessories, such as veils, headpieces, or flowers, to see how they complement your overall look. A trial also allows you to build a rapport with your stylist, establishing clear communication and trust, which will be invaluable on your wedding day.

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Wedding Hairstyle Ideas for Every Bride: Find Your Signature Look
  1. Classic updo: A timeless and elegant choice, updos can be sleek, textured, or accented with braids or twists.
  2. Loose waves: Romantic and effortless, loose waves can be achieved with a curling iron or hair rollers for a softer look.

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  3. Half-up, half-down: This versatile style allows you to showcase your hair's length while keeping it away from your face.
  4. Braided crown: A braided crown can add a bohemian or romantic touch to your bridal look, and it works well with various hair lengths.
  5. Sleek ponytail: A polished ponytail can be a chic and modern option, especially for brides with long hair.
  6. Textured bun: A messy or textured bun can create a relaxed yet sophisticated appearance.

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  7. Adorned styles: Incorporate hair accessories like floral crowns, delicate hair pins, or elegant combs for a special touch.
  8. Natural curls and coils: Embrace your natural texture by styling your curls or coils in a way that showcases their beauty.
  9. Braided updos: Combine braids and updos for a romantic and intricate style that adds visual interest to your bridal look.
  10. Vintage-inspired finger waves: Channel old Hollywood glamour with sleek, sculpted finger waves for a bold and distinctive look.

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By taking into account factors such as your dress, the weather, your natural hair type, and your everyday comfort level, you can narrow down the options and find a style that makes you feel confident, beautiful, and authentically yourself. Remember that a hair trial is an invaluable opportunity to collaborate with your stylist, experiment with different looks, and ensure that your vision comes to life on your special day. Whether you opt for a classic updo, romantic waves, a chic ponytail, or a style adorned with beautiful accessories, the key is to choose a hairstyle that complements your unique bridal look and allows you to shine on your wedding day. With the right hairstyle and a confident smile, you'll be ready to make memories as you celebrate your love story in style.

A Bride's Guide to Choosing a Wedding Hairstyle (2024)

FAQs

What is the best hairstyle for a bride? ›

Sophisticated updos and billowing curls are popular options for brides, but a straightened mane is just as romantic. Tresses that are styled with a flat iron or blow dryer add more shine to your locks.

Do brides look better with hair up or down? ›

Consider Your Wedding Dress Neckline

"If you are wearing a strapless dress, either hair down or half up, half down will look pretty and feminine while still showing off the neckline," advises Mar. Loose waves and a soft, flowing style is key. If your dress has a higher neckline, our pro says to consider an updo.

What should an older bride wear in her hair? ›

Hair pins or hair combs can be an option, embellishing a sleek up do. Side tiaras can work well, particularly in short hair. Birdcage veils definitely work well but steer clear of cutesy bows. Either a beaded or embellished centre of elegant sculpted feathers work well.

How do you get perfect wedding hair? ›

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, Brittany advises to plan ahead and get a tiny trim a few weeks before the big day for healthy looking hair.

When should bride get hair cut before wedding? ›

For the Bride: 2 to 3 months in advance

Depending on your wedding hair style, you may want to plan with a stylist and consider additional time to grow out your hair or try a new color. You'll also want to schedule in time a few weeks before the wedding to do a dry run and make sure your look is ready for the big day.

What is the trend hair for wedding guests? ›

Among the anti-prim hairstyles we love are slick high ponytails, ultra-sleek, ultra long plaits, braids and pigtails, '90s loose updos worn with a modern spin, cute baby braids, mussy, sexy texture (or sexture) and accessories: the more the merrier.

How do you coordinate wedding hair and makeup? ›

Put together a backwards timeline.

The most efficient way to build your getting-ready timeline is to work backwards from the time you'd like to walk out the door. You can discuss specifics with your stylist, but most hair and makeup pros will suggest 30 minutes per bridesmaid for hair and another 30 minutes for makeup.

Should hair or makeup be done first for wedding? ›

“It has been my experience with clients that getting your makeup done before doing your hair is best,” says Voight. She further adds, “This way, the makeup artist has the chance to blend the makeup into the hairline and around the jaw area without worrying about messing up the beautiful work of the hairstylist.

How to pick the right hairstyle for your wedding dress? ›

Choosing a 'do that complements the top edge of your garment will ensure that neither element is competing with the other, according to bridal beauty expert Shelsea Patton. For example, a down-style might conceal a halter neckline, whereas an updo would highlight the cut and design.

How should I do my hair to attend a wedding? ›

Formal wedding guest hair etiquette

Hair should be well groomed. You want to look dressy, sleek and polished - aim for short, slick side partings, barrel tonged waves, ballerina buns and textured updos.

How many days before wedding should I get haircut? ›

Getting your hair cut five to seven days before your wedding day is best. This gives your hair enough time to start growing out a little but not so much that it grows out too much or looks messy from being styled every day. During your appointment, ask your barber or stylist about salon hair styling products to use.

How do I choose a bridal hair piece? ›

As a general rule a simple dress will be able to take a statement bridal hair accessory with lots of bling and ornate detailing. A detailed heavily-embellished dress would work really well with a simple or delicate bridal hair accessory to complement rather than overshadow your dress.

What is the haircut during wedding trend? ›

But, there's a new beauty-focused change-up that's now going viral—a mid-wedding haircut. Often done as a surprise to guests and even their new spouse, a bride will steal away before the reception or cake cutting to take some length off their tresses and have a grand reveal.

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