"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.
"Wearing hair down can feel much more comfortable than wearing it up in an unusual style that a bride isn't confident in," says bridal hair specialist Sheila Raye Stone. "It also gives a nice frame for the face and softens the neck and shoulders."
Down Hairstyles
Most brides feel more comfortable wearing their hair down because it feels more like "them." These styles add a touch of playfulness to a formal setting like a wedding and can be versatile in styling. "The juxtaposition between a couture gown and relaxed blowout makes for some gorgeous photos.
Big ball gowns look best with dramatic, formal updos. A simple country wedding dress or beachside dress will look great paired with loose, flowing waves or curls. You can also opt for hair pulled up on the sides, but loose in the back. Pin a few flowers if your hair is really curly and can hold them.
While your dress doesn't have to dictate how you wear your hair, it's still a good check point if you're on the fence. Dresses with high necklines tend to be more formal, so an up-do would be the most appropriate. Plus, an up-do will prevent any hair from getting caught on the dress—a double win!
Men are more physically oriented when it comes to attraction and hair that is down is more touchable and accessible than hair that is all pinned up. Most women also tend to look younger when their hair is down, which most men perceive as being more attractive.
Sleeping with your hair down seems like the most natural way to go but can actually be doing more harm than good, especially for those with long hair. "Never go to bed without tying your hair up (for long hair), as loose hair can tangle.
Ponytails aren't just for casual days, but also perfect for wedding, modern but at the same time elegant, a ponytail with wispy bangs in the perfect choice for trendy and chic brides. From easy high, puff ponytails to low ponytails… there are so many ways to dress up the average pony for your wedding day.
Any updo from a low, sleek bun to a messy chignon will softly complement your wedding gown. But, it's still possible to wear your hair down if that's what you desire. Just opt for a side-swept braid or secure some of your hair to one side with bobby pins or a hair accessory.
Often we find brides opt for it for their bridesmaids instead, and while this always looks fabulous, ponytails really are a beautiful choice for brides too. One of the best things about the bridal ponytail is how versatile they are. They can be sleek and chic, boho, rustic, high glam, elegant…
There's no definitive answer of who foots the bill on bridal party glam. That said, the bride or the bridesmaids will pay for the bridal party's hair and makeup. Some brides cover the cost of glam as a “thank you” to their friends for supporting the wedding. However, this isn't always the case.
The Bride Might Want to Have Her Hair and Makeup Done First
While it's typical for the nearlywed to get hair and makeup done last so that it's the freshest, there are some exceptions. If your hair or makeup look is intricate or delicate, it might be wise to go first so that you aren't rushed.
Does the Bride Choose the Bridesmaids' Hairstyles? As the bride often chooses the bridesmaid dresses, the bridesmaids tend to choose their own hairstyles for the wedding. But remember, it's your wedding, so just as the bridesmaids' dresses should complement your wedding dress, their hair needs to complement yours.
For the bride and a bridal party of four, we suggest starting to get ready four to five hours before the ceremony begins. This will provide ample time for hair, makeup, and photos.
Given its original meaning, you might wonder if your wedding veil should be covering your face as you walk down the aisle—and the decision is completely up to you. While you can drape it over your head to create an aura of mystery, you can also leave your veil flipped over your head or tucked under your hairstyle.
A veil is a piece of fabric a bride wears over her head. There are a few types of veils according to length, and each one comes with its own styling tip. Lately, a lot of brides have decided to ditch the veil entirely and walk into a wedding ceremony without one.
"Hair down with a strapless gown can add an element of modesty to the look by creating balance in the amount of skin that you show and can cover any acne on the back," say McGrath and Ortega Costigan. "A strapless gown is sexy, and hair that is down and styled elegantly is a very feminine, soft, and sexy look."
We recommend letting it air dry. Allowing your hair to dry naturally will help it retain moisture, which is what gives your hair that smooth, silky look. If you don't have the time to let it air dry, then spritz your hair with some heat protectant and blow dry. No one wants frazzled hair for their wedding day!
It doesn't matter if the dress code requests "casual" attire, jeans, T-shirts, shorts, flip-flops, and sneakers are never appropriate to wear as a wedding guest. Show respect for the bride and groom by dressing formally. Sabatino suggests that men show up in a jacket and tie, even when the invitation says casual.
Come rain or shine, a messy-but-chic bun will always be a good choice for your wedding day hairstyle.
Try a Ponytail or an Updo – building extra height at the crown of the head narrows round features and makes the face seem thinner. For a simple hairstyle, twist hair into a high knot and fasten it with a barrette. Or try a ponytail for the most slimming effect, match the ponytail height to the tips of your cheekbones.
The low bun is an absolute classic hairstyle for healthy hair. With that bun sitting nicely on the nape of your neck, gravity won't be tugging on your hair follicles anytime soon. If you've done a low bun before, you might like to create a ponytail before twisting your hair around itself.
You Prep Improperly. OIt turns out one of the biggest ponytail mistake you might be making is how you're brushing your hair before you put it up. Stylist Sean James Deceurs told Refinery29 that brushing from the roots down causes damage and tightens tangles at the ends.