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The Perfect ‘do

Perhaps second only to her dress, a girl’s hair is one of the most important elements of her wedding look, so getting your hairdo right is a must! Shelley Friesen takes you through the dos and don’ts of wedding hair.

Fancy an elaborate up ‘do? Or are you after casual flowing locks? Curly or straight? Long or short? Stick with your natural colour, or mix it up? When it comes to wedding hairstyles, there’s no shortage of inspiration, you just need to take one look at a Hollywood red carpet event to be bombarded by an amazing array of perfectly groomed manes. So how do you choose a wedding ‘do that’s right for you? And how do you go about achieving your dream hairdo?

Some of you might be thinking, it’s only hair, how hard can it be? Don’t be fooled, because getting your wedding hair right is a major key to enjoying your special day. After all, just think back to how you felt on your last bad hair day!

To help you get started, here’s a quick list of dos and don’ts to arm yourself with when planning your wedding hairdo.

DO

· Use a hairdresser you’re familiar with.

· Have a hair trial before the big day.

· Look through magazines for inspiration, and arm yourself with pictures when visiting the salon. This way, you and your stylist will be on the same page visually.

· Consult with your stylist on what look will best suit your face and dress. After all, they are professionals, and will know what will best highlight your assets.

· Have an open mind. You might be surprised what suits you.

· Discuss any hair accessories you want to use (such as tiaras, combs, feathers or flowers) so your hairdresser can work them into your hairstyle.

· Choose a hairstyle that is appropriate for your venue. A sleek up ‘do would be too formal for a seaside wedding, while wavy masses of curls might not be quite right for a church ceremony. For inspiration, take a look at what brides have previously done at similar venues.

· Choose a style that you will be comfortable in for the whole day. You don’t want to be struck down by a headache from your super tight ‘do halfway through the ceremony.

DON’T

· Try a new stylist on the day of your wedding.

· Be afraid to ask your hairdresser to redo your look if you don’t like it.

· Rush on your wedding day. Allow plenty of time for hair and makeup.

· Forget to take your veil to your trial, as this can completely alter the look of your hair style.

· Change your hair colour on the day of your wedding – you want your groom to be able to recognise you when you walk down the aisle!

Now that you’re armed with the dos and don’ts of planning your hairstyle, here are some ideas that suit different venues to inspire you.

An elaborate church wedding

A glamorous up ‘do will work perfectly, with curly tendrils falling around your face. Or channel old Hollywood glamour with a soft, side-swept up ‘do. Hollywood glamour wouldn’t be complete without a bold red lip to complement your dramatic do.

When wearing a gown with a full skirt, balance your look by adding volume to your hair. If your gown is sleek, a low chignon bun accessorised with a flower or jewels will look dramatic yet elegant.

A relaxed garden wedding

The less formal your celebration, the less structured and polished your look needs to be. Sweep your hair up in an elegant ponytail with ends softly flowing free. For a more glamorous look, sweep it to the side or add flowers and ribbons.

A seaside wedding

Keep the natural elements (wind, water, sand) in mind when planning a hairstyle for a seaside ceremony. Try soft, relaxed waves that effortlessly flow down your back. Loose, wavy hair would be perfectly complemented with natural, nude makeup. A simple, flowing hairstyle will set off a gown with an intricate neckline perfectly. Avoid sleek hairdos, as the wind will play havoc with your perfectly set coiffure.

An evening wedding

A glamorous cocktail affair calls for a sophisticated hairstyle. Opt for a sleek, slicked-back ‘do. If you are wearing a mermaid gown, complement it with a clean coiffure, as this will showcase your neck and shoulders.

A vintage, black-tie wedding

An old world setting calls for a glamorous vintage inspired hairstyle. Try a classic 1920s inspired finger wave, or 1940s inspired curls pinned to the side with a stunning hair clip.

Follow all of these rules and you’re guaranteed to avoid a hair disaster on your special day. Whatever you choose, be sure to settle on a hairstyle that you feel confident wearing. This confidence will translate into you feeling more relaxed and ready to enjoy your special day – not to mention that you’ll look stunning in your photos for years to come.