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How Do I Choose the Best Wedding Hairstyle?

B. Miller
B. Miller

Choosing the best wedding hairstyle is entirely up to your personal preferences, but there are some helpful tips to keep in mind. It is important to consider factors like the length and type of hair that you have, as this could possibly rule out certain styles. The overall theme of the wedding, and the look of your dress is another important consideration. For instance, for a very formal wedding you might want an updo with a jeweled tiara or headpiece, but a more casual wedding might match better with a looser, more flowing hairstyle. Remember that your wedding hairstyle should be comfortable and able to last all day, even through dancing.

Your face shape as well as hair length and hair type all play a big role in the wedding hairstyle you choose. For instance, if you have a very square or round face, you might want to leave the hair down to balance it out, while a longer, oval face might look nicer with an updo to highlight delicate features. If you have very short hair, an updo might not be possible. In addition, women with thin hair might find that the hair does not hold styles or curl very well, so it is important to keep this in mind as well. A hairstylist will be able to provide specific advice in this area.

A tiara may be worn at weddings.
A tiara may be worn at weddings.

The overall look of the wedding is an important consideration when selecting a wedding hairstyle as well. If you are having a very formal, evening wedding, a formal updo, classic twist, or chignon tend to be the most appropriate choices. Many women will also add a formal, long veil, or a jeweled headpiece like a tiara. For a more casual wedding, such as one that takes place in the morning or outdoors, a looser hairstyle might look very nice. For instance, soft curls that fall around the shoulders can be a great look.

Many wedding experts recommend that brides wear their hair as natural as possible on their big day.
Many wedding experts recommend that brides wear their hair as natural as possible on their big day.

There are additional considerations for a wedding hairstyle that will also be specific to your wedding. For instance, if the wedding will be outside in the summertime, you might want a more controlled updo that will not frizz in hot weather. If you will be dancing a lot, and you know your hair does not hold style well, you might also want a more controlled style. The dress might also play a role; if you have a strapless dress, for instance, you might want to wear the hair up to highlight the collar bones, or leave a few curled pieces down for a more delicate look.

Discussion Comments

clintflint

@MrsPramm - Honestly, I think that most women are going to have a pretty good idea of what they want their hair to look like. And even if they don't, I'm not sure there's all that much room to work around whatever the dress looks like.

You don't want to have a million dollar hair-do if you're planning on wearing a veil over it for the whole night, for example. And you will need to be able to work a tiara into the style if you are planning to wear one.

MrsPramm

@bythewell - The only problem with that theory is that it's another kind of added stress on the big day. In my opinion, hairstyles for a wedding should just be a variation of a usual theme. Save the really exciting and different styles for someone else's wedding. You're already going to be nervous enough being in front of everyone, with an extremely expensive dress.

I know whenever I wear my hair in a different way I can't help feeling odd and wanting to check it every five minutes to make sure it's still sitting right. I can't imagine that would be a good thing to do at my wedding.

bythewell

I always thought it was important to try and be special on the day. So if you usually have your hair down, then maybe try an up-do for your wedding hairstyle. And if you usually wear it up, then try wearing it down.

You can still go very simple even if it is worn up or very ornate if it is down by using accessories, so it can really match any kind of theme for the rest of the wedding.

But you want to look different and special for this day of all days, so I would go for something different.

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    • A tiara may be worn at weddings.
      By: Andrey Kuzmin
      A tiara may be worn at weddings.
    • Many wedding experts recommend that brides wear their hair as natural as possible on their big day.
      By: liubomirt
      Many wedding experts recommend that brides wear their hair as natural as possible on their big day.