When it comes to wedding hairstyles and makeup, there are so many options. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out what look will be perfect for your big day.
Before your wedding day, make sure to book a trial run with your stylist and save pictures of styles you like. This will help ensure that you and your stylist are on the same page with what you want to achieve.
1. Choose a Style That Fits Your Personal Style
Your wedding day is about you, and it’s a good idea to choose a style that fits your personal aesthetic. Don’t force yourself to wear a full-on glam look if you’re not used to it; it might make you feel uncomfortable and out of place.
That said, you should also consider the kind of wedding you’re planning. If you’re having a casual outdoor ceremony at the beach, it might be best to keep your hair down. On the other hand, if you’re getting married in the middle of winter in the city, you might want to choose a more formal updo.
A bride’s hairstyle can play a big role in how she looks on her wedding day, so it’s important to think about what kind of vibe you want to have. If you’re having a bohemian or rustic wedding, for example, you might want to consider braids or wild curls. On the other hand, if you’re going for a chic or elegant look, you might want to go for a sleek updo or elegant vintage waves.
One of the best ways to find a hairstyle that suits your personality is to experiment with different styles at home. You can also ask for photos from your friends and family if you need some inspiration.
Another tip is to focus on enhancing just one feature of your face, such as your eyes or lips. This will help your makeup to appear more natural and timeless. Plus, it will be a lot easier to pull off, especially if you’re not a pro at applying makeup.
2. Pick a Hairstyle That Matches Your Dress
Whether you’re going with a bohemian and effortless vibe or a more classic look, your wedding day hairstyle should complement the aesthetic of your dress. If you’re getting married at a beach and want to add a bit of rustic charm, cascading curls may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you’re getting married in a fancy Manhattan hotel and want to feel like a princess, a sleek updo might be more appropriate.
Another important factor when choosing your wedding day hairstyle is your dress’ neckline. You don’t want to cover up your gorgeous neckline with a messy updo or strappy heels. Instead, choose a style that enhances your neckline, such as a half up half down style with waves or curls, or even a sleek ponytail.
If you’re wearing a high neck dress, a sophisticated wedding updo with incorporated braids is the perfect way to show off that neckline without compromising on modesty. Similarly, brides who are wearing a halter neck dress can pull off romantic side buns or elegantly swept back locks.
V-neck dresses are a little more tricky since they offer peeks of cleavage and skin. A v-neck wedding hairstyle that enhances the neckline is a classic updo with waves or loose, flowing locks that sweep to one side.
For those who aren’t sure what wedding hairstyle will match their dress, it’s a good idea to start perusing magazines and online for inspiration. Make a pinterest board of your favorite styles and bring those pictures with you to your hair consultation so that your stylist can help you select the right option. Just remember to avoid getting a major haircut between your hair trial and the big day so that you don’t come in with a look that’s too short or outdated.
3. Match Your Makeup to Your Hairstyle
A good makeup artist can help you achieve a beautiful look that complements your hairstyle and overall wedding look. However, if you’re doing your own makeup for the big day, it’s important to match the colors of your makeup with your hairstyle and dress so that the color palette looks harmonious up close and from far away (and in photos).
Start with a clean face to prep your skin. Wash it with your normal moisturizer, and be sure to choose a product that suits your skin type. Look for a lightweight formula with a matte finish and an SPF that won’t interfere with flash photography.
Apply a primer to ensure that your foundation will last all day. Then, use a powder to help your makeup set and keep it looking flawless. If you’re planning to wear a bronzer or highlighter, experiment with different shades to find one that’s the best fit for your complexion. If you’re wearing eyeshadow, make sure to use a separate eyeshadow primer, too.
Choose a light-colored or neutral eye shadow to keep the color of your eyes from being overpowered by the makeup. A pale eyeliner will also work, or consider using a highlighter on the high planes of your face to bring out the best in your eyes.
You can’t forget about the lips! Whether you opt for a nude shade or something more vibrant, it’s important to use a long-wear lipstick. Be sure to pack a touch-up kit with your favorite lip color and some extra gloss so that you can refresh it throughout the day or night if necessary.
4. Match Your Makeup to Your Dress
When it comes to makeup, your goal should be to create a look that enhances your natural beauty and complements your dress. This is not the time to try a new makeup trend or experiment with colors that might wash you out or run off your face in the heat. Instead, focus on using light makeup and neutrals that will stand up to the humidity and flash photography all day.
Your hairstyle should also hold up well through activities, since your wedding day will likely be a busy one. For brides with square face shapes, opt for hairstyles that soften the lines of their jaw, like a side bun with loose curls or a boho-inspired headpiece pinned to the crown. Brides with oval face shapes can get away with almost any style, but should avoid anything too structured or too voluminous to play down their angular jawline.
Whatever hairstyle you choose, make sure that it’s compatible with the neckline of your dress. If you have a dramatic neckline, opt for an updo or a half up half down look that will show off the stunning details of your dress. For brides with an off-the-shoulder neckline, Temur recommends pairing a romantic chignon or bun with flowing curls that will give your look an ethereal feel.
It’s also a good idea to use a long-lasting foundation on your big day, as your skin will likely sweat throughout the celebration. Try La Mer’s cult-favorite Miracle Broth formula, which provides a natural-looking finish that will last all night—even in humid weather. Another option is Lancome’s petal-soft cushion foundation, which has a color capsule technology that keeps it from fading or wearing off throughout the evening.
5. Match Your Hairstyle to Your Dress
When it comes to choosing a wedding hairstyle, it is important to match your style to your dress. This will help you create a look that is both elegant and romantic, which is perfect for your big day. In addition, it is important to keep your dress’s neckline and back in mind when selecting a hairstyle. This will ensure that your hairstyle does not cover up any details on your dress or overshadow it.
For example, if your dress has a sweetheart or strapless neckline, a classic updo or ponytail will be the best choice. If your dress has a deep V-neckline, you can choose to wear your hair down for a more relaxed look or pull it up into a low bun or half updo. Another option is to add a few loose strands of hair around your face for a more romantic and natural look.
Similarly, a V-back or halter neckline looks beautiful when worn with an updo. For a more dramatic look, you can incorporate braids into your updo or pin strands of hair in the back for a more refined style. For a more casual look, you can also opt for a ponytail or loose curls that sweep past the shoulders.
If you are having a wedding with an outdoor reception, then you should consider the weather when selecting your wedding hairstyle. If it is going to be windy or rainy, you may want to consider a more secure hairstyle that will hold up in bad conditions. If you are getting married in the summer, then you might want to consider a more lightweight hairstyle that will allow your hair to flow in the breeze.