The Crowning Glory

Your bridal hairstyle is a vital part of your wedding day ensemble. Overlook its impact on the “end product” at your peril! But it’s also one of the more fun bridal details, allowing creativity and experimentation aplenty!

Bridal hairstyles run from casual and simple to elegant and exquisitely elaborate. They can be any style from updo to flowing down. An updo is essentially a hairstyle that involves pinning the hair up so that is off the neck. The updo option offers the bride many opportunities for distinguishing a style that is all her own. Free flowing styles are lovely too, but are particularly needy in terms of shininess and softness.
Tip: The average head of hair grows 6" a year (or a 1/2" per month). So if it’s long hair you’re after, and you’re not there already, plan accordingly!
Popular bridal hairstyle options

Polished Updo
Striking and dramatic, this design can take the hair up in spiraling curls, a strong twist or a bun either above or below the crown. The style is ideal if you have ear and neck jewellery you want to show off. If you’d like to soften the look a little, consider a few loose wispy strands over your face.

Loose “Messy” Updo
A delightfully informal updo, this style makes tirelessly optimal use of short, unrestrained tresses. The style opens up the face, and will accentuate a low-necked dress.

Long and curled
Long, free-flowing and curled either at the ends or throughout, this style is a good choice for an outdoor wedding. Its simplicity is beautifully enhanced by a tiara, which may even make the veil redundant.

Bridal side ponytail
This in-betweener will satisfy the bride who desires something less formal than an upstyle and more flashy than a conventional “free flow”. The side ponytail is both elegant and relaxed.

Medium length bridal style
This is an easy but attractive option for brides with medium length hair. The layers are free flowing, but their ends are lightly curled outward to enhance the impression of the veil. Best complimented by a slightly sweeping fringe.

Tip: If you have long hair, use the design of your gown in your hairstyle.
When it comes to choosing the right look for you and your right-hand ladies, consider whether you’d like to dress things up a little with some beautifying hair accessories or keep it toned down for a more sedate look.

Examples of Accessories for Bridal Hairstyles
• Tiara – this traditional showpiece is available in diamonds, pearls and other materials. It can be worn with the hair up or down. This elegant adornment calls for a more sophisticated hairstyle.
• Headband - this can be worn with the hair up or down. Select from plain white to diamond studded designs. Head bands can be worn with or without a veil.
• Crown – this is either a circle of flowers or a combination of flowers and ribbons. The design could be either simple or elaborate and can be worn with the hair up or down. It is usually made of flexible material and can be moulded to the shape of the head.
• Bun wraps - these are circular headpieces that are worn around a bun. They look very elegant although they’re slightly more complicated to apply. They are best suited to long thick hair.
• Decorative combs - can be worn with or without the veil, with the hair up or down. Choose from pearls, diamonds or flowers. The comb looks best with shorter hair. If the hair is long it can be worn to hold back the sides of the hair.
• Antique hairpins
• Heirloom hair ornaments
• Crystals
• Feathers or feathered hair ornaments
• Pretty barrettes
• Decorated bobby pins
• Flowers

Remember, your choice and use of hair accessories reflect your personal taste and creativity.

Tip: Hair colour looks its best in its first two weeks. Schedule your hair appointment accordingly.

Your hair is just as subject to the bridal law of co-ordination as everything else. Veil, dress, make-up, shoes and wedding colours need to work together to achieve the wedding ambience you desire. For instance, smooth, straight hair and pinned up curls are often paired up with smooth satin gowns, whereas a tulle dress often goes well with soft curls. The shape of the face, however, is likely the most important factor to consider when choosing wedding updos. This is important because certain styles of updos are more appealing on faces of a particular shape while other styles may produce an unappealing impression. For example, some hairstyles may make a round face appear even rounder while other hairstyles may produce a slenderising illusion.

With the proper attitude, preparation and care any bride can have beautiful hair on her big day.

The Crowning Glory | Wedding Articles