Your Hawaii honeymoon ‘do can be as windblown and carefree as you wish, but for your wedding, a bad-hair day could spell disaster. Finding, creating, and maintaining the ultimate hairstyle comes right after the gown on the bride’s beauty checklist. What style suits you? It depends on your wedding style, your gown, your veil, your hair length, and the shape of your face.

To updo, or not to updo. Nothing bespeaks sheer elegance like a swept-up hairstyle. An updo works for any wedding, formal or casual, especially if it’s arranged according to your particular look. Pile it high in a bloom of petal curls and top with a tiara to wow them at your formal or traditional wedding, or pull the back half of your hair into a twist and let the front fall in curls around your face for a soft, romantic look. An updo crowned with flowers suits the outdoor bride perfectly–and keeps her hair out of her eyes if it gets a little breezy.

Let it flow. Long, flowing hair naturally suits the natural bride, but if you want to let your hair down for a less casual wedding, gussy it up: a long French braid twisted with tulle, or dreamy curls tied back with silk ribbons. Condition your tresses so that they shine, use an anti-frizz product to eliminate flyaway, and if you’re wearing a veil, make sure it’s longer than your hair. If your wedding is formal, it’s best to have your hair swept up in the moment.

By the short hairs. Dress up the short and sassy look with a satin headband or jeweled hair pins, or slick it back for an ultracontemporary feel. Add curls to the hair at your crown and secure them with a half-crown for an updo look without the updo length. Veils of any length will work for you; choose what works best with your dress.

Hair club for men. Sure, grooms don’t have to worry about such things as headpieces and updos, but they do need to show up on the wedding day with immaculately groomed hair. Schedule an appointment with your barber or stylist for about five days before the big date. Get your standard cut (this is no time to try out the shaved-head look), and if your bride-to-be likes your hair a little longer (or shorter) than you do, be a sweetheart and accede to her wishes. Also consider whitening your teeth, getting a manicure, even getting a facial and a massage if you’re so inclined.

Style by who? Although you may be tempted to do your own hair (with or without help) to save money and time, resist the temptation. A hair stylist will give you good counsel on how to keep your hair at its healthiest and will help you to choose or tweak your style to best flatter the shape of your face. If you’re planning to color your hair, having it done professionally is a must. Even if you’ll be letting your locks flow naturally, you’ll want the royal treatment on your wedding morning–if only to blow-dry it so that every potential flyaway knows and keeps its place.

– Lisa Costantino, Amazon.com Wedding Expert

Martin Parson Wedding Hairstyle

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