What to do with your hair on your wedding day is one of the most important bridal decisions you will make. The style you see in your photographs will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Despite what you might read or see on social media, there are no right or wrong wedding hairstyles. There will always be certain styles that are on trend, often influenced by a celebrity wedding or social media. When working with brides, we always suggest keeping an open mind and exploring all the options before deciding what’s right for you.

When choosing your wedding hair, there are many factors to consider:

• Your face shape
• Your wedding dress
• Choice of venue and climate
• Tiaras, veils and accessories
• The limitations of your own hair.

Face shape

If you have a round face, an up-do that adds height or a sleek style that won’t add extra width to your face are the most complementary. On the other hand, styles with volume and extra width are very flattering for a longer face shape.

Then there are your facial features to consider. If you don’t like your ears you might want to wear your hair in a looser style. Whereas some brides fancy a mini facelift and achieve it with a tightly scraped back style.

Venue and climate

The summer months are by far the most popular time of year to get married in the UK. However, even British summer weather can be exceptionally hot (sometimes!). Whether you’re planning a UK or destination wedding, hot weather combined with a heavy dress can make loose, thick or heavy hair styles very uncomfortable. In a warm climate, wearing your hair up can be the most sensible option.

Equally, during the wet and windy winter months, a hairstyle that will stay in place may be advisable. The last thing you want is for your hair to whip across your face, or your curls to get wet and drop just as the photographer takes that forever photo.

Hair to complement your wedding dress

Once you’ve chosen your dream wedding gown, look at the neckline. When wearing a dress with intricate detailing around the neckline, brides often go for a simple hairstyle and let the dress do all the talking.

For dresses with detailing on the back of the bodice, choosing an up-do will ensure the beauty of the dress is visible for all to see.

Tiara, veil and accessories

Whether you choose a sparkling tiara, a delicate veil or another type of hair accessory to complete your wedding look, each option presents a different dilemma for your wedding hair.

With tiaras it’s all about size. Some tiaras are so big that only ‘big hair’ will do to keep things in proportion. A simple hair band would be lost in anything other than a simple sleek style.

If you prefer something more subtle, chignons, either to the side or nape of the neck, look beautiful with a few sparkly pins. Fresh flowers can perfectly compliment loose hair at a country-style wedding.

Veils come in a plethora of lengths, shapes and sizes. When choosing wedding hair, you need to decide whether or not you plan to have your veil cover your face. If you intend to wear it forward, your veil will need to be placed towards the front of your hairstyle.

If you don’t plan for your veil to be so prominent, wearing it tucked under an up-do at the back of your head is the way to go. This option is the most flexible when going from day to night as you don’t need to worry about re-styling your hair for the evening reception.

What can we achieve with your hair?

While it’s entirely possible to transform hair using extensions, wefts and hair pieces, there are always be limits on what can be achieved. You should feel that you can discuss the options openly with your wedding hair stylist and, they should be honest and realistic in their response. Advance planning is key, particularly if you need to grow your hair before your big day!

What do you want out of your day?

At bylauramayers, your wedding day wishes are our number one priority. During our initial consultation appointment, we’ll ask about your plans for the day and discuss how these might influence your choice of hairstyle.

For example, if you’re planning on doing lots of dancing (perhaps even a full choreographed routine), you might prefer to choose a hairstyle that’s not going to budge.

Will your wedding be mainly outdoors or indoors?
How will you travel between venues?
Will you wear a different dress for the evening that requires a change of hairstyle?

These are all factors you’ll need to consider with your stylist.

The possibilities for wedding hair styles are endless! Just pick up a bridal magazine and you’ll see just how many different looks can be achieved. At the end of the day, it’s all about you and how you want to look, feel and do on your special day. As long as you feel happy, beautiful and confident, that’s all that matters to us.