--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The right wedding hairstyle is just one of the things that help
make the perfect wedding.
The following is a list of tips to
ensure everything goes smoothly so that you look and feel your
absolute best on your wedding day.
1. Plan Ahead
This is all about deciding on the type of style you are looking
for. Look through magazines and not just bridal ones. The glossy
bridal shoots are often designed for the studio and are often
impractical for an actual wedding. Talk to your hairdresser - they
know you and your likes and will be able to suggest a style that
would suit you. Also talk to them about a hair care regime.
2. Basic Hair care
This comes down the using the right product for your hair type.
Your stylist will be able to advise you on a hair care regime,
which is suitable for your hair.
Have regular cuts every 6 weeks with treatments. If you colour
your hair, it is important to use the right products - normally a
colour-care shampoo and conditioner, plus a leave-in treatment.
These products help prevent colour fade and maintain the vibrancy
and condition of your hair. I would normally recommend that you
have your hair cut and coloured one week before the wedding to
allow your hair to settle.
3. What style?
What style ultimately depends on your personal preference, but you
also need to consider:
The time of the ceremony is it day or night?
Is the ceremony inside or outside?
How long do you need the style to last?
Some guidelines when choosing a style are:
All Up: Very sturdy and will last all day and night. This look is
very glamorous and stylish, suitable for both day and evening
ceremonies.
Half up/down: Still sturdy and should last all day and night
depending on the hair type. This is a romantic look, very young
and youthful. Normally a day style but does transform well to
eveningwear.
All down: Not practicable for outdoor weddings as this style won't
last as long as the other two. The look is romantic and modern but
normally considered more for the daytime than for evenings.
If you have decided on an up-style for your wedding day then wash
your hair the night before as most hairdressers prefer to work
with slightly dirty hair on the day, your own natural oils will
help keep your hair shiny and smooth.
Remember that some hairstyles can add inches to a bride's height,
and shorter brides may choose to use this to their advantage.
4. Accessories
There are many different types of hair accessories available today
a few suggestions are:
Tiaras are available from most bridal shops and some hairdressers.
Prices vary from $60.00 to $200.00.
Silk flowers are becoming
very popular today. There is a wide variety of silk and fabric
flowers available at the moment many of which look like fresh
flowers and can be found in department stores. Pricing starts
normally around $30.00.
Real Flowers are the traditional way of hair decoration and still
look fantastic. However, be careful to choose the correct flower.
You want one that won't wilt and is not too big for you head. Talk
to your florist about the hardiness of flowers and also talk about
the type of flower with your hairdresser at the trial. Prices vary
form florist to florist.
5. In salon, or come to you?
This is a personal decision, and to be honest the quality of the
work provided by either a salon or a mobile hairdresser should not
vary. Make sure that you trial your hairdresser somewhere between
2-3 months before your wedding, as this allows plenty of time
should something go wrong at the trial. The advantage of the salon
is that often you can get everyone done at once, the disadvantage
is that there may be multiple stylists involved whose work may
vary slightly and you still have to coordinate getting your party
to and from the salon. The advantage of a mobile hairdresser is
that they come to you so that you are not rushing around on the
day, the disadvantage is normally only one hairdresser so with a
large wedding this means an early start.
6. How to choose a Hairdresser
The best advise I can give about choosing a hairdresser is to talk
to a couple of hairdressers and listen to what they have to say
about your hair and what they would do with it. They should talk
about your hair history, what type of colours you have had in the
past, what type of cuts you have had and what you did or didn't
like about them, and generally get to know you and your tastes in
style.
7. The Trial
At the trial you should talk about the dress and the image that
you are after. Have pictures which you have found in magazines to
help your stylist design the style for you. Also have your head
bridesmaids with you to give advice. The cost will vary from
hairdresser to hairdresser so make sure that you get prices before
hand.
Things to look out for when trialing a hairdresser are:
The cleanliness of their equipment. If they are salon based this
also means the salon. Tidy hairdressers do tidy work.
How well organised the hairdresser is. Is the equipment layed out
ready to go or arranged in an orderly manner and packed well in
their bags.
Are they interested in you and your wedding? Did they ask about
the dress etc?
Have they suggested hair styles for you. Did they give you advice
on your hair, not just the styles for your wedding but on hair
care, as well as cutting and colouring advice?
Are they punctual? You need your stylist to be running on time on
your wedding day.
8. Who goes first?
Always
start with the bridesmaids making sure that a good communication
is maintained to allow for changes in the hairstyles as we go. The bride should be done
second last to make sure that she looks fresh. If you do they
bride dead last she may not be ready for when then photographer
arrives, so you will chew into your photography time allowed. Last but
not least the flower girls, only because of their age. Flower
girls hair tends to be fine and wispy, and often does not hold
styles well, plus they sometimes get impatient!
9. Pre-wedding cut / colour
Your Pre-wedding cut should always be done by the
hairdresser who is going to do your hair on the day of wedding.
This takes away any chance of the hair being cut too short, and
the hairdresser having difficulties with the style on the day. If
you need to have a different hairdresser cut you hair, make sure
they show you how much hair they are taking off before they start
cutting.
Any colour work should be done anywhere from one to two weeks
before the wedding. Style and colour changes are not recommended
just before the wedding, and definitely not on the day.
10. On the day
The day of the wedding has arrived and you have to keep to a
schedule. Try to wash your hair the 2 nights before, rather than on
the day. Your natural hair grease will help keep your hair in
longer. You should allow approximately 40 mins for hair styling
per person. What you should try to do is make a schedule for
people to work by. Bridesmaid's hair and make up should be done
first, then the mother of bride, the bride herself and last of all
the flower girls depending on their ages.
Also, try to make sure that there are no errands left to do.
Having people rushing in and out is very frustrating for the
stylists, and may cause your party to run behind schedule.
The most important thing is that you feel comfortable with the
person who is doing your hair and make up. Your wedding day is one
of the most important days of your life so you have to start it
being relaxed and well prepared.
Perfect Wedding Make up
So you've chosen your dress, the flowers and the cake, you even
chosen the perfect hair
style what about your make up?
1. Basic Skin Care
A solid regimen of skin and nail care is the best way to get that
'total look' you are after. Talk to a beautician regarding a skin
and nail care plan. This may mean regular facials starting two
months before the wedding. Also don't forget your nails. Start
having weekly manicures approximately 8 weeks before the wedding.
Well kept nails are stronger and more likely not to break.
2. Choosing a make up artist
The skill of the make up artist comes with experience. Talk to the
artist about where they trained, A make up artist should know
about highlighting and shading, and how lighting affects the make
up and how to apply make up for photography. Ask what they have
done in the past and if they have photos of their work to show
you.
3. Where to find a make up artist
The best way is by referral, but there is the yellow pages,
Internet and bridal magazines. If this fails, try department
stores - most of the girls behind the cosmetic counters are
trained in make up application as well as many beauticians.
4. What look to go with
What style ultimately depends on your personal preference, but you
need to consider:
The time of the ceremony - is it day or night? Lighter more
natural make up is suitable for daytime with more dramatic looks
saved for the evening
Is the ceremony inside or outside? Lighting plays an important
part in the choice of the make up application.
How long do you need the style to last? Will you need someone to
touch up your make up, or will it last?
5. At the Trial
Have pictures from magazines to help your make up artist design a
look for you. Also have your head bridesmaids with you to give her
opinion of the make up.
What make up brands they use?
Mention if you have any skin problems eg sensitive skin or
allergies.
Colours that you have chosen as the make up should compliment the
dress and flowers. Warm neutral tones create a natural look which
is often advisable.
6. Things to avoid
Bright coloured lipsticks eg. fuchsia, blue-reds and burgundy
these colours will appear dark and some times black in
photographs.
Frosted eye colours as they can be too reflective and flare at the
camera, although modern shimmery looks are okay if applied
correctly
7. Things to buy
Things to buy before the day and have ready in case you need to
fix your make up include:
A press powder foundation
Lipstick
Waterproof mascara
Your makeup artist will advise on shades and brands.
8. Pre wedding Treatments
It is a nice idea to have a facial a couple of weeks before
the wedding. No closer than this because of the toxins which come
out during and after the facial may cause pimples, which we don't
want on the day. You might also want to consider having a manicure
on the day or just before.
9. On the Day
Plan and keep to a schedule. Make sure that you eat and brush your
teeth before the make up is applied so not to damage the
application. You should allow approximately 30 mins per person.
Where possible, the hairstylist and the make up artist should
alternate between people to save time.
10. Doing it Yourself
It is recommended using a professional make up artist, if you
decide to do your own make up, consider having
private lessons with a professional. They can give pointers on how
to bring out the best in you, and tips on make up applications for
the camera. This information will be with you always and is a good
investment.
Remember it's all about flattering you, not just what's in
fashion.
