Image Credit: April Maura

Your bridal hairstyle ties your whole look together and should show you off at your best in wedding photos.

 If, like me, your parents got married in the 80’s you can imagine how eager my mother is to show off her wedding photos now. The puffy-sleeved dress is forgivable, but the New Romantic, angled chop, not so much. With any other of my mom’s outfits in the 80s, her hairstyle made sense. In her wedding photos, however, it looked embarrassingly out of place.

Hair fashions come and go and some looks are simply more suited to the club, not a wedding ceremony. All brides want to look their prettiest in their wedding photos, so please, heed my mom’s lesson and consider leaving the hair trends at the door on your special day.

Take a look at these five, photogenic bridal hairstyles that will stand the test of time instead.

5 of the Best Hairstyles for Stunning

2017 Wedding Photos

The Classic Chignon Updo

Timeless and elegant, this wedding hairstyle has been a staple for centuries. As a twist on the run-of-the-mill bun or high ponytail, the chignon looks great in photos, especially if it includes a little volume around the crown. This swept-up style also provides the perfect canvas to showcase a jewelled or flowered hairpiece. These details can also provide your photographer with an artful focal point for the shots of you from the back, during the ceremony, or walking down the aisle.

 

Image Credit: April Maura

The ‘Sassy’ Side Sweep

A variation on the classic, long and luscious curls, is the side sweep. Wedding photographers like to play with lines and angles, and so a long, side-swept wedding hairstyle, can make for some stunning portrait shots. This style also looks divine with strapless wedding dresses, drawing the eye to your décolletage.

Image Credit: April Maura

The Half-Up Hottie

A mix of long and luscious and sleek and structured, the romantic half up-do gives the best of both worlds and works great with a veil or hairpieces. Backcombing slightly at the crown gives the style a little extra ‘Va Va Voom’.

 

Image Credit: April Maura

Beautiful Bridal Braids

Weaving your hair into a french braid can elevate your wedding dress and create a beautiful point of focus on the back of a shift or backless-style gown. The French braid can also provide a versatile canvas for embellishments. Flowers, for instance, can be woven in anywhere along the length of your hair, from roots to tips.

Depending on how formal your wedding style is, you may also want to pull some tendrils to fall prettily around the face. However, be cautious that it’s not too many tendrils, as they can cause unflattering shadows across your face in the wedding photos.

Opting for a hairstyle that withstands various activities and weather conditions ensures you look flawless from ceremony to reception. For instance, knowing how to braid a wig can be advantageous if you plan to wear one for added volume or length, offering flexibility in achieving your desired look without the concern of it loosening or becoming disheveled.

Therefore, consulting with a professional stylist who understands both your vision and the nuances of bridal hair can help you achieve a hairstyle that complements your gown and keeps you looking radiant throughout your special day.

Image Credit: April Maura

Oh So Soft Waves

Long, soft curls, always give a youthful and slightly ‘undone’ look, perfect for informal style weddings. The more natural-looking your waves the better, as the curls will draw the eye up to your face. For a boost, use some natural hair extensions and weave, to provide extra body on your special day.

Soft waves can also be dressed-up with the addition of a veil or jewelled headpiece. Alternatively, long, gorgeous curls work beautifully with flowered crowns or full-on tiaras.

A word of caution, it may be wise to soften the curls around your face, as again, at certain angles the waves may cast some unflattering shadows on your face.

 

Image Credit: April Maura

 

Planning Is Key

Choosing a hairstyle for your wedding day takes time and careful planning. It is always best to do some trial-runs beforehand and don’t be afraid to experiment. These five classic wedding hairstyles are a few tried and tested options to get you started.

Guest Author: Hollie Jones

Hollie Jones is a freelance writer and co-author for lifestyle blog, Hollieandtheivy.com. She frequently writes about beauty, hair-care and interior design to share her knowledge with others.

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Many thanks to the wedding creative team who helped in the celebration of two souls committing the promise of forever:

Venue: Encanterra Country Club | Museum of Musical Instruments | Villa Siena | Venue at the Grove | Royal Palms Resort and Spa | Inspiration for these St. Louis Wedding Locations: FOUR SEASONS HOTEL ST LOUIS |  THE CHASE PARK PLAZA  | MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN | BUSCH FAMILY ESTATE AT GRANT’S FARM | SILVER OAKS CHATEAU | PEABODY OPERA HOUSE | THE CARAMEL ROOM AT BISSINGER | CHANDLER HILL VINEYARDS | Photographer: APRIL MAURA PHOTOGRAPHY