How to Choose When You're Deciding Between Two Wedding Hairstyles

3 days ago

4 min read

My sister attended a wedding recently where she was a bridesmaid. She was torn between two styles. The first style was a blowout which she typically does on herself for special occasions. The second style was a slightly messy french twist updo. Hairstyling can be just as challenging to get right as makeup. There are so many things to consider, such as your current head shape, the shape of the style, longevity, and more.

Below, I'll be sharing a little bit of our conversation and even though she was a bridesmaid, many of the things we'll discuss below can also apply to brides!

Hi there! I'm Olivia and I help brides feel like their best self in the most comfortable way. My hair and makeup style is natural, authentic, and inspired by soft glam. I'm located in Baltimore and Connecticut, and serve the East Coast from Boston to DC.

Assess Your Own Personal Style

a bride getting makeup done on her wedding day — Captured by Magi Fisher Photography

My work is deeply rooted in creating hair and makeup styles that reflect my clients' current comfort level and preferences. On our discovery calls, I always ask brides to tell me about themselves. What do you normally wear for makeup? How do you like to wear your hair daily? On special occasions? etc. I base my work and styling around the bride's personality and comfort level because even if a style I create is incredibly beautiful, it still might not make my bride feel like her best self if it is a style she typically doesn't wear.

For example, if a bride shows me a photo of big voluminous glam waves with hair extensions down to the waist--and then she tells me that she normally just wears her hair in a claw clip because she doesn't like her hair in her face-- I would tell her that the glam waves are probably not a style she will like or feel comfortable in even if they look exactly like the inspiration photo.

If you want to look and feel like your best version, it is important to assess your own personal style and stay true to yourself! If you normally wear your hair down for big events, you might want it down for your wedding. Same goes for if you wear your hair in a bun or claw clip, you might want it in a french twist type style. Understanding who you are and what you like and dislike is the first step to choosing your ideal hairstyle.

Additionally, if you're wearing a strapless dress and love your decolletage, an updo might be a great idea even if everyone else says to wear hair down. It is ultimately up to you to pick a style that you feel comfortable with even if it goes against trends and fashion "rules".

Take a Look At the Artists' Portfolio

As a hair and makeup artist myself, my priority is for all my clients to be happy when they leave our chair. If you are a bridesmaid, you can totally ask which team artists will be present at the wedding. If there is a bridesmaid who wishes to not get hair done after seeing our portfolio, I totally respect it because I just want everyone to be happy!

I understand that when you're a bridesmaid, you don't always get input into the bride's hair and makeup artist. However, everyone has a specialty, and I recommend you look at the artist's portfolio to get an understanding of their style.

If you are a bride, taking a deep dive into the artist's portfolio and website is important. You will want to look at the styles and if you can see yourself in at least 75% of the hair and makeup looks, I think you have found a great match!

Consider the Location

Getting married in Washington DC has a completely different vibe compared to getting married on the Eastern Shore. When I think of DC hotel weddings, formal, polished hair with very little flyaways comes to mind. On the contrary, Eastern Shore wedding hair has a coastal aesthetic: effortless waves, a slightly messy bun, or a loose half-up style.

If you're looking for a french twists style in the city, you may be looking for something more clean and formal. Compared to a coastal wedding where you might ask for something more undone.

Consider the french twist styles I created below! The first two styles are more casual and coastal. The two on the right were on my brides who got married in Baltimore City at The Pendry and in DC at Meridian House.

Ask the Artist What They Think

Lastly, if you are still unsure after assessing your personal style and considering the location, I recommend coming with two styles narrowed down. Ask the artist which might be best suited with your hair type, length, the weather; and you can also ask which style they would feel best executing!

Working With Me

If you are a bride working with me, I want you to know that it is completely normal to not know what you want yet. I always aim for a collaborative experience so that you leave my chair feeling comfortable and confident.

The preview is a really great opportunity to try different styles-- such as hair down with face framing or all hair pulled back-- to see what you feel best in. I also encourage wearing the style after the preview all day too. You might really love the look of face framing but after wearing it all day, you might find that hair by your face bothers you. And that is totally okay! We will probably come up with a plan- like wearing the face framing during photos and the ceremony and just simply tucking the pieces behind your ear during the reception :)

I've had some brides know exactly what they want and leave their preview after a short period. I've also had brides come in for multiple previews and decide on their wedding hair just right before we begin hair on the wedding day.

If you're still deciding between two styles for your wedding hair, you can reach out and inquire here! We can get chatting and help you decide which might be best for you on our discovery phone call :)

Happy wedding planning!

Olivia