Author: Melanie Rivers | Images: Studio Starfish
With all of the resources we have these days for bridal hair and makeup looks, how on earth is a bride supposed to pick out the right one for her? All she has to do is hop on Pinterest, YouTube, or pick up a copy of any bridal magazine and she is bombarded with thousands of hair and makeup choices, all claiming to be “the hottest new look of the season.” One of the biggest mistakes I see brides (& bridesmaids) make, is picking a look just because they think it is pretty; having no idea that it is near impossible for them to achieve the same look. I adore JLo’s style, however, I have come to terms with the fact that I look nothing like her and I will not always be able to replicate her looks with success. While there are many factors that go into choosing “the right look”, I will give you a few tips and tricks to help narrow down the endless options to a few that will work for you!
Be Cohesive with YOUR Wedding Theme
One of the most important factors to take into consideration is the overall theme of your wedding. Is it a daytime beach wedding in Cancun? Then leaving your hair down might not be the best option. Consider the heat and possibly windy weather you might have to battle all day long. Does your wedding have a casual boho theme or are you hosting a small country wedding? Then a tight, carefully coiffed up-do or a super dramatic smokey eye might look a little out of place with the theme of the entire day.
Your OWN Hair & Skin Type
If you like pictures of thick, beautiful braids and lots of curls, but you have fine shoulder-length hair, then keep in mind that extensions and a lot of product may be in order. That is where a bridal consultation would come in handy. Let your stylist share ideas with you that will work best with your hair type and make suggestions to achieve your desired wedding day look. Also knowing whether you have dry, oily, normal, or a combination type of skin is important so your makeup artist will know which products to use that will help your makeup last all day and night.
What is YOUR Shape?
Face and eye shape can make a huge impact on how a style will transition from the pages of a magazine to a real life bride. Look for pictures of women with a similar face shape and eye shape to yours. Even a simple Google search for “bridal styles for round faces” can help give you an idea of which direction to go. If you have small eyes try to avoid too much eyeliner, as it can usually make the eyes appear smaller. If you have big round eyes, look for makeup techniques that will help elongate the eye and create more of an almond-shape. Of course there is always the exception to every rule, so talk to your makeup artist about the areas that you want to highlight and those that you want to diminish. Allow the makeup artist to help play up your best features!
Your PERSONAL Taste
As a hair stylist and makeup artist, I could suggest a gorgeous old Hollywood glam style that might go perfectly with the theme of your wedding, your face shape, etc., but if that is not your style, then it will not work for you. You want to feel beautiful, radiant, and comfortable on one of the most important days of your life! If you do not typically wear red lipstick or a smokey eye, then your wedding day probably is not the best day to try it out. We want your groom to be able to recognize you at the end of the aisle!
It is All About YOU!
Look for ideas that are in line with the theme of your wedding and are similar to your personal style– just with a bit more glam! Keep in mind your face shape and skin type and try to find hairstyles that reflect the same length and thickness of your own. Sometimes, even with all of that in mind, it can still seem next to impossible to pick out the right look. That’s where the help of your stylist and makeup artist comes in! Their job is to help you select the right look for you and make it your own! So that on your big day, when your groom sees his bride, you will take his breath away!
Author: Melanie Rivers | Images: Studio Starfish
