Your Wedding, Your Choice: Hair Freedom For Brides

Bridesmaids' hairstyles are a topic of much discussion, with some brides opting for a uniform look and others allowing their bridesmaids to choose their own styles. While it's not necessary for the bride's hair to match her bridesmaids', it's important to consider hair types, face shapes, and dress styles when deciding on a hairstyle. Ultimately, the decision is up to the bride, but it's essential to respect the comfort and preferences of the bridesmaids.

Bridesmaids' hair: up or down?

Ultimately, the decision of whether your bridesmaids' hair is up or down is a personal one and will depend on a number of factors.

If you're a bridesmaid, you may be given a specific hairstyle to wear by the bride. In this case, you don't have much of a choice—but you can always try and politely ask the bride if there's any room for flexibility if you're unhappy with the chosen style.

If the bride has given you free rein over your hairstyle, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about the style of the wedding. If it's a bohemian wedding, for example, a loose, natural hairstyle might be more appropriate than a sleek updo. You should also take into account the weather—if it's going to be hot and humid, an updo might be more comfortable. Similarly, if you're wearing a strapless dress, an updo could be a good choice to show off the neckline.

If you're the bride, you may want to specify whether you want your bridesmaids' hair to be up or down—perhaps to complement the style of the wedding or to ensure the bridesmaids' hair doesn't cover any intricate details on their dresses. However, it's worth bearing in mind that different hairstyles will look different on different people, depending on their hair type, head shape, and so on. You may, therefore, want to allow your bridesmaids some flexibility so that they can choose a style that suits them.

If you're worried about your bridesmaids' hairstyles clashing with your own, don't be! You'll be wearing a wedding dress, so you're bound to stand out. However, if you're still concerned, you could ask your bridesmaids to avoid any large hair accessories, such as flowers or jewels, especially if you won't be wearing any yourself.

Who pays for bridesmaids' hair?

There is no definitive answer to the question of who pays for bridesmaids' hair—it depends on several factors, and there are a few options to consider.

Option 1: Bride Pays for Hair and Makeup

The most traditional arrangement is for the bride to cover all beauty costs for the bridal party. This gives the bride more control over the beauty agenda for her big day, and it allows for more time with her bridesmaids while they get ready together. However, this option can be expensive and difficult to coordinate, especially with a large bridal party.

Option 2: Bridesmaids Pay for Hair and Makeup

Another option is to let bridesmaids pay for their own hair and makeup. This approach gives them freedom to choose their preferred stylist and is more cost-effective for the bride, especially with a large bridal party. It also relieves the bride of the burden of decision-making when she might already have a lot on her plate.

Option 3: Bride and Bridesmaids Split the Cost

A third possibility is for the bride to pay for a portion of the hair and makeup services. This can be a good middle ground, especially if the bride wants to treat her bridesmaids but doesn't have the budget to cover all the costs. It also allows bridesmaids to feel pampered without breaking the bank.

Other Considerations

If the bride is requiring a specific hairstyle or makeup look, it is generally expected that she covers the associated costs. If the bride is not paying and is instead making hair and makeup optional, it is only fair that she does not dictate how their glam turns out.

Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that being a bridesmaid can be financially straining, with expenses for the dress, accessories, bachelorette party, wedding gift, and travel costs, to name a few. Therefore, if the bride can afford to cover some or all of the hair and makeup costs, it can be a much-appreciated gesture.

Ultimately, there is no single right way to handle these costs, and each wedding is unique. Open communication between the bride and her bridesmaids is key to ensuring everyone is on the same page and feels comfortable with the arrangements.

Should bridesmaids' hair be dictated by the bride?

On one hand, some people argue that the bride should have the final say in dictating the hairstyle of her bridesmaids. This is often done to achieve a certain look or theme for the wedding. For instance, a bride may want all her bridesmaids to have their hair in sleek, tight braids for a formal wedding or loose, messy updos for a more casual affair. Having matching hairstyles can also create a sense of cohesion among the bridal party, especially if they are wearing different dresses or accessories. Additionally, the bride may have specific preferences for her bridal party's appearance, and dictating their hairstyle can ensure that everyone's hair aligns with her vision.

On the other hand, others believe that it is important to allow bridesmaids to choose their own hairstyle. This argument stems from the idea that everyone has different hair types, textures, and preferences, and what looks good on one person may not suit another. By letting bridesmaids decide their hairstyle, the bridal party can feel comfortable and confident on the wedding day. Additionally, some people argue that the bride will already stand out due to her dress, veil, and other accessories, so there is no need to dictate the hairstyle of the bridesmaids.

In some cases, a combination of these approaches can be taken. For example, the bride may specify a general style, such as asking her bridesmaids to wear their hair up or down, but allow them to choose the specific hairstyle within that category. This gives the bridal party some flexibility while still achieving a certain level of uniformity.

It is worth noting that if the bride expects her bridesmaids to pay for their hair and makeup, it may not be fair for her to dictate their hairstyle. In this case, it may be more appropriate to provide guidelines or suggestions rather than strict requirements.

Ultimately, the decision of whether the bride should dictate her bridesmaids' hair rests with the individuals involved. Open communication and consideration of each other's preferences are key to ensuring that everyone is happy and comfortable on the wedding day.

Should bridesmaids' hair be the same as the bride's?

Ultimately, the choice of whether bridesmaids' hair should be the same as the bride's is entirely up to the bride and what she envisions for her wedding. There are several factors to consider when making this decision, and it is important to keep in mind the comfort and preferences of the bridesmaids themselves.

Some brides may prefer to have their bridesmaids' hair styled similarly to their own as it can create a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look for the wedding party. This can be especially true if the bridesmaids are wearing different dresses or accessories, as having the same hairstyle can help tie the group together. Additionally, specifying the hairstyle can ensure that the bridesmaids' hair complements the dresses and overall theme of the wedding.

On the other hand, some brides may choose to allow their bridesmaids to select their own hairstyles. This approach can be beneficial as it allows each bridesmaid to choose a style that suits their hair type, face shape, and personal style. It also gives them a sense of autonomy and ensures they feel comfortable and beautiful on the day.

If the bride decides to specify the hairstyle for her bridesmaids, it is generally expected that she covers the cost of the hair services. This is because, traditionally, the bride who dictates the hairstyle is expected to financially support her bridal party in achieving that particular look. However, this may not always be feasible, especially for larger bridal parties or destination weddings. In such cases, it is common for bridesmaids to opt-in and pay for their own hair services, allowing them the freedom to choose their preferred stylist and look.

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer to this question. Each wedding is unique, and the decision should be made based on what works best for the bride and her bridesmaids. Open communication and consideration for each other's preferences and comfort levels are key to ensuring everyone is happy and enjoys the special day.

Should bridesmaids' hair be the same as each other's?

There is no rule that says bridesmaids' hair has to be identical, although that is an option (and more traditional). It is becoming more common for brides to allow their bridesmaids to wear their hair in a style of their preference. This can be a great way to let their personalities shine through and for each bridesmaid to feel comfortable and confident.

If you are set on a uniform look for your bridesmaids, it is considered good etiquette to pay for their hair to be done professionally. However, this can be a tricky area, as everyone's hair is different and what looks good on one person might not on another. It can also be a lot of pressure on the bride, who has a lot to think about already.

A good compromise might be to give your bridesmaids a general idea of what you would like, such as "half-up, half-down" or "wear it down, with a braid". This way, you can ensure some level of cohesion without demanding that your bridesmaids conform to a style that might not suit them.

You could also suggest that they all wear the same hair accessory, or give them accessories as gifts. This can be a nice way to tie their looks together without being too prescriptive.

Ultimately, it is up to you whether your bridesmaids' hair is the same or not. If you want a uniform look, it might be a good idea to pay for their hair to be done and to give them plenty of notice about what you have in mind. If you are happy for your bridesmaids to choose their own styles, you could give them a few guidelines to ensure their hair complements their dresses and the overall style and formality of the wedding.

Frequently asked questions