Deborah Chan
Wedding dress shopping can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience. To make the most of your appointment and feel confident, some brides recommend doing your hair and makeup in a way that resembles your desired wedding-day look. This can help you visualise your overall appearance and enable your bridal stylist to suggest complementary accessories. However, others suggest keeping your hair and makeup simple to avoid messing it up when changing dresses. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and doing what makes you feel comfortable and confident is key.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Makeup | Basic/neutral makeup is recommended to avoid taking attention away from the dress. However, some suggest wearing a little more makeup than usual to boost confidence and shine under bright salon lights. |
| Hair | It is recommended to wear your hair in a similar style to what you plan to have on your wedding day. This could be wearing your hair down, in an updo, half-up-half-down, or a side-swept look. Putting your hair up can make it easier to try on different dresses and veils. |
| Undergarments | Wear the undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day, such as a strapless bra or shapewear. |
| Accessories | Bring essential accessories like hair ties, bobby pins, and a camera. Avoid wearing chunky jewellery as it can interfere with trying on dresses. |
| Shoes | Bring a pair of heels or shoes with a similar height to what you plan to wear on your wedding day. |
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What You'll Learn
Wear your hair down
When wedding dress shopping, it's important to feel comfortable and confident. While some people prefer to wear their hair up to make trying on dresses easier, others like to wear their hair down. If you're planning on wearing your hair down on your wedding day, it's a good opportunity to see how your hair looks with different dresses.
If you have long hair, wearing your hair down can help you see how a dress looks with loose locks. You can also try different styles, such as soft waves or curls, to add some contrast and balance to your look. If you're wearing a dress with a lot of detail on the back, you could sweep your hair over one shoulder. This can help show off the intricate design of the gown.
For those who want to embrace their natural texture, wearing hair down can be a great way to do so. Big curls or waves can create a glamorous look, while loose waves or natural curls can give a more effortless, romantic feel. If you're wearing a veil, consider a soft hairstyle with plenty of movement to complement it.
You can also add accessories to your hair when trying on dresses. A sparkly clip or barrette can add a modern twist, while a floral crown is a whimsical alternative to a traditional veil, perfect for boho brides.
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Opt for an updo
Opting for an updo when wedding dress shopping is a great way to ensure you feel confident and comfortable. An updo is a versatile hairstyle that can be tailored to suit your personal style and the theme of your wedding.
If you're considering an elaborate high-neckline gown, an updo can complement the dress by showcaseing the intricate details. A high ballerina bun, for instance, adds height and ensures your hair stays put, making it perfect for dancing the night away. It can also be styled with a part or no part, and accessorized with drop earrings and a smokey eye.
For a retro-inspired wedding, a vintage updo is a popular choice. This style is often paired with a fascinator, cage veil, hair ornament, or a long veil worn low at the back. A classic chignon, inspired by the French phrase "chignon du cou," meaning "nape of the neck," is another timeless option that pairs well with an exposed back, a flowery hairpiece, and delicate earrings.
If you're seeking a more informal or bohemian look, a messy updo or a loose curl updo with a flower crown can add volume and whimsy to your bridal style. A Dutch braid is another softly textured updo that pairs beautifully with a ball gown.
Ultimately, an updo is a flattering choice that enhances your facial features and can be customized to suit your unique vision for your wedding day.
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Half-up, half-down
If you're going for a relaxed vibe, try a curly, moveable hairstyle with just the top half pinned back. This will keep the look from appearing too formal. For a more formal or black-tie event, a sleek, sophisticated half-up ponytail or bun could be a better option.
For those who want to wear their hair down but away from their face, half-up bridal hair is a great choice. This style can be paired with soft waves or loose curls for a romantic, bohemian look. To add some sparkle, accessorise with a tiara, flower crown, or fancy pins. If you're wearing a veil, the half-up portion provides a secure place for it to rest.
When trying out this hairstyle, be sure to give it a trial run with a professional stylist and leave it in for several hours. Take photos and videos, and even try on your wedding dress to see how the hairstyle holds up over time and how it looks in photos.
If you want to add volume to your hair, consider using hair extensions. Clip-in extensions can be blended with your natural hair by straightening or curling both together. To create volume, backcomb your crown and push your hair forward, then lightly brush and spray flyaways into place.
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Wear your natural hair texture
If you want to wear your natural hair texture when wedding dress shopping, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to feel comfortable and confident. If you usually wear your hair down, you may want to stick to that style, but if you're planning to wear an updo on your wedding day, it might be worth trying a few updo styles when trying on dresses.
If you have curly hair, you could try adding height and volume for a free-flowing, unstructured look. This can be achieved by blowing out your curls to stretch them out and add volume. Alternatively, you could part your hair and pull it back tightly, either with braids, twists, or by smoothing out your hair, and leave the rest of your hair down for a half-up style.
Another option is to wear your hair in a bun, which is a classic hairstyle that complements any wedding dress. If you want to add a touch of glamour, consider adding a luxe hair accessory or some gold embellishments like hairpins, clips, or hair jewellery.
If you're looking for a more unique style, you could try a formal side puff hairstyle, which works well with off-the-shoulder wedding dresses. Florals are also a great accessory for curly and afro bridal hairstyles.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident. Wear your hair in a way that makes you feel like yourself, and don't be afraid to embrace your natural hair texture!
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Try a side-swept look
When preparing for your wedding dress shopping trip, you might be wondering how to style your hair for the occasion. A side-swept hairstyle is a glamorous, chic, and versatile option that can be perfect for a bride, and there are several ways to achieve this look.
If you're looking for a simple, classic, and always stunning look, soft, long waves are the way to go. Celebrity hairstylist Angela Calisti calls them "sleek, polished and perfect for a modern yet vintage-inspired bride." To achieve this look, you can use a curling iron or wand to create waves and add a bit of volume to the swept-back side. You can also add a glittering hair brooch or accessory at the side part for a touch of glamour.
If you're looking for something a little more understated, a low ponytail can be a great option. When done right, it can look put together and sophisticated. To make a low ponytail feel fancier, pull it slightly to the side and let it cascade over one shoulder.
For brides who prefer to wear their hair down, side-swept waves can be a perfect choice. This style works best with medium to long hair lengths, but there are also options for short-haired brides. Side-swept waves can beautifully frame your face and complement your wedding dress, especially if it has an exquisite illusion back or a low back design.
When creating side-swept waves, you can use a curling iron, extra-large bobby pins, and a brush. You can also add a mini French braid in the under-section of the swept-back hair for extra security and texture. Remember to use hair products sparingly, as too much hairspray can make your waves look stiff, while too much serum can weigh your hair down or make it look greasy.
Additionally, consider the neckline, structure, lines, and details of your dress when choosing a side-swept hairstyle. Side-swept waves pair beautifully with asymmetrical necklines, strapless gowns, or off-the-shoulder designs. A deep side part can complement dresses with dramatic structures, high necklines, or bold shoulders, softening the look while adding a touch of edge.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no right or wrong answer to this. Wear as little or as much makeup as will make you feel good. A little bit of makeup can boost your confidence, but if you prefer to stick to skincare, that's fine too.
If you already know what hairstyle you want for your wedding day, it might be a good idea to wear your hair in a similar way when trying on dresses. This will help you get a more realistic image of how you will look on your wedding day. However, bear in mind that you will be putting dress after dress over your head, which will mess up your hair, so you might want to put your hair up to make changing easier.
There are no rules for this. You can wear your hair up or down, straight or curly, or with a hair accessory, fresh flowers, or a veil. Consider how your hairstyle will play into your look as a whole. For example, if your dress has a lot of detail on the back, wearing your hair down and swept over one shoulder could be a good option.
Think about your face shape, dress, veil, temperature, and the activities of the day. For example, if you're getting married in a hot country, you might want to avoid an elaborate hairstyle that will fall out in the heat.
