Creating the Perfect Look for Your Wedding Day
The day you have been dreaming about is rapidly approaching! It is time to plan your wedding and decide on a wedding “look.” You want to make sure your groom’s jaw drops when he sees you walking down the aisle.
The perfect look for your special day should complement your venue/location, wedding theme, colors, flowers, season and time of day.
The first step? Find the gown. Your dress is the centerpiece of your “look” and will impact everything from your hairstyle to shoe choice.
Once you have found your wedding dress, splurge on an armload of bridal magazines- if you haven’t already. Flip through magazines looking at hairstyles and makeup. This is most fun when done with your maid or matron of honor. Make a day of it! Open a bottle of wine or buy a latte and have fun finding photos to bring to your preview.
Pull out the photos of brides with hairstyles and makeup application that appeal to you. Remember that your dress should impact your hair choices. If you have a low back on your dress, an updo might be most flattering. In contrast, if you have a simple dress, hair worn long with a soft curl and decorative flower might be most attractive.
Popular hair styles to consider include: ½ up and ½ down, all up, side bun with tendril curls, height on top, all down, straight or curls. It is totally up to you!
Keep your eyes peeled for great accessories too! Keep photos of jewelry- earrings, necklaces, hair pieces- that speaks to you. If you don’t see anything in bridal magazines that you like, then broaden your search to fashion magazines. Remember that large jewelry tends to steal the show in photographs, so choose your jewelry wisely. You don’t want any one piece of jewelry to overshadow you or your dress!
Lastly, choosing a makeup style/application that will accentuate your best features and show up in pictures is crucial to completing your look. Think about the color of your lips, cheeks, and eye shadow. Do you want a dramatic eye and soft lip? Do you want a dramatic lip and soft eyes? Keep in mind that you want to look like yourself- well, an even more glamorous version of yourself. You do not want to totally change your color palate or wear makeup you never wear when getting dressed up normally.
Once you have some pictures of hairstyles, makeup application, jewelry, etc., you are ready to schedule your hair and makeup preview.
What should you expect at your preview appointment (a.k.a. “your trail run”)?
Expect:
* to spend 2-3 hours with your stylist. If you feel rushed during a preview, the stylist is not for you. Make sure you choose someone who is meticulous and patient!
* In depth discussion about your desired “look,” your style in general, and yoru wedding day event.
* Your artist to work with you using photos to create your “look.”
* to have fun! This is an opportunity for you to try different styles and makeup shades to ensure you are comfortable with both and are excited about how you will look on your wedding day.
* To take lots of photos of your hair and makeup- both inside and outside.
* to have an opportunity to purchase makeup for the big day. You will be kissing your groom, hugging family, sweating, etc. which can take its toll on makeup. Reapplication will be crucial to maintaining your “look!” Many makeup artists will suggest you buy a foundation compact to match your foundation color.
What happens after the preview?
* You may want to show close friends or family the pictures to get feedback.
* Notice how long your hair and makeup hold up as the day passes. They should last 8-10 hours. If you had curls or tendrils, how did they relax or fall after the preview?
* Consider your lip color choice. Does it look good in the photos? Did it show up well?
* Do you feel comfortable in your hair and makeup? You should still feel like you.
* Note any changes you want to make to your look before the big day.
Content by Caelie Steele- Hair & Makeup Artist, BellOfTheBall.us
Edited by Catling Tucker, Published Writer