Article by Pam Black owner of Pam Black Weddings
Brides with long hair have often remarked to me that they are not sure whether they should wear their hair swept up on their wedding day or leave it free-flowing.
I read recently that one bride had solved this dilemma by opting for an elegant coiffure for the ceremony, after which her hairdresser did a quick restyle so that she could literally ‘let her hair down’ for the reception.
One of my favourite wedding quotes maintains that the length of a couple’s engagement is often dictated by the amount of time it takes for the bride to grow her hair long enough to wear in an up-style.
On many occasions I have noticed with amusement that the newly-married bride, having grown her hair long for the wedding, reverts to a short style straight after the honeymoon.
More than a ‘few’ trial runs
If you’re not accustomed to wearing your hair swept up, it’s best to have more than a few trial runs, so that you are at ease with this style before the wedding day.
Should you be intending to wear a tiara or a veil, it’s also a good idea to show these to your hairdresser and have a practice run before the wedding, to give you an idea of the overall look.
This is especially important if the hairdresser is not going to be present when you dress, as your headpiece is usually the last item you put on.
It’s not unheard of for the mother of the bride, or the chief bridesmaid, to panic when faced with the unenviable task of attaching a veil or a tiara to a swept-up, highly coiffed style. If the hairdresser won’t be present at this stage, make sure that you keep a supply of hairpins handy, and that everyone involved knows exactly what to do.
The magical tiara
Tiaras have certainly come of age, and there are some really attractive ones available now. If you are planning to wear a tiara, make sure it is comfortable and that it fits snugly.
Celebration House takes part in The National Wedding Show held in London each year, and I am always amazed at the large number of tiara exhibits at the show.
Perhaps this is due to the fact that Britain is, after all, the home of royalty, and every little girl dreams of being a princess.
Another point to bear in mind when choosing a headpiece is the height of the groom.
If he is the same height as you, it’s best not to wear a headpiece at all, as you will tower over him. Rather choose something flatter, or settle for a few flowers instead.
Choose wisely
If you choose to wear fresh flowers in your hair, it’s best, before going this route, to discuss with your hairdresser what he or she thinks would work for your particular type of hair, and your chosen style.
For instance, you might discover that what works well for thick hair should be avoided if your hair tends to be fine. Fresh flowers are usually attached with a comb or hairpins, and should be put on just before you leave for the ceremony. If you are marrying during the hot summer months and are concerned about them wilting, it might be a good idea to use silk flowers instead.
Should you be planning to have a veil, practise wearing it around the house ahead of the wedding day to get used to the feel of it, especially if it’s long.
An excellent piece of advice I was once given with regard to veils, is, you should always ensure that the shorter piece of the veil is uppermost when fixing it to your hair. It may seem like common sense, but brides who are planning to cover their faces for the ceremony have been known to panic on arrival at the venue, when they discover that the veil is firmly fixed onto their heads with the longer piece on top!
