How to Choose a Wedding Hairstyle to Match Your Bridal Vibe

Anyone who says the seating chart is the most stressful part of wedding planning hasn't had decision fatigue from choosing a wedding hairstyle. Choosing a wedding hairstyle means narrowing down endless options, finding the hairstylist and colorist, booking multiple appointments, and more. Well, the overwhelm ends here. Ahead, find your complete guide to choosing a wedding hairstyle that not only matches your dress, but plays well with your entire bridal vibe.

First, Choose a Dress

That's right: To choose the perfect wedding hairstyle, you have to start by choosing a dress. Or jumpsuit. Or suit. Whatever you wear, the choice is up to you — and, trust us, there will be a wedding hairstyle that totally elevates whichever look you choose.

As a basic rule of thumb, your hairstyle should complement your outfit, instead of competing with it. For example, let's say you're wearing a princess gown with a detailed bodice with long sleeves. While cascading curls topped with a tiara may take the look from elegant to over the top, a classic, simple updo will highlight the dress's embellishments.

Below, we've compiled some classic dress-and-hair combos. Feel free to play with these based on your own personal style and bridal vibe, of course — take these as style inspiration, rather than style rules.

• Strapless dresses look beautiful with an updo or half-up/half-down hairstyles. Go for something loose and breezy here, like a half-up style wth gently angled bangs or a ballerina bun with a few tendrils spilling down.
• If you're wearing a big ball gown, you can't go wrong with a formal updo. A classic chignon is a great finishing touch for a modern Cinderella moment.
• A flowing white dress for a beachside affair calls for loose, flowing waves or curls. Pin a few flowers into your hair for a natural touch.
• A spaghetti strap wedding dress looks lovely with soft waves or a loose, casual updo. For a modern, romantic look, keep the hair down and wavy, pulling the bangs back off the face.
• Pantsuits, jumpsuits, and modern dresses look great with a sleek blow-out or a sexy, slicked-back ponytail.
• If you're wearing an attention-grabbing necklace or a style with an intricate neck, keep hair pulled back into an updo. You don't want the hair and the neckline competing for attention.
  

Tips for Choosing a Hairstyle

Now that you've chosen your dress, it's time to choose a hairstyle. Now, take a deep breath, and start getting inspired. A few months before the wedding, start flicking through magazines and browsing online hairstyle galleries to pick out some favorites. As you browse, consider which styles will work best for you.

You'll want to consider your personal hair texture and length. If you want that shellacked updo, for example, you're going to need long hair to achieve it.

As for hair texture, don't fight Mother Nature. Curly or coily hair looks amazing either down or up, styled or natural. Straight hair can be curled into waves and wound into ornate updos. Wavy hair is the perfect texture for half-up/half-down styles and updos.

As you research, keep tabs on the styles that call out to you. You can even pin your favorite styles to a Pinterest board to keep them in one place. In any case, you'll want a few options to bring along to your hair consultation.

Finally, when selecting styles, think ahead 20 years. When you look at your wedding pictures decades from now, will you see a classic bride or a dated bride?

Find the Right Hairstylist

Finding the right wedding hairstylist can seem like a Herculean task — and it's not always as simple as booking your typical stylist. Wedding and formal-event hair is a specialty that's different from cutting or coloring. You may find someone in your salon who specializes in wedding hair and makeup, or you could ask for recommendations from friends. And don't be afraid to interview a few stylists.

But keep in mind, your selection is up you. "Ultimately, you have to trust the person that does your hair," says Michelle Hong, founder and creative director of NYC The Team. "Do not bring your whole wedding party and discuss as a group!"

Once you've chosen who you want to stick with, schedule a hair trial with them, and book them for your wedding day. Now, onto timeline.

Most brides choose book their hairstylist about three months before the wedding day. There's no hard and fast rule to this, but you don't want to miss out on scoring your ideal stylist. In-demand pros can book up pretty fast for Saturdays, particularly in prime wedding season.

Book Your Salon Visits

Here's a basic schedule for your wedding hairstyle:

• A few months before the wedding, start collecting photos of your favorite wedding hairstyles.
• Three to four months before the big day, research hair pros in your area and book a few consultations.
• "If you're getting extensions put in, make sure you try them at least three months prior so you know what they feel like to have them in your hair all the time," says Hong.
• Three months before the wedding, finalize your hairstylist and book a trial run. Also book the wedding day for both you and your wedding party.
• Four to six weeks before your wedding, get a hair trim. If you straighten or curl your hair professionally, do this at least one month before the wedding so your hair has time to relax.
• For color, "I would recommend scheduling a final hair appointment one week to two weeks prior to the wedding day," says Abby Haliti, a world-renowned balayage expert and founder of Abby Haliti Color Studio. "This timeframe works well for most hairstyles, including updos and down styles. However, if there's a need for gray coverage, I would suggest doing it a week in advance to ensure the color settles in nicely." For balayage, she adds, booking a color refresh one-to-two weeks before to the wedding is ideal.
• Confirm your hair, manicure and makeup appointments at least a week before the big day.

Book a Hair Trial

Schedule a hair trial a couple months to a few weeks before the wedding. Trial runs are basically a run-through of your wedding day hair and sometimes even your makeup. Most stylists charge a fee for a trial run, but the price is worth it for the peace of mind and knowledge that you've locked down that perfect hairstyle. This is also your opportunity to bring in your veil, if you're wearing one.

Here are some more tips for your hair trial:

• Bring in a photo of your dress so your stylist can ensure your hair fits with the dress style.
• Bring your veil or hair accessories for the stylist to try out during your hair trial.
• Be honest with your stylist about your expectations and speak up if you don't love the style you end up with. Many brides have more than one hair trial before they settle on a style they love.
• Spend the rest of the day with that hairstyle to ensure it will hold up the day of your wedding.

Also, don't get a major haircut in between your hair trial and your wedding day. You don't want to show up and surprise your stylist the day of your wedding.

Finally, make sure to loop in your colorist. "Always discuss the [wedding hairstyle] with the colorist!" says Hong. As a reminder, she adds: "If hair extensions are recommended, you should have the color matched."

Make a Plan for Your Wedding Day

Your stylist will know how much time is needed to do your hair on the big day, so be sure to keep that in mind for your wedding-day timeline. You'll want to give yourself plenty of time, especially if you have long hair. Keep in mind the timing of your wedding party hair appointments as well, if they're getting their hair done. Your stylist should know how much time to schedule.

Some brides with fine hair opt not to wash their hair the day of because the dirtier hair is, the better it will stay in an updo. Some brides also can't imagine that. Bring extra pins and hairspray along to the reception, just in case your updo starts to fall. You can run a hair dryer sheet on your head if there's static in the air and your hair gets frizzy.

Can You Do Your Own Hair?

You can absolutely do your own hair for your wedding. This is your day! Kate Middleton learned how to do her own makeup for her multi-million dollar wedding, after all. If you aren't one to spend extra money on a hairstylist and makeup pro, then don't. Do, however, enlist a friend to help you out with your hair on your wedding day. The two of you can do a trial run a week or so ahead of time, just as you would a trial run with a pro.