One way to ensure that your dream hairstyle will be going strong long after saying "I do" is to watch wedding videos. A lot happens between the first look and dancing, so we combed through some wedding videos on LoveStoriesTV to identify brides whose 'dos withstood the test of time no matter how athletic their dance floor moves. We also tapped the best hairstylists in the business about what to communicate to your stylist during your test, and product recommendations for mega hold. Here, the seven 'dos that looked just as great at the ceremony as they did at the end of the evening.
Sideswept and Soft
Venue is key. The number one thing to keep in mind when planning your wedding hairstyle is whether you'll be indoors or outdoors—at all. "Many brides forget about photos being taken outdoors prior to the reception," says White Rose Collective and Kerastase hairstylist Matt Fugate. If your hair will be blowing around at some point throughout the evening, that's something your stylist needs to know, so be mindful of the elements. Without your hairdresser staying and being with you throughout the reception, weather can have an impact on your look.
Beautiful Braid
For a gorgeous braided look like this, you want to consult and prep properly. Butterfly Studio hairstylist Dana Tizzio says to ask your stylist which shampoo he or she recommends on the day or day before. "If you use the wrong shampoo, it may be too heavy and weigh down your hair, which will factor in working against a look lasting a long time," she explains. Another tip for your consultation is to bring photos. Scott Fabian of Sally Hershberger Tim Rogers Salon recommends bringing three so as not be overwhelmed with too many options. "The trial is the best time to see what works with your face shape and dress choice for the big day," he explains.
Adorned 'Do
A hairstyle like this requires that you set the foundation pre-styling. "The products you put in the hair when wet can make or break the end result," says Fabian. He likes to use a generous amount of Sally Hershberger 24k Supreme Body Volumizing Mousse all throughout the hair to create the perfect base for any styling. Fugate warns against exhausting your hair during pre-styling, as you want your style to last. If you want waves that stay wavy all night, for example, he says not to blow the hair out straight and then hairspray it up and and wrap it around an iron. In this case, setting your hair is the best thing to do. "If I blow out a bride's hair, I focus on the main parts of the hair that are camera-ready surface sections, like the top section and around the hairline," he explains. "That's what will be seen. If there's natural curl or body underneath, there's no need to blow out the hair and then curl." For hair that lasts, you have to be mindful of how much manipulation you're doing, he says. (Supreme body volumizing mousse, $32, Sally Hershberger 24K available at Sephora)
Soft, Lengthy Waves (Despite Humidity!)
When you're trying to manage your hair versus moisture in the air like this bride did in Florida, it's tempting to turn to that can of hairspray. Too much, however, can potentially hinder your look, as it can be sticky when it's blowing around and won't move naturally. "Great beginnings last a lifetime," Fugate says. "Prepare the hair properly and then you don't need a lot of product." Alcohol-based products aren't your best friend on the wedding day, he notes. "Super-hold hairsprays don't mean your hair will definitely hold, just that it will be sticky for a second," he explains. For a gorgeous finish, Fabian recommends pastes and pomades. "Whether hair is up or down, these can be used to add texture for that perfectly undone look or shine for the sleeker, sexier styles," he explains. He likes to use Ouai Matte Pomade for a textured effect with light hold. (Matte pomade, $24, Ouai available at Sephora)
Half-Up
Tizzio says that styling your hair for your wedding is all about finding the perfect balance between feeling like yourself but also turning heads as a bride. It can be tricky! "Wearing your hair half up is a great option if you love wearing your hair down on a normal day but want a look with a little more control," she explains. "This style will get your hair out of your face, plus with some hair pulled back there are so many options to choose from, such as braid styles or soft twists." Fugate says if you're bringing your hairdresser to your wedding destination, set the hair overnight around sponges or rollers for best results. "Your curl isn't going anywhere the next day," he says. If you have the time, he likes to use a curling iron on a lower heat setting of 375 degrees and wrapping the hair around the iron and leaving it on longer. "It's baking as opposed to microwaving," he quips. Clipping the curl up in the same formation helps keep the pattern as well, he says.
See More: Update Your Updo: 4 Fresh Twists on the Classic Bridal Bun
The Updo That's Super Subtle
Keep texture and density in mind. If you have super curly hair, Tizzio says you may want to consider leaving it curly and opt for a 'do that will work with your natural texture. "Keeping it textured will ensure it won't get crazy over time and will be naturally low maintenance," she says. Tizzio likes to spray Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to add volume to fine or thin hair, which helps amp up strands. "This product adds the feeling of more hair with a spritz and ensures volume as it protects your style from falling flat all night," she explains. She likes to apply it first as a foundation for a bridal hairstyle before heading in with a curling iron to give the hair grip and structure. (Dry texturizing spray, $46, Oribe)
Two 'Dos, One Wedding
It's all about thinking ahead and working backwards. For a change in styles throughout the evening from up to down or vice versa, Fugate likes to style the down 'do first before pinning the look up and letting it loose later. "I'll just pull out a couple pins and then it's a ponytail," he says. "If want it to look like one way later, then I achieve that in the beginning." It's all about thinking ahead. Integral to a look like this is allowing time for your hair to set and cool, so he advises doing hair first, then makeup. It makes a difference with regard to longevity, he explains.
