Bridal Hairstyles

Wedding veils have been synonymous with bridal wear for centuries. Historically, the veil represented modesty before God and obedience. When brides wore white wedding dresses, it was to symbolize purity; the white veil followed suit. (Metro Creative, 2019). The wedding veil represented virginity. The material of the veil was thin to reference the hymen. A bride wearing the white veil and the dress showed that her virginity was intact (Sinrich, 2018).

Today, not all brides wear veils. When I got married, a veil added to the romanticism of wearing a white dress, walking down the aisle covered and having your father or partner lift the veil, uncovering the beginning of something extraordinary. And yes, having your partner be blown away by how fabulous you look.

I knew that a veil would be part of my bridal look; the problem I had was that I did not want a traditional looking one made from tulle. I chose a Georgette veil, walking length. It was made from silk with chiffon trimming. The length was walking. It complimented my dress beautifully.

Wedding veils are an accessory, meaning that there are plenty of choices, both in styles, colours and materials. Being an accessory, it should complement and not overshadow the bridal gown, particularly as it is worn during the ceremony and when photos are taken.

For brides who choose to wear a veil but are unsure of what to choose, we recommend starting with the length that fits in with the dress style.

Types of veils

The following factors will dictate the type of wedding veil chosen

Style and silhouette of the dress
How the hair is worn
The headpiece
Budget

Below is a schematic view of the different veil lengths brides can wear.

Image: Pinterest

The elbow and fingertip length is quite traditional. It falls beautifully across the shoulders and does not cover the back detail of the bridal dress.

The walking length, which is what I chose, adds elegance to the bridal dress without overpowering the look. As I wore a strapless, slim wedding dress, I felt that the walking length suited my overall look.

The cathedral is quite dramatic. It sweeps to the ground and falls beyond the brides’ gown. If the length is too long yet, you want to add an element of flair, consider the chapel length that falls just slightly beyond the dress.

Unique Veils

At Wedztyle, we encourage something different. Colour changes the effect – Go as bold or as subtle as you dare out some of these ideas:

A wedding veil is a personal choice. It is no longer a prerequisite. Some brides opt not to wear one, and some brides do. Although some brides consider the veil as an afterthought, I think they are special. A veil is only for brides and wearing one not only completes your look, it really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Need help planning your wedding day? Check out our digital wedding planner! https://wedztyle.com/product/wedding-planner-ebook/

References

Metro Creative. (2019, September 18). History behind the bridal veil. Retrieved from Richard Times-Dispatch: https://richmond.com/history-behind-the-bridal-veil/article_1d042232-e3f9-11e2-af1e-0019bb30f31a.html

Sinrich, J. (2018, July 9). Veil or No Veil? Real Brides Weigh In. Retrieved from WeddingWire: https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-ideas/veil-or-no-veil

Main Image: Elie Saab https://www.instagram.com/p/CNX4LV8BNCJ/

There is no doubt that having the ‘right’ bridal hairstyle can make or break the look of any bride. Even though there are no hard rules on choosing the style of hair, the hairdo can change the look of the makeup and the ‘effect’ of the wedding dress. There is a plethora of choices, hair down, braided and updos. Our advice would be to choose what works for you and own your look. The sky is truly the limit when it comes to choosing your perfect hairstyle.

Whether you are using a hairstylist or doing your hair yourself to save cost, your hair must be in good condition. Hydrated, trimmed, cut and if you choose, freshly colored. Healthy hair will always look best. Investing in hair masks, especially with bleached or damaged hair. The constant use of the mask prior to the wedding day will help ensure your hair is looking and feeling amazing. We recommend to use these once a week depending on the condition of the hair.

When choosing your hairstyle, your face shape can dictate on what best accentuates your face. Below are recommendations which I feel should be used as a guide when picking the style for you; we are all for being an individual and defying recommendations, trying out different styles sometimes end up being the best option, individuality and expression is key! However, this is a great place to start if you are having trouble deciding.

Source: http://bridestory.com

Hair Down

Having your hair down is a great option for brides with medium to long hair. Using extensions can be useful if trying to achieve a more voluminous and full look. Styling with braids, a half up, half down, simply curled, straightened or wavy can be a perfect option, especially if your dress is more of a classic, simple style.

Source: http://Pinterest.com

Short Hair

Source: http://pinterest

Short hair can also be worn down or half up. As I have mentioned, there is no hard and fast rules just have fun when deciding which hairstyle matches your wedding look.

BRAIDS AND UP-DOS

There is a sense of romanticism in wearing your hair up. Whether curled, braided, up in a high or low bun, it must compliment your makeup style, dress, and accessories. When I got married, my hair was long, but I chose to put it up because it suited my dress, style of makeup and the look I wanted. My bridesmaids also had their hair-up as it suited my chosen bridal party style. The updo can look quite dramatic or harsh, therefore try to balance the look, so it does not dominate your wedding style. My updo was natural, not polished. This softened hairstyle created a total image of me as a bride. Hair, makeup, accessories, dress, and shoes should integrate.

Source : http://Pinterest.com

Accessories

For me, hair accessories add the final addition and “wow” factor to your wedding look. There are numerous options and variations, perhaps a hair clip, crown, headband or of course your veil. A bride can be as traditional or as laid back as they choose. My accessories were a silk flower accompanied by a georgette veil. It complimented the style of my dress, hair, and makeup. This what an accessory should do—not overpowering the look of the bride.

Source: http://Pinterest.com

Whatever hairstyle or accessories you choose, do your research, and look for ideas. If using a hairdresser, know in advance what you want and meet up before hand to play around with different styles, looks and even colours. If your using the wedding vision board, show what styles you have chosen and communicate these to your hairstylist. Once again, I cannot stress the importance of having your hair cut, treated and coloured. No one wants to see split ends and re-growth. We recommend to book your hair trail 2 months before the wedding day, if you change your mind there is time to let the hairstylist know.

Our Survival Day Kit Recommendation:

On the day, your hair survival kit needs to include:

Bobby pins – make sure they are the same colour are your hair
Hair tie
A travel size hair spray
A bristle hair teasing brush
A multi-purpose brush to keep the hair in place.

Don’t forget to download our wedding planner – www.wedztyle.com

The Wedding Veil – Choosing The Right One For You.

Types of veils

Unique Veils

References

Great Hairstyle Tips for your Wedding Day.

Hair Down

Short Hair

BRAIDS AND UP-DOS

Accessories

Our Survival Day Kit Recommendation:

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