Deciding how to style your hair for you wedding day.

Deciding between wearing your hair up or down with a veil can be simmered down into five key points: your dress's neckline, the weather, your venue, your comfort level of hair down or up, and how your specific hair holds styling. It also comes down to what you and your stylist end up deciding looks and wears best at a hair trial. Hair trials are not essential, but they can help ease the nerves you have about the day. 

Remember to save any style you like to a Pinterest board or screen shot and save to share with your hair stylist. Make sure to ask for how they want you to prep your hair the day before you wedding, such as washing and drying. Many stylists prefer clean, dry hair. In the past it was recommended to have “dirty” hair but nowadays most stylist’s prefer that you allow them to add product for texture or volume rather than you doing it yourself beforehand. 

A great way to look at your hair style options is by breaking them down into specific categories:

Wear your hair up if:

• Your dress has intricate details on the back or the straps. An updo (like a chignon) prevents hair from covering up delicate details like beading, or a dress with an open back. 

• You are having an outdoor or warm weather wedding: Having your hair up keeps hair off your neck and back to prevent tangling, or falling flat in humidity or with sweat. 

• You plan to dance and want to take photos of you and your partner leaving the venue afterward. Having your hair up means you stay polished for longer. 

• You have a heavy veil: An updo provides a sturdy anchor to securely pin the comb of the veil without pulling your hair.

• You want to go with a classic style because it matches the theme of your wedding day. 

Wear your hair down if:

• You want a romantic, or easy-going vibe: Soft curls or Veronica Lake waves add look stunning in photography, and are equally timeless to styles like the chignon. 

• If you wear your hair down often, doing so on your wedding day might mean you feel more comfortable and still like yourself. 

• You are comfortable with your hair changing a little bit throughout the day, depending on the weather, and if you sweat while you dance. 

• Having your hair down means it is sometimes easier to remove your veil for your reception if you choose to do so. 

Wear it half up if: 

• You want the control of an updo, but feel most comfortable with your hair down.

At the end of the day, the most important aspect of deciding upon your hairstyle is what makes you feel your best.