It’s a big question, my friends. Should you wear your hair up or down for your wedding day? It seems like it wouldn’t be so difficult to decide, but something this simple has a big impact on your wedding day look, so it can be a tough decision.
Jeff and I have photographed our fair share of weddings, and we’ve seen it all when it comes to hair styles. And friends, I’ve formed an opinion on this. My friends always tell me that I need to share more of my opinions, so here it goes…
In my opinion, the most successful option is to wear your hair UP on your wedding day.
Your hairstyle needs to last a long time at your wedding – at LEAST 6 or 8 hours – and it needs to be able to endure all kinds of conditions. Think sweat, humidity, sun, breeze, and hugs from many, many loved ones. The chances of your hair staying in beautiful shape when it’s down is much lower than when your hair is up.
Now, I must say that this has a LOT to do with your particular hair. I’ve had many brides wear their hair down, and they’ve looked gorgeous until the epic last song. But those certain brides have a certain type of hair that holds their shape really well. Most of us girls know if our hair can hold curls or volume for an extended period of time – and we also know when it can’t.
Corinne, for example, has gorgeous hair that will last for daaaaays. I’ve never seen a single strand out of place with this girl, and her hair looked gorgeous all day long at her garden estate wedding.
Morgan also chose a natural look for her particular hair. She wore it straight with a bit of natural volume and a pin-tuck behind her ear for her destination wedding in Idaho, and it worked perfectly for the dry heat of the Rocky Mountains in the summertime. She looked breathtaking!
Anu was able to do two looks for their wedding at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay. First, she did a beautiful half up style for their traditional Indian ceremony and then brought it all down with the perfect wavy volume for their black tie reception that evening. It fit perfectly with her Oscar de la Renta gown.
However, all of these girls have seriously GORGEOUS hair that can last through hurricanes. If you have anything like my hair, I’ll spend hours working on the perfect curl-to-volume-to-wave ratio only to have my manicured locks barely last through cocktails, much less appetizers or dinner. I feel like my hair knows exactly when I step out the door, and it begins a five minute countdown to ‘blah’.
So if you’re unsure of how long you’re hair will last, follow my rule of thumb: when in doubt, wear it up. The good news is that there are so many creative ways to wear your hair up these days.
Susan kept it simple and stunning with a low, classic bun for their black tie wedding at the Montage Laguna Beach. This look is always a winner in my book because it makes your cheekbones and neck look dynamite in photos.
Stephanie did a low bun as well, but she incorporate a braid which made for a seriously cute look that was perfect for her glowing personality and her seaside wedding.
Prudence and Marion went with low swept curls that were soft and natural, and made their eyes and cheeks appear super soft and lovely for their downtown LA weddings.
So if you’re at all nervous about frizzy strands in the humidity, the breezy beach having its way with your locks, or curls falling flat, then find a gorgeous updo that will fit your personality and style. We’ve found over the years, that wearing your hair up will last longer and stay in tact through the celebration.
Hugs,
Erin
