Bridal Hair & Make-up Styling: A Brides Guide

It is an important choice so pick a company/artist with relevant experience. Look for those companies/artists experienced in both hair & make-up; this avoids having too many people milling around and think about the how many in your bridal party; whoever you book should be able to accommodate you all and get you all ready on time.

Start by cutting out pictures of hair styles and make-up looks you like. Bridal magazines show styling with tiaras, veils & other hair accessories which may be similar to the ones you have chosen or have in mind, so you will get some good ideas.

Your trial should mirror your wedding day, plus time for a consultation & necessary tweaks; so at least 2 hours. A professional will do a full consultation before any styling to understand your requirements & expectations; so think about your like, dislikes & any skin allergies; if you have skin issues they will use your products. Have available your hair accessories eg tiara & veil as this will let you see how the overall styling will look. And yes you can wash your hair, but leave it ‘au natural’ as your stylist should use products & equipment to assist texture & volume. Ideally a trial should be approx. 6 weeks before the wedding, but no-one should dictate this to you, it is your choice.

Hair Up or Down? Look at those styles which suit your face shape:

• Round faces suit high "updo's" and sleek long styles
• Long faces suit styles that have width and volume.

Many of us go for off the shoulder gowns; how confident you will feel with having your hair up, do not want too much flesh exposed then consider wearing your hair down or the half up half down.  Will you be comfortable with your hair pulled away from your face? If not, try a sweeping fringe or soften by leaving soft curls & wisps around you face.

There are many options to choose.

• Curls are soft & romantic;
• Contemporary styles add a modern twist;
• Pleats, twists and side and back buns are classic;
• Traditional barrel curls & up-dos are always a favourite.

Veils like hair accessorises should compliment your hairstyle not hide it. Depending on the length of your veil, your hairstyle will need to be secure enough to hold the shape. Some veils look better sat at the back of the head or worn over the hair, the rule is that the hair should not be worn longer than the veil.

If you do not usually wear make have a ‘natural-look’, as more can be added. Professionally applied make-up will make the difference to your wedding photographs as your skin will look flawless and apart from the lipstick and a little blotting, nothing else should be needed.

DO NOT forget your eye brows, if they not in good order get them shaped beforehand and a good artist will improve & perfect the natural shape when applying your make-up, trust us this will make a huge difference.

Some artists will work for certain make-up brands, others may be commercial so will use many brands, but all should use products you can buy yourself for touching up. Most artists should also carry hypoallergenic ranges and nowadays also mineral make-up.

Article contributed by Orchid Indulgence, Wedding hair and Make up covering Cheshire and Manchester