On the popular TLC show, “Say Yes to the Dress,” often a bride will show off a beautiful dress but still be undecided. Then in steps a consultant who pulls her hair back and places a gauzy veil on her head. The uncertainty turns to a smiling certainty – yes, this is the dress. The bridal look isn’t complete without a stunning hairdo and adornment to top it off.
Before Chelsea Clinton’s summer wedding, there was much speculation that since she had been letting her hair grow that she was planning on an “updo” and indeed she was – a beautiful style that suited a beautiful bride. Fall brides have many styles to choose from. As varied as the autumn weather, a bride’s choices may include anything from short and chic to long and flowing. Obviously there are many factors to consider.
1. The silhouette the bride wants to project. From ancient times, man has always admired a woman with a long slender neck. Hair off the face and swept up into a chignon or French twist certainly elongates the neck. So, does a very short do which leaves most of the neck bare. Longer flowing hair is romantic and free-spirited and may be in keeping with the bride’s personality.
2. The venue. A cathedral wedding may require a formal look with the hair swept up perhaps adorned with jewels or a flowing long veil. An outdoor wedding in a meadow at forest’s edge may prompt a bride to wear her hair long and natural with a garland of fall flowers. A ceremony on a tropical beach may be perfect for the bride with wavy, sun-streaked hair and a simple flower like an orchid or hibiscus tucked behind one ear. Be aware that outdoor weddings especially in fall may be breezy so choose a style that looks good tossed by the wind.
3. The veil. From no veil at all to one that is Cathedral length flowing in harmony with a long train, veils often dictate hairdos. Those that pile hair on top of the head like upswept curls or a chignon may rule out tiaras and other headpieces that require room to sit. Veils are designed to attach a variety of ways – either as a simple headband or with a comb which is placed forward or on the crown of the head. Some veils are swept back from the face while others have a piece that covers the face of the bride until she says, “I do.” The hairdo should harmonize with the veil so it’s important for the bride to put her hair in the approximate style she wants to wear before trying on veils. Most hairstyles also go well with small flowers or jewels tucked into the hairdo rather than a veil.
4. Jewelry. Does the bride have an exquisite family heirloom necklace she wants to wear? An updo will show it off better. Does she have long sapphire or diamond earrings? Hair pulled behind the ears will allow them their full glory.
5. Coordinating with theme. Is the church decorated with fall berries? Tuck a few in your hair. Or match colored flowers like baby calla lilies with cream-colored ones to pin in your hair.
6. Staying true to self. If your style is a perky bob, there’s no reason to change it. However, you can notch it up with stylish bangs or a light frost to make your hair glow. Do you want your auburn hair to harmonize with the rich browns and reds of fall? Have a rinse put on it. Have you always worn your long hair loose around your face? You can dress it up with elegant waves or you can surprise everyone by pulling it into a twist or perhaps worn over one shoulder. People, including the groom, expect an element of surprise at the wedding. As long as it’s still you, only more elegant, you’ll be satisfying both the occasion and your desire to just be you.
A hairdo on a bride is like frosting on a cake. It adds the finishing touches to something already beautiful and gives the Wow factor. Think about hairdos months in advance so you can do some experimenting. If yours requires a little more length, you have some growing time. If you’d like to change the color slightly, you can make sure you find the right shade. If your hair needs more shine, try out various products until you find the one that makes your hair glow. The best part about planning a fall wedding hairdo is that it’s fun. And after all the experimenting, you may find a style that you like for more than just the wedding day.