Shopping 411: Crowning Glory

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Hairstyle and Headpiece for Your Wedding

Follow The Lines
Wedding day hairstyles and headpieces flatter different faces differently. To find the winning combination for you, use the shape of your face as a guideline. Basic face shapes are diamond, heart, oblong, oval, rectangle, round, square and triangle.

Based on your face’s shape, follow the theory that opposites attract. This means if you have a round or full face, you should opt for a sleek hairstyle and long veil. If your face is on the narrow side, a fuller hairstyle and veil will be more complementary.

Balancing Act
Another factor to consider when choosing your wedding day hairstyle and headpiece ensemble is proportion. This is important both visually and structurally. Visually, you want your hair and headpiece to complement each other. For example, if your tiara takes on crown-like proportions or your veil is a mile long, your hairstyle is sure to get lost in the presentation. Likewise, if you wear your hair in an intricate style that makes origami look easy or let it fall freely a la Medusa, you run the chance of it becoming a distraction. If wearing a veil, a good rule of thumb is to choose one that is longer than your hair.

From a structural perspective, you want to make sure that your hairstyle and headpiece support each other. You don’t want your veil or tiara to keep sliding off your head during the ceremony or reception. Nor do you want your gorgeous updo to slowly descend under the weight on a heavy headpiece.

Simply Elegant
The popular adage that more is better doesn’t apply to your hair and headpiece on your wedding day. While you certainly want these elements to accentuate your individuality and beauty, you don’t want them to upstage it. To prevent this, choose design elements and accessories, such as tiaras, flowers, combs, clips, barrettes, jeweled hair sticks and hairpins that are simple, yet elegant. Think sexy and romantic hints of sparkle and shine, rather than brilliant, blinding beauty.

Consult the Pros
Whether you’re doing your hair yourself or having it done professionally, it’s a good idea to consult a trusted stylist about your wedding day hair and headpiece options. To reap the full benefit of their expertise, plan an initial consultation with a professional at least three months in advance of your big day. This will give the two of you plenty of time to discuss, research and experiment with a variety of accessories and styles that personify you. With a bit of advance planning and a few basic guidelines, you are destined to look radiant from head to toe as you walk down the aisle on your wedding day.

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