Wedding Hair & Make-up Tips from AVEDA
Your wedding day is probably the biggest event you’ll plan in your life. It’s a day filled with anticipation, anxiety, and hopeful happiness. And there are always a few tips floating around on how to make it the best day of your life.
I have a few of my own, gathered from almost 30 years as a hairdresser and salon owner, as well as my experience doing bridal hair and makeup, and as a bride myself. At Atelier, we have made hundreds of brides the most beautiful they could be. We also hear countless stories of the “beauty that got away”.
Here are some things to think about when you’re planning your wedding hair and makeup.
* Do your research. Look at bridal magazines, bridal websites--tear out or print the photos and make a little album of what you like. That’s what you’ll take with you to the salon. Include a photo of your dress, including a good shot of the neckline.
* Take a “test drive” of hair and makeup. If you attended a wedding and the hair looked great, ask the bride who did it. Book an appointment for a consultation and show your photos to the stylist. (Then book an actual trial run of the hairstyle and the makeup. It will be worth the investment. Don’t waste the look—schedule it before a party!) Ask for the stylist’s opinion, too. They are very skilled at designing styles that work best for your face shape, hair type, and the gown’s neckline. Remember that photos in magazines often have hairpieces added. Will your desired style require some too?
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
* Is the wedding outdoors? Is there a chance of wind? Loose pieces will whip around and you’ll have lots of photos with hair in your face.
* Do you plan to “get down” on the dance floor? Maybe a loose, romantic style isn’t the way to go—it won’t hold up to the boogie. Think about something tighter, with more support.
* Will the finished hairstyle compliment you and your face shape, body proportion, gown style etc.? Your groom should recognize who is coming down the aisle.
* Will you have a veil, tiara, flowers or accessories in your hair? How will they be attached? It’s important to get the right attachment on your veil. If your hair is mega-thick, a plastic comb won’t hold. Hair jewelry is a big trend right now—remember Pink’s hair brooch at the Grammy’s? You can have your Grandmother’s beautiful brooch turned into your something old, something blue by Erica Connors of Cherish, who has made custom heirloom frames for Usher and Montel Williams. Erica will re-imagine your special treasures, or you can choose from her collection of heirloom trinkets. She also creates one-of-a-kind hairpins and combs that will turn your hairstyle into stunning. Cherish Vintage (http://www.imagesbyerica.com/index2.php)
Let’s talk about makeup. Will you be outdoors or indoors? Natural lighting makeup is different from indoor. This is very important—have that test drive! After the makeup application, take a photo indoors and outside with a flash camera and look at the difference.
Some tips about bridal makeup:
* Wear some. Even if you never or hardly ever do, this is the day to find a way to look beautiful, yet natural with makeup. A bare face and a bridal dress don’t look good together. And makeup will smooth out the complexion and highlight your features for the photos.
* Lip colors that aren’t great for brides: purple, brown, bright red.
* Lip colors that are universal: Peachy nudes, rosy-beige, soft plum, soft red, etc. (See a theme? Soft colors)
* A bit of shimmer looks ethereal and magical. Too much glitter can blind the groom. ‘Nuff said.
* False eyelashes can really open up a smaller eye, and look beautiful. You can have individual lash clusters applied at the outer corners for a flirty look or use a full strip in a natural length. Yes, they can look natural if applied correctly.
* Neutral, warm colors look great in photos, but you can have a bit of color, it just has to be the right color for you. It’s not necessary to match the flowers in your bouquet.
There are ways to utilize a professional hair and makeup artist at every budget. Shop around, but remember, quality usually comes with experience. And the beautiful photos should make you happy every time you look at them.
Atelier SalonSpa and Atelier Studio, located at Santana Row, has an artist for every bride. Call 408-244-4222 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for your complimentary bridal beauty consultation.