Congratulations on your engagement! Here is a list of tasks you can complete to make your upcoming wedding as hassle free as possible (at least when it comes to your hair!)
6 months before your wedding: Create a gameplan!
1. Start a pinterest board and begin saving all your favorite bridal looks. Choose hair that is similar in length and density to your own, and if possible the same color too. Try to get pictures of the back, sides and fronts of your favorite looks so your stylist has a clear reference!
2. How do you like to wear your hair regularly? If you wear your hair down most days, you will probably feel most comfortable in a style that has length around your neck. If you wear your hair up in a ponytail or bun, maybe check out some updos! Does your hair have natural curl and are you wanting to wear your hair in its natural state?
3. What hairstyle will compliment your wedding? Do you love curls and texture? Are you more sleek and polished? Think about your dress style and the accents of your wedding: Are they more Romantic? Modern? Glam? Rustic? The goal is to create a cohesive look so your hair accents your makeup, dress, and entire day.
4. Think about the look for your bridesmaids. It is a good idea to pull several styles for your bridesmaids that will compliment the look and theme of your wedding. It always photographs nicely when the bridesmaids have a complimentary look with each other and you.
5. Thinking of changing your hair color? Now is the time to start slowly working towards your color goals so your stylist can deliver your dream hair and also keep it healthy.
6. Time to find your Bridal hair and makeup artist. Make sure to do your research, check portfolios, websites, social media and get the feel for whether you want them to work with you.
3 months before the wedding: It’s Go Time
Maintain your color appts on a schedule so your stylist is able to craft the perfect bridal color for you. Use products like Olaplex No. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 at home to keep your hair in the best shape. If you are changing your hair color, make sure you are purchasing the proper at home care your stylist recommends so your color is staying fresh and beautiful between appointments.
Contract out your hair and makeup team. If you haven’t already, its time to book your hair and makeup specialists for you and your bridal party.
Schedule your Bridal Preview appointment. When you think you have found the right artist, schedule your trial. Your trial appointment time will be used to test different bridal looks (usually 1-2) take photos, talk about your vision for your wedding.
2 weeks before wedding: Show time!
This is not the time to change your hair color or haircut. Maintain the look you have now, perfect your color and wait until after the honeymoon to change your hair! Get a small trim so your ends are healthy with no splits.
Deep condition your hair once a week in the weeks leading up to your wedding so your hair is extra shiny, soft, and healthy for your big day. (Note: Skip the last deep condition the last 5 days directly before your wedding so your hair is not too soft or heavy to hold your style!)
Follow up with your hair and makeup artists and send them any venue information that you have. Venue, Room number, check the timeline, camera ready time and confirm with your artists & vendors.
The morning of the wedding:
Wash and Blow dry your hair. Dirty hair does not make an updo better and can do the opposite and ruin a hairstyle! Make sure you and your bridal party have Clean, Dry hair on the morning of your wedding. Don’t feel like drying your hair? Ask your artist to add a blowout on to your services so you can spend your morning relaxing (make sure you add this before the morning of the wedding so no schedules are impacted!)
Stick to the timeline! Your artists have most likely created a timeline for your and your bridal party to keep everyone on schedule and to have you ready for the photographer and other vendors on time. Please stick to the timeline! That means bridesmaids need to be ready and waiting for their appointment time 10-15 minutes before their time slot. Switching your timeline around can have a negative impact on other vendors who are all doing their best to make sure you have the best day possible! It is a great job to delegate out to the maid of honor or your most assertive bridal party member, then you aren’t wasting energy making sure your girls are ready for their appointments.
Eat and Drink (Water!) Its such a busy day that the thought of eating may be the last thing on your mind! With emotions and nerves at an all time high it’s easy to forget to eat and end up feeling faint. Make sure there is food and drink on hand and that you are eating at least a little regularly through your day.
Sit back and take in your big day. You have spent months dreaming and planning this most perfect day. Try to relax and enjoy everyone who came together to celebrate your love story.
Following this list in the months leading up to your wedding is sure to make your day easy and enjoyable! Some of it may work for you while other parts may not be to your liking. Take what you will and have the best day possible!