The
Art of Wedding Hair
by Gretchen Maurer
Hair!
What subject has produced more fears, tears and rituals, bottles,
brushes, and headlines than that of the almighty coiffeur? Any bad
hair day is cause enough for us to shutter, stutter and utter "what
will I do with my hair"??? Add the wedding day to to this dilemma and
there is coiffeur confusion, mad rushes to the magazine rack and tears
begging our trusted stylist for help. Bridal hair specialist and
author of The Business of Bridal Beauty, as well as creator of
www.weddinghair.com , Gretchen Maurer has some excellent
tips to offer. She is also a member of the Association of Bridal
Consultants.
Wedding Hair Styles: "Start With the Wedding Gown"
Maurer says to start with the dress because, "the brides total bridal
look has to be taken into consideration, every thing must balance. The
brides dress choice sets the tone for the entire ceremony and the hair
design has to evoke the same feeling."
Wedding Hair Styles: "The Dress Even Determines Texture..."
"Believe it or not the wedding gown can also dictate the texture of
the finished hair design. A smooth, shiny Updo of curls or glossy
stick straight hair complements a smooth satin gown. Where a gown of
sweeping tulle is beautifully accented by soft flowing curls."
Wedding Hair Styles: "...and the Silhouette!"
"Your look from head to toe has a silhouette, either horizontal or
vertical. A full skirt is horizontal and best balanced by a wider hair
design and or full veiling. A vertical look being narrow and slim is
complemented by a hair design of the same lines; it could be a bob
tucked behind the ears or a narrow pile of curls on top of the head."
Wedding Hair Styles: The Historical Time Period of the Gown
"No, we are not back in school. But is there a period of history your
gown reflects? Theme weddings such as renaissance or swing make a
great excuse to have some creative fun with your hair."
Wedding Hair Styles: Balance and Proportion
"Again the full effect needs to balance. The bride with short hair who
is wearing an ornate full traditional dress needs to remember to
balance her look with the appropriate headpiece. Like wise the petite
bride with too much hair might think about wearing it up to draw the
eye vertically."
Wedding
Hair Styles: Time of Day
"Next to the dress, the time of day should have some bearing on the
hairstyle and headpiece you choose." Maurer suggests for a day or
morning wedding less glitz and sparkle. "Save the crystals, sparkle
and tiaras for more formal evening weddings. Headbands, flowers,
wreaths, and hats are perfect for day or morning ceremonies."
This
article was adapted from an article by professional wedding hair
stylist Gretchen Maurer. Maurer has over 18 years of experience in
wedding beauty, including having done her share of flower girls! She
is the author of The Business of Bridal Beauty , which includes a
section devoted to the flower girl. She is also the creator of
www.weddinghair.com a web site strictly devoted
to wedding hairstyles. She has two daughters of her own and can speak
from personal experience!
