“What is the best hairstyle for my wedding: Up or Down? Expert Advice and Tips”

“What is the best hairstyle for my wedding: Up or Down? Expert Advice and Tips”

"What is the best hairstyle for my wedding: Up or Down? Expert Advice and Tips"

"What is the best hairstyle for my wedding: Up or Down? Expert Advice and Tips"

A common question I receive from my clients is ‘’should  I wear my wedding hair up or down?’

It’s an important decision because your wedding hairstyle can have a significant impact on your overall bridal look. So, let’s dive into the pros and cons of both bridal hair options ( and I’ve even thrown in some wedding hair tips to help you make the best choice for your big day!)

Wearing your hair up has many advantages. First of all, it’s a classic and timeless look that never goes out of style. It’s also a practical option if you’re getting married in a hot or humid climate or if you plan on dancing the night away. Additionally, an updo allows you to showcase any beautiful accessories you may have, such as a veil, headpiece, or earrings. Hair up styles will look the same at the end of the evening as they did at the start of the morning as the hair is secured into place and will remain that way until removed.

On the other hand, wearing your hair down can be equally stunning. It can create a soft and romantic look that is perfect for a bohemian or beachy wedding. Down hairstyles also allow you to show off your beautiful looks, and you won’t have to worry about removing any hair accessories throughout the night. However, if you have long hair, wearing it down can be heavy and difficult to manage throughout the day. Gravity WILL happen and if youre worried that your style might change shape or your hair might drop with all that movement and touching the you might want to think hard about whather you’ll be ok with that.

So, how do you decide which option is best for you? Well, it’s important to consider your personal style, the theme of your wedding, and your dress’s neckline. If you’re wearing a strapless or off-the-shoulder dress, an updo can create a beautiful neckline and highlight your shoulders. Also, if you’re wearing a dress with intricate details on the back, an up hairstyle can showcase those all important details.

Another factor to consider is the time of day you’re getting married. If you’re having an evening wedding, an updo can create a more formal and elegant look. If you’re having a daytime wedding, a down hairstyle can create a more natural and relaxed look that is perfect for the daytime.

Remember, whether you decide to wear your hair up or down on your wedding day is a personal choice. Whatever you decide, make sure you feel comfortable and confident, and don’t be afraid to consult with a professional bridal stylist like me for advice and guidance. If you have any further inquiries or are considering booking me for your important event, feel free to contact me so we can chat about exactly what you want and talk through any concerns you might have.

Remember, anything that you want is possible – we simply have to figure out the very best way to get you there and get you that dream wedding hair!

Contact me here!

 

Expert Tips for Coordinating Your Wedding Hair and Dress

Expert Tips for Coordinating Your Wedding Hair and Dress

Expert Tips for Coordinating Your Wedding Hair and Dress

"Will My Wedding Hair Suit My Dress?” Expert Tips for a Perfectly Coordinated Bridal Look

As a bridal stylist, I am often asked by brides, “Will my wedding hair suit my dress?” It’s a crucial question because the right hairstyle can elevate your bridal look, while the wrong one can ruin it. Choosing a hairstyle that complements your dress requires consideration of several factors, including the dress style, neckline, fabric, and embellishments, as well as your personal style and comfort. Here are some essential tips to help you make the right decision.

Dress style and neckline

The style and neckline of your dress are important factors to consider when determining the perfect hairstyle. A ballgown with a high neckline may benefit from an elegant updo, while a sheath dress with a plunging neckline may look stunning with loose waves or a half-up, half-down style. A mermaid dress may call for a sleek and sophisticated hairstyle, while a bohemian dress may require a more natural and effortless look.

Fabric and embellishments

The fabric and embellishments on your dress can also play a role in deciding on a hairstyle. If your dress has intricate beading or lace detailing on the back, you may want to consider an updo that showcases this feature. A dress with a high neckline and a lot of detailing on the front may benefit from a hairstyle that doesn’t cover up too much of the dress’s intricate design.

Wedding venue

Your wedding venue can also influence your choice of hairstyle. If you’re getting married on the beach, you may want to opt for a more relaxed and natural hairstyle, such as beachy waves or a messy bun. However, if you’re having a formal wedding in a grand ballroom, an elegant up do may be more appropriate.

Personal Style and Comfort

Top of Form

PersonaIt’s also essential to take your personal style and comfort into consideration when deciding on a wedding hairstyle. If you’re someone who typically wears their hair down and feels uncomfortable with an updo, it’s best to go with a hairstyle that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Remember, it’s your day, and you want to feel like the best version of yourself.

So in answer to the question that Im often asked by my brides ‘’What type of hair will suit my dress?’ my advice is this …. your wedding hair should complement your dress, but it shouldn’t be the only factor in deciding on your hairstyle. Consider your dress style and neckline, fabric and embellishments, wedding venue, personal style, and comfort level when selecting the perfect hairstyle. Most importantly, choose a hairstyle that makes you feel confident, beautiful, and comfortable on your big day. After all, the ore amazing you feel, the better you will look as your happiness and confidence will shine through!

If you still cant quite decide then make sure you bring along two or three of the images that youre most attracted to with you to your preview session. It gives us a great starting point for discussion when were trying to figure out exactly what you want ( and what You don’t ! ) for your big day. Everyone is individual and it’s my job to help you create a hair style that is bespoke to you. You can head over to my instagram for a whole range of bridal inspiration and s showcase of images of my real brides hair and makeup.

Instagram: @prettypleasebykatie 

Hope this helps!

Special Additional Hours Offers for Bridal Hair and Makeup

Special Additional Hours Offers for Bridal Hair and Makeup

Special Additional Hours Offers for Bridal Hair and Makeup

Special Additional Hours for Bridal Hair and Makeup

When you request a wedding day hair and makeup quotation from me you’ll notice that there’s the option to add ‘additional hours’ .  An additional hourly service is something that I’m able to offer on the wedding day and something that is often requested by Brides for a number of reasons.

These might include:

A Bride wants their hair dressed in an upstyle for the wedding ceremony, but then taken down for the wedding breakfast. Generally this can be done ( usually if there is no change of venue between your ceremony and breakfast )  and involves me staying on site for around 2 extra hours. This gives us time for your ceremony to take place, and then provides me with around 30 minutes to change the styles for you.  The reason that this can be done in such a time efficient manner is usually because we have taken into consideration the fact that we will shortly be changing the hair when I create the first style. This might mean I use specific products, pin in a certain way so the hair can easily be restyled, or even that we adapt the first style slightly to ensure that the second style is possible. Some brides even like to change their dress too! Additional hours is certainly something to consider if you’re the type of Bride who wants to mix things up a little and showcase more than one wedding day hair look! 

A Bride wants to go from a classic, natural and neutral Bridal make up look to a more exaggerated, more intense evening glamour look. This might involve lipstick changes, addition or enhancement of lashes  or even a complete eye make up change.  Brides that tend to go for this type of service might be having a later ceremony and heading straight into an evening party with their guests. Again, this would involve me staying on site to make any changes after the ceremony but before the arrival of the evening guests so that the Bride can make a statement entrance!

Top up services. Some Brides ( and even bridal parties ) like to ensure that someone remains on site until after the ceremony so that any make up touch-ups can be made.  Generally speaking these requests often come from Brides who know that are going to shed more than a few tears and worry about how this might affect their photos once the ceremony is done and they head off for their first photos as a married couple. Often I am able to accompany the photographer and the couple, being on hand to make any hair and makeup adjustments during the photo session. This is particularly important for brides who don’t feel confident having their photos taken and want to make sure that whilst the photographer can concentrate on getting the perfect shot, I’m on hand to ensure that the hair and makeup are perfect also!

If you’re thinking that you’d like to extend the hours for your bridal hair and makeup services on your wedding day then just let me know and this can be adjusted on your booking. Maybe  you’d like to do it for one of the reasons above, or maybe you have a completely different approach that you’d like me to cater for. Either way, id love to hear it !

Speak soon

Katie Hawkins

p.s. You can make a booking enquiry by clicking here. Once I’ve confirmed your date is available I can send across details of how to reserve your date and services, plus any additional hours and provide you with a personalised quote.

Special Additional Hours for Bridal Hair and Makeup
Special Additional Hours for Bridal Hair and Makeup
Unveiling the Top Bridal Accessory Trends for 2023

Unveiling the Top Bridal Accessory Trends for 2023

Unveiling the Top Bridal Accessory Trends for 2023

A bride with bridal hair accessories - Unveiling the Top Bridal Accessory Trends for 2023

As we approach the 2023 bridal season we’re seeing a whole new host of wedding hair and makeup ideas and inspiration for your bridal style

Right about now, lots of wedding companies are launching their new bridal collections and ranges and there are some amazing pieces that I just had to share with you! Hopefully , whatever your wedding day hair and makeup style, this lot will give you some added inspiration …

The Bobby Pin. The most beautiful ( and extensive ) collection of Wedding hair accessories. This company are perfect if you wany delicate, feminine pieces to adorn your wedding hair upstyle ( one of my favourite being the gorgeous ‘Ela’ ) Be sure to go check them out!

Instagram: @thebobbypinuk

Wedding hats. No longer just reserved for mother of the bride, there are so many ways in which you can include a hat or fascinator into your bridal look. I love some of the inspiration from Jayne Taylor, handmade luxury headwear … head over to the page below to check them out

Instagram: @jtmillinery

Ok, so this final one I know isn’t technically directly related to wedding hair and makeup but still well worth a share. Plus – your wedding hair and makeup would look simply amazing when placed next to one of these handmade dresses. I’ve been a fan of Lucy Can’t Dance for a while now and I just love the colourful adaptations they make to the traditional white wedding dress. They’re super inclusive, personal and bespoke … check them out!

Instagram: @lucy_cant_dance

Oh and finally, I couldn’t not mention these beautiful pieces send to me from Sweet V , how amazing do they look, and they’re just a couple of some beautiful pieces you can find on their website….don’t forget to tell them Katie sent you!

Sweet V Accessories Collection

 

Top bridal accessory trends from Sweet V - Unveiling the Top Bridal Accessory Trends for 2023
Top bridal accessory trends from Sweet V - Unveiling the Top Bridal Accessory Trends for 2023
Top bridal accessory trends from Sweet V - Unveiling the Top Bridal Accessory Trends for 2023
Kent Wedding Awards Winner in the Bridal Hair Category

Kent Wedding Awards Winner in the Bridal Hair Category

Kent Wedding Awards Winner in the Bridal Hair Category

In 2021/2022 I was awarded winner of the Bridal hair category for the Kent Wedding Awards. The awards are a way for local wedding industry supplier to gain recognition for what they do ( and a good excuse to network and have fun for the evening with wedding supplier that you only otherwise see at the actual weddings! )

The first time I won this award back in 2016 I managed to make it to the awards ceremony and be there to collect my trophy in person. In contrast this last time I had just given birth and was asleep before the ceremony even started, ( missing the live stream altogether…! ) It wasn’t until the 3am feed when I woke to messages of congratulations from my colleges in the wedding industry that I realised I had in fact won!

For me personally, the awards are an important way to gain recognition for what I do. Being a bridal hair and makeup artist is the best job in the world ( maybe I’m slightly bias … ! ) And having people acknowledge your success, and that you’re doing what you love well enough to be noticed, praised and even win awards for it is such a wonderful feeling!

Over the years many brides have come to recognise the Kent Wedding Awards logo , the ‘little pink heart’, to be the sign of a quality wedding supplier. It provides them with reassurance and confidence that the business they choose is one that they know takes pride in what they do.

A wedding day is the absolute best day of your life, and you spend time, money and effort into making sure that it all comes together perfectly. A big part of that is down to the suppliers you select and the people you put your trust in to work with you, and for you, on all aspects of the day itself. For me, as a bridal hair and makeup artist, I am often one of the first people a bride sees on the wedding morning, and I’m often with the bride and the bridal party for hours while we get everyone ready. I’m often the one who provides the reassurance to a nervous bride, helps with any last minute extras and even manages the timeline of the morning so that everyone is ready with time to spare for photos and maybe even a quick drink at the end!

I’ve provided hair and makeup services for over 500 brides, so I’ve had my fair share of experience when it comes to wedding mornings! Honestly, I still love it just as much now as I did back when I started 10 years ago. It’s so lovely to be recognised for what I do and winning awards is the icing on the cake. If you’re a supplier entering this years Kent Wedding Awards then good luck, and if you’re a bride looking for suppliers for your big day be sure to check out the Kent Wedding Awards website where you will find extensive lists of Kent based Wedding suppliers – everything from Toastmasters to Teepees! – ready and willing to help make your day as stress free ( and amazing ) as possible!