5 Wedding Day Hair Worries!

Five Wedding Day Hair Worries
By: Elizabeth Walsh- Zimmermann, Spa Director, WELL Spa + Salon, The Pfister Hotel

Everyone says it’s not about the destination but the journey.  Although it may seem hypocritical from my last post, in the case of the initial planning of a wedding, it is indeed all about the destination, and just exactly what needs to happen in order to get there.  I am not saying there isn’t a journey or two, but it is… all you, driving this big wide heavy bus.   Your vision, your direction, your hope, your pocket book, your effort, and without that, it wouldn’t be your day, right?  Even with the assistance of others, the toughest part of planning a wedding is communicating ‘the vision’.

This grand task of planning, at first, seems daunting; there is no other way to see it, no other way around it.  So, my first piece of beauty advice is to put your thoughts into bullet points and categories, most important to least, as if you were writing an outline for a college paper.  And, although we may only be chatting about beauty to do’s, there is actually much more to think about than at first perception.

Let’s begin our list with 5 wedding day hair worries.

How will my Stylist know what I want even if I’m unsure of what I want?

• Is a trial necessary and why?
• Do I wear my hair up, down or up-down?
• Should I add hair extensions for length or fullness?
• How do I take off my veil without ruining my hair for the reception?

How Will My Stylist Know What I Want Even If I’m Unsure of What I Want?

To address our first point, look through as many bridal & hair magazines as you can get your hands on.  Create a folder and fill it with tear sheets from your favorite dos, even if it means combining several different creations into just one.

Is a Trial Necessary and Why?

A hair trial is really crucial when it comes to relieving some stress the day you get married.  A common misconception is that there is no charge for a hair trial.   There is indeed a charge, as there is actually more work that goes into a trial, as you are trying to figure out what you like and what looks best, which sometimes requires more time and effort.  I recommend booking a trial maybe a month before you get married, as your thoughts and ideas may change as time moves closer.  Ensure that the Stylist that you are booking is available for both the trial as well as the day of your wedding.  Communication is key for a positive outcome, so don’t be afraid to say what you like and what you don’t like, as it is your day and your Stylist is not a mind reader and ultimately relies on what you say to make you happy.  Remember to bring your veil and if you don’t have one yet, bring a photo so your stylist knows its placement when considering every detail.  If you are happy with the final outcome, it is a good idea to take pictures, so you can bring those as a reminder the day of your wedding.  We do a lot of hair in our industry and although we will remember you as a person, the nuances and details that you love may not be as memorable to us without the photos.

Do I Wear My Hair Up, Down or Up-Down?

When it comes to wearing your hair up, down or up-down, it really comes down to what you want, what makes you feel good and the overall look you are trying to accomplish.  Your hair should be an extension of who you are and you have to feel really beautiful and comfortable the day of your wedding.  If you think you might like to wear your hair up but then take it down for the reception, you will want to discuss this during your trial, as it may require some extra steps like pre-curling and lighter pinning (so not to leave indents in the hair).  Your stylist can also show you how to take off the veil and where the pins are located to ensure you remain camera ready.  And for a service charge, you may also reserve your stylist after the wedding to take your hair down, style it differently or make small changes, as well as remove your veil and do touch ups.  You will of course want to discuss this ahead of time and to reserve hist/her time.

Should I Add Hair Extensions for Length or Fullness?

If you are growing your hair length because you are hoping to pin it up, don’t worry, if it is not long enough when the wedding comes, there are incredibly beautiful and natural hair extensions.  There are permanent extensions that can be bonded to your own hair, there are clip-in extensions that can be easily added and taken out the same day and there are pieces that can be temporarily added to create fullness and volume for whatever look you are trying to achieve.  I hate to sound like a broken record, but if extensions are considered, it is even more important to have a trial, as color or highlights may need to be added to match your own natural hair color and this will need to be done ahead of time.

Are you exhausted yet?  I am just thinking about it.  BUT….no stress, we promised each other.  Take a breath we shall get through this together.  Remember, we are embracing the day with the destination in mind.  Easier said than done, this I know.

Thanks again for listening.

Elizabeth Walsh- Zimmermann, Spa Director, WELL Spa + Salon, The Pfister Hotel