Wedding hairstyles that last all day – How to look your best from the ceremony to the reception

A beautiful bridal hairstyle is about so much more than just how it looks. It needs to hold up through tears of joy, hugs, the photo shoot, the dinner and hours on the dance floor – without losing its shape or feel. With the right preparation and a few clever styling tricks, you can create a bridal hairstyle that lasts all day, feels fantastic and stays securely in place right through to the final dance.

Few details set the tone for a bridal look quite like the hair. A soft updo, a romantic wave or elegant Hollywood curls can enhance both the dress and the overall look. At the same time, the hair is also one of the elements that goes through the most during the day. Weather, wind, the veil being removed, countless hugs and hours of celebration mean that the hairstyle needs to be both beautiful and long-lasting. The good news is that it’s not down to luck, but to the right preparations.

Many people think that the bridal hairstyle is created on the morning of the wedding itself, but the truth is that the foundations are laid several weeks beforehand.

If you’re planning to colour your hair or trim the ends, it’s wise to do so about one to two months before the ceremony. That way, your hair will look fresh, whilst the colour has had time to settle naturally and there’s time for any touch-ups. You don’t want to try something completely new too close to the big day itself. Also, make sure to give your hair a bit of extra care in the months leading up to it. Regular hair masks and moisturising products strengthen your hair and make it easier to style. Healthy hair simply holds its shape better.

When you think of volume, it’s easy to picture using large amounts of hairspray. In reality, a long-lasting hairstyle starts much earlier than that.

Volume is built up through the right blow-drying technique, well-chosen styling products and how the hair is sectioned during styling. Once the foundation is solid, you need far fewer products to make the hairstyle last. The result is hair that feels natural, has movement and keeps up with every moment of the day, without going flat after a few hours.

Also avoid heavy oils and shine products just before styling. They can weigh the hair down and cause the hairstyle to lose its hold more quickly.

Many people dream of soft, natural curls that last from the wedding ceremony to the reception. One of the most common mistakes is trying to achieve the finished look straight away.

Curls are often shaped a little tighter to begin with, as they naturally soften as the day goes on. By allowing the curls to cool properly before brushing them out, they’ll last longer and retain their shape for much longer. That’s precisely why the most beautiful bridal curls often look a little more defined in the morning than they do a few hours later.

Adapt your hairstyle to the season and setting. When you’re saving inspiration on Pinterest, it’s easy to fall in love with a specific hairstyle, but also think about where and when you’re getting married.

A windy beach, a hot summer’s day or a winter wedding all place very different demands on your hair. Soft updos, low buns and half-up styles often cope better with both heat and wind than completely loose hair. That doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your style; rather, it means choosing a hairstyle that works just as well in real life as it does in the inspirational photos.

A trial hairstyle is one of the best ways to reduce stress in the run-up to the wedding day. It gives you the chance to try it out, get a feel for it and see how the hairstyle complements your bridal look.

One of the most important preparations for your wedding day is to book a trial styling session. Most hairdressers recommend that this is done a few weeks, or even a couple of months, before the ceremony. This gives you plenty of time to try out different hairstyles, discuss what suits your hair type and see how the hairstyle complements your dress, veil and any hair accessories. A trial session also gives you the chance to make adjustments at your leisure, which helps you feel confident ahead of the big day. When the morning of the wedding finally arrives, both you and your hairdresser will know exactly what look to create – and you can sit back and enjoy the experience.

5 top tips for a hairstyle that lasts and looks fantastic all day long.

1. Try out your hairstyle well in advance. A trial is one of the best ways to reduce stress ahead of your wedding day. Most hairdressers recommend booking this a few weeks or months in advance. That gives you time to try out different options, tweak the details and ensure the hairstyle suits your hair type, dress and any accessories.
2. Bring an extra hair accessory. If you’re planning to wear a veil, it might be a nice idea to switch to a tiara, a hair comb or a pair of decorative hairpins once the veil is removed after the ceremony. This gives your hairstyle a fresh look for the dinner and reception, without having to redo it.
3. Avoid touching your hair too much. It’s easy to want to fix your curls or run your fingers through your hair during the day, but the less you touch your hairstyle, the better it will hold. Let it do its job and trust the styling.
4. Bear the weather in mind when choosing accessories. Large veils, heavy hair jewellery or fresh flowers can be affected by both wind and heat. Choose accessories that are as practical as they are beautiful, and that suit the setting where you’re getting married.
5. Prioritise comfort over trends. The perfect bridal hairstyle isn’t the one that follows this year’s biggest trend, but the one that makes you feel confident, comfortable and like yourself. When you feel relaxed, it shows in both your body language and in the photos.