When you exchange vows with the love of your life, you want to look and feel your best. In addition to selecting the perfect dress, accessories, and makeup, choose a hairstyle that flatters your facial features and complements your overall ensemble. While you should go to a hair salon to test out styles weeks or months before the big day, the guide below offers general advice about whether an updo is right or not.

When to Wear Your Hair Up

Consider the neckline of your dress. If your gown has a collar or halter style, wearing your hair down might cover up some of the dress’s most striking features. Therefore, ask a hair salon stylist to put your hair into an elegant high bun or French braid to showcase any lace, straps, and other details along the gown’s neckline. An updo is also ideal if you plan on wearing statement earrings, as this hairstyle involves sweeping away the hair from your ears.

Additionally, consider how you usually wear your hair. If you often put it up in a ponytail or bun, then you might want to stay true to your personal style by having a salon professional gather your hair into a sophisticated topknot or chignon.
Alternatively, you might put a spin on your usual look with a braided or woven updo that leaves wispy locks hanging down in front. You can add pizazz to these hairstyles by wearing a decorative crown, headband, or flowers. These looks might be more stable if you plan to have an outdoor wedding.

When to Wear Your Hair Down

If you plan to wear a strapless dress, you might opt to wear your hair down, since you won’t have to worry about your locks obscuring the gown’s neckline. Styles featuring soft, loose curls or perfectly coiffed waves may frame your face, enhance your eyes, and pair beautifully with your veil while swaying in the wind. You can also add a sparkly tiara or flower crown to highlight your flowing locks and create visual harmony with the colors and details of your dress.

Alternatively, you might choose to wear your hair half-up, which can provide you with the best of both hairstyles. A stylist may achieve this by gathering the top half into a gorgeous braid, twist, or knot while allowing the bottom tendrils to elegantly flow down your neck and shoulders.