By Lei Lydle, Founder and Editor Last Updated: 10/24/2007 1:02:46 PM

Choosing an appropriate wedding day hairdo can be confusing. Since we don't usually wear our hair in an updo, it can be hard for us to choose the right hairstyle. Your stylist should be able to help you choose the right style for your face and dress.

Big hair doesn't look great on everyone but it can be beautiful and it makes a great nest for the headpiece. If you like "big" hair, talk to your stylist about your preferences and he or she should be able to accommodate the right level of "bigness" for your face, dress and headpiece.

To be safe I would suggest you go for something sleek, simple and polished. Many stylists are going with styles inspired by 1940's movie stars... but watch out some can overdo it! You don't want a totally modern gown with an old-fashioned hairdo. The hair should complement the gown.

Soft romantic looks and tiaras are also beautiful on your wedding day.

Before choosing a stylist, study wedding magazines and find pictures of hairstyles that you like. Visit our Hair Photo Gallery for ideas. Look for pictures of people with a similar hair length to your own.

Make an appointment with a stylist and bring the pictures with you. Talk to the stylist about the style of your dress, the neckline, the headpiece and veil. Also, discuss the shape of your face and the length of your hair. Ask to see pictures of brides they have styles. If you like what you see and you feel comfortable with the stylist, make two appointments - one for a trial run and one for the wedding day.

Hint: Find a stylist whose salon also provides make up artistry and nail care so that you can get everything done in one place.

Comments (19)

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Posted by: Ahlam from St.Louis, Missouri on 6/25/2005 3:18:44 PM

I have long, light brown hair that has a soft wave in it. I have always wanted a simple updo like a simple but classy bun on my wedding day. I don't really know what kind of veil would look nice with that kind of hairstyle. And my friends and family are suggesting a hairstyle that shows off my long hair.. Any suggestions??? Plz Help! Wedding Date: Summer 06

Posted by: Laci from Cookeville TN on 6/21/2005 2:31:17 PM

On my wedding day it will be outside and I want to do a half back curly look with tiny blue flowers in it. I have straight brunette hair and I am just looking for maybe a picture or something so I can get an idea of how it will look....Or any suggestions on a good style for an outdoors wedding.... Wedding Date: July 4 2005

Posted by: Betsy from Southern California on 6/1/2005 6:21:48 PM

Looking to do a 50's Flip for my wedding day, any tips on how to make it last all day? Wedding Date: 6/30

Posted by: wendy from scotland on 5/29/2005 4:11:53 AM

i have straight waist length hair,i dont want to wear it all up.i am looking for styles to try at home Wedding Date: 16th july 2005

Posted by: H.L. from Honolulu, HI on 5/13/2005 11:32:54 PM

On my wedding day I will be 8 months pregnant. I am looking for a hairstyle that will complement my face shape as well as my dress. I want a hairstyle that will be elegant, yet sexy. My face shape is definitely round. Please help!! Wedding Date: June 18, 2005

Posted by: cheryl from charlotte nc on 4/26/2005 11:07:53 AM

I have shoulder length hair.. light brown.. very fine.. & does not hold curls or perms very well.. I am thinking of having my hair pulled back for my wedding & put into ringlets.. but not sure.. can someone please help.. thanks Wedding Date: 04/15/06

Posted by: MB from S. California on 2/9/2005 11:31:31 PM

I have long hair, and I would like to have my hair curly; however, I don't want the curls to be too tight. I would like to loosely pull up a bit up away from my face. I can't seem to find a picture of the style I am looking for. Any suggestions? Wedding Date: 7/16/05

Posted by: TS from on 12/9/2004 10:43:05 PM

I wouldn't count out big hair. Styles come and go, and then they come again. Big hair is gorgeous. In some cases it qualifies as art, or a beautiful sculpture. Straight lifeless hair is boring. It's like wearing a t-shirt and shorts to a dress up affair. Bring out the aquanet and lacquer ladies and go to new heights!

Posted by: Jasmina Zmejkovska from Sydney, NSW on 10/12/2004 5:02:16 PM

I would like to give me advice for hairstyle. I have medium, blond hair, I am petite, and I prefer elegant hair style. Would you like to send me some pictures, photo gallery? Regards, Jasmina Wedding Date: 11.12.2004

Posted by: Vicky from Canada on 7/22/2004 1:00:53 PM

Was your hair the night before you go to get your hair done. It is much harder to work on freshly washed hair. Wedding Date: no married

Posted by: from on 7/6/2004

Update your hairstyles, they are old fashioned!

Posted by: Lei Lydle, Editor from this Site on 7/6/2004

Dear Anonymous, You're right about those photos - they are a few years old. Let me see if I can find some more! You might also try the Beauty Salons and Spas Photo Gallery - photos are added and removed more frequently. Thanks for keeping me on my toes! Happy Planning! ~Lei

Posted by: Lei Lydle, Editor from this Site on 7/6/2004

I added some new pics to the Hair Photo Gallery. The older photos are at the bottom. I am keeping them in because some styles never go out of style :-) ~Lei

Posted by: Jessica from New York, NY on 6/3/2004

For a wedding, I think the best way to go is simple, classic and elegant. You should stick to looking like yourself on your wedding and not trying to over do it. Big Hair has got to go. And over doing it with the make up has to go also. Less is More. Brides you want your future hubby to recognize you!!! =) Wedding Date: June 12, 2004

Posted by: Krysten from Phoenix on 5/8/2004

One thing I noticed while looking through wedding photos of other brides online, I saw one bride who didn't have her roots bleached before her wedding. Her hair looked awful! If you are going to pay to get your hair styled professionally, make sure you keep up on your color touch-ups before you go down that aisle! Wedding Date: undecided

Posted by: Susan from St.Joseph Mo. on 4/13/2004

My hair is thin and grows slowly. Im trying to get it to my shoulders and I want a updo but Im not sure about my head piece Wedding Date: Fall

Posted by: marai from jamaica,ny on 4/9/2004

I think a bun with curls is very beautiful for a wedding

Posted by: from scottsdale az on 4/1/2004

My hair is't long enough for big hair but I think it could go into a preety french wrap with flowers Wedding Date: 4/26

Posted by: ashley seyer from scott city mo on 12/8/2003

down and all in ringlet curls Wedding Date: 12/30/03