Every bride wants to look and feel her absolute best on her wedding day. From the dress and makeup to those finishing touches, your hairstyle plays a huge role in your overall bridal look. Finding the perfect wedding hairstyle can take a bit of planning, so we’ve put together a few essential tips to help you make the right choice and ensure your photos turn out beautifully.
As wedding photographers, we’ve seen it all – and we know what works both in person and on camera. Here’s what we recommend:
1. Don’t Make Any Drastic Changes
One of the biggest mistakes brides make is changing their hair dramatically just before the wedding. A bold new haircut or a drastic colour change might seem fun in the moment, but you don’t want to risk disliking the results – or not feeling like yourself when you look back at your wedding photos. Aim to look like the most polished, confident version of you, not someone completely different. If you want to experiment, try it months in advance so you have time to grow it out or adjust if needed
2. Take the Weather Into Account
We can’t control the weather, but we can prepare for it. Think about the season and setting of your wedding when choosing your hairstyle. If you’re getting married outdoors in a windy area or during a humid Toronto summer, an elaborate loose style might not hold up well. Consider styles that can handle the elements – updos, braids, or styles with more structure – and don’t forget the power of weather-resistant hairspray.
3. Keep the Full-Day Timeline in Mind
Your hair might look flawless in the morning, but after hours of hugs, dancing, and outdoor photos, it can easily lose its shape. Pick a style that you know will wear well throughout the day – or make sure someone has a small touch-up kit on hand. If you’re planning to let loose at the reception, go for a hairstyle with staying power, or choose a look that will still look great even if it gets a little tousled.
4. Schedule a Hair Trial
We always recommend booking a hair trial with your stylist before the big day. This gives you the chance to test out different styles and see what complements your dress, face shape, and overall vision. Be sure to take pictures from multiple angles and in different lighting so you know how it photographs. It’s also a great opportunity to make sure any accessories (like veils or pins) work well with the look.
5. Try Something New – but Speak Up If It’s Not Right
While you want to feel like yourself, your wedding is also a special occasion – so it’s okay to elevate your look and try something outside your everyday style. If you normally wear your hair down, an elegant half-up style could be a great twist. That said, don’t be afraid to speak up if something doesn’t feel right. Your stylist is there to help you shine, and a collaborative approach will give you the best result.
6. Comfort Matters More Than You Think
It’s easy to focus entirely on the aesthetics of a hairstyle, but comfort should never be overlooked. If your hair is tightly pulled or packed with pins, you could end up with a headache by the end of the ceremony. Make sure your style is secure, but not painful. If you feel good, you’ll look even better—and that comfort will show in your photos.
Final Thoughts
Your bridal hair should enhance your natural beauty, not distract from it. With a bit of preparation, a great stylist, and these simple tips, you’ll feel confident and radiant from the first look to the last dance. Looking for a wedding photographer to capture every stunning detail—from your hairstyle to your vows? Contact us– our experienced Toronto wedding photographers would be honoured to document your big day in style.
