Polished & Pretty Wedding Hair

Every weekend brings with it the behind the scenes lead in to the big event, the wedding. Among those smaller events that are must do's for the brides is getting their hair done. We've seen it done in home, at the salon and increasingly rarely at their own hands. I'm certainly no hair stylist but I know who I love---

Your Wedding ‘Do

-by my favorite and most wonderful stylist Mary Schejbal

You’ve set the date, reserved the venue, booked your photographer, got the perfect dress… let’s see, what else? Oh! So how are you going to wear your hair? Of course since I am a hairstylist this question is of utmost importance. I find it curious that what I often hear is “I don’t want to look different that I do everyday.” Come on now! This is the biggest event you will ever plan, you’ll be wearing the most gorgeous dress, the day is all about you- so let’s send you in there looking like you, but the best you ever! Your hair is your crowing glory, so give it the attention it deserves.

Call your stylist now or get a referral and make an appointment for a consultation. If you are like most brides you will be closely involved with your stylist for up to a year in advance of your big day. It is a good idea to take a picture of your dress with you, your headpiece if you will be wearing one, and perhaps some pictures of wedding ‘dos that you like. This is when you and your stylist can decide whether you need to grow your hair, try a new style, or perhaps you will venture into a new haircolor. It is best if making big changes to do them well in advance of the big day. That way you have plenty of time to adjust to your new look, or maybe to change the new color that you thought you would LOVE, but don’t!

What about your wedding party, Moms’ and Grandmothers? Will they be getting their hair done as well? If you want everyone to be done ‘in house’ book these appointments as soon as possible. The most convenient, but costly choice is to have your stylist come to you. As long as there are enough mirrors and electrical outlets, hair can be done anywhere. Again, whatever you decide, these arrangements need to be made well in advance, particularly if you will be booking out an entire day.

I have found that most brides will be comfortable with one or two practice runs. Your stylist can get a good idea of what you want, and you can feel confident of what your look will be on your wedding day and that you have it perfected. An exception to this rule will be the bride who is not truly sure of the look she wants. She may need to try five different styles before she can feel truly comfortable. Bring a camera with you and have pictures taken of the front, sides, and back of your hairstyle. This is a great reference for you and your stylist who may make a few sketches as well.

It is usually a given that a bride will have done a consultation and practice her new hairstyle, but what about your bridesmaids? If anyone in your wedding party is very particular about her style for the day I strongly advise her to take the time to have a practice run. If she is out of town, this can be more challenging, but with showers and such, there is usually sometime that she will be in the local area. Unless your bridesmaids have had a practice run, it is a good idea for them to have an idea of the look they would like to have, and to be flexible! Very often they might be meeting the stylist for the first time and they need to trust that your stylist wants everyone to look great.

One of my brides arrived significantly late for her appointment the day of her wedding. I was extremely stressed because I still had to do all of her bridesmaids myself and was left very little time to do them. I had to get all these girls to the church on time! On that day the bride came in and apologized for being late saying “Just make me beautiful, I don’t really care what they look like, it’s all about me!” Of course she was not entirely serious, but she made me laugh. I was able to make everyone beautiful but compromises had to be made because of the late arrival. Be on time for your appointment!

My best advice to brides is that you try to sleep the night before and in the morning enjoy being surrounded by all of your girls. You can relax knowing that your hard work for the day will pay off and head off to the salon. Put yourself in the practiced hands of your stylist and trust that your wedding ‘do will truly be your crowning glory.

Mary Schejbal has been creating beautiful hair for her clients for 26 years. She’s a former salon owner and has received extensive training in Las Vegas and Beverly Hills.