Your bridal look should only be a reflection of you. Your day-to-day style should shine through on your special day to ensure you exude nothing but confidence and happiness.
That's why it's so important that all aspects of your look are perfectly pitched for you; from your hair and make-up, to your dress and accessories.
Your wedding dress is a good place to start when choosing your bridal hairstyle. Use the neckline of your dress as a guide to establish whether you want to wear your hair up or down, and any accessories to finish the look.
As always, your bridal hairstylist is the best placed person to advise on your options and choices, but this useful guide offers an idea of what styles and necklines make the perfect pairing.
Sweetheart
An ever popular bridal style, a sweetheart neckline is both feminine and flattering of all figures. Brides accessorise a sweetheart neckline in all sorts of ways, from a statement rhinestone necklace or chandelier earrings, to a delicate pendant or even no accessories at all.
Hairstyles are equally as versatile. Sweep cascading curls to one side for a nod towards old school Hollywood glamour, slick hair back into a polished bun secured at the nape of the neck or try an 'undone' up-do with loose tendrils to frame your face. The choice really is all all yours.
Bird cage veils and fascinators can add a vintage vibe to tea-length wedding dresses with a sweetheart neckline.
Square necklines
Soaring in popularity since Nicola Peltz unveiled her Valentino Haute Couture bridal gown, the square neckline has been given a modern day makeover and has never looked better.
This neckline is elegant and sophisticated and to fully appreciate the shape, brides are advised to keep their hair off their shoulders. Sweep hair into a low-slung bun, high ponytail or tuck behind your ears and let the length fall down your back or to the side.
Consider a simple yet dainty hair slide or statement hairband for added interest or scattered pearl pins for the finishing touch to your up-do.
Bateau
Made most famous by Meghan Markle, a scooped bateau neckline shows a modest amount of skin. The exposed collarbone suggests a delicacy that should be echoed in the accessories and hairstyles you choose.
Up-dos are the way forward with a bateau neckline. A timeless chignon like Meghan Markle, a loosely pinned up-do or a sleek and chic ponytail are all classic options, which will make heads turn from all angles.
Short-haired brides can keep it simple with tousled tresses or a polished bob or pixie cut.
V/plunge
For brides who are a bit more daring, a V-neck dress or a plunge front can add edge to your overall look. To draw attention to this neckline, look for accessories that move in the same direction such as drop-line earrings or a long chain.
To fully embrace this neckline, an up-do or hair down and tucked behind the ears are ideal considerations, especially if you've opted for accessories. Alternatively, forgo jewellery altogether, and let your hair do the talking with a sideswept style, half-up half-down do or loose waves.
The key is to avoid too much fuss on all fronts; keep it clean, simple and spell-binding.
Halterneck
If you have a long, slender neck and broad shoulders, a halterneck wedding dress might be the perfect option.
Hair can be gathered up high on your head with a hairpiece or slung low in a fishtail plait or side-sitting bun for a Spanish-inspired look. Alternatively, for an effortless look, wear hair down and back, off your shoulders.
The detail of a halterneck dress should be shown off in its entirety, particularly if your dress is backless.
Off-the-shoulder or strapless
For boho or romantic bridal vibes, an off-the-shoulder gown will cement your look. Hair can be kept natural with loose, beachy waves or a more structured up-do to fully show off your décolletage. A chunky milkmaid braid is both pretty and practical for a spring/summer wedding.
A straight and neat or beachy bob cut will look equally mesmerising.
High neck
A royal favourite, high neck wedding dresses will always be a timeless choice and generally, brides keep their hair off their face when wearing this style. Whether the dress is made from satin, silk or lace, the high neck is a feature in itself and should be worn with pride.
Half-up half-down dos work particularly well, as do unstructured up-dos to soften the look. Flower crowns can add a whimsical feel, while pearl headbands and beaded hairpieces offer a regal quality.
