Choosing the Right Bridesmaid Hairstyles

Most women who get are getting married want their bridesmaids to look good, but not too good! They should be presentable and beautiful, but of course they shouldn’t upstage the bride herself. She may be concerned about their dresses, their jewelry and other accessories, and of course the right bridesmaid hairstyles. The last thing any bride wants is another woman walking down the aisle ahead of her that looks silly or completely out of place! So how can you sift through the many hairstyles that are in magazines and elsewhere and choose the right ones for your wedding party? Here are a few tips to remember.

How to Choosing the Right Bridesmaid Hairstyles

Look at the Dresses You’ve Chosen

Your first clue is the style of the dresses you’ve chosen (we say “dresses” plural because some brides have a slightly different style for their maid or matron of honor). Are they simple and chic, or very fancy and somewhat over the top? How are the sleeves – long and straight, or big and puffy? If the dresses are simple then you can get away with bridesmaid hairstyles that are fancier and more involved. If the dresses are very fancy or have puffy sleeves then the hair should be more subdued and understated.

Also, look at the necklines. If they have a very high neckline, then the bridesmaid hairstyles should be pulled up or pulled back, so that the hair doesn’t seem to be competing with the neckline. If the neckline is a V or scoop, or a strapless design, then the hair can be a bit fancier or worn down.

A good way to make a decision about the right bridesmaid hairstyles that will work for the dresses you’ve chosen is to have one of your bridesmaids (or all of them) try on the dress at your stylist’s salon and see what different options work. You would be surprised at how just a few minor changes in the style – pulled up and back, or worn over one shoulder, etc. – can make a huge difference, depending on the dress.

Keep Bridesmaid Hairstyles Unique

Some years ago, it was all the rage to have bridesmaids look exactly alike – the dress, the shoes, the jewelry, and even the bridesmaid hairstyles were all absolutely identical. The wedding party seemed to look like a little army sometimes! But today brides are appreciating the beauty of having their bridesmaids all look a bit unique in some ways. They may have the same style of dress but in different shades of the same color, or with varying skirt lengths, or other slight differences. And many brides understand that the same hairstyle is not going to be flattering for everyone.

This is true of bridesmaid hairstyles; the bride may like the look of hair that’s pulled back tightly, but some women don’t like this look on themselves. Or she may want everyone to have their hair curly, but women who always wear their hair straight may feel like a little girl with a curly style.

Of course you want your bridesmaids to look great for your wedding day, but you also want them to feel comfortable as well, and to have a style that is flattering to their faces individually. Allow the bridesmaids some say in the style and work with their own preferences when deciding on a style for everyone.

Dressing Up Bridesmaid Hairstyles

Decades ago, “big hair” was in fashion, and women would perm and tease their hair within an inch of their lives. But today, many women are opting for everyday hairstyles that are sleek and simple and somewhat more natural. How can you dress up bridesmaid hairstyles when a woman’s hair is very short or she has a very severe cut?

Remember that you can typically work with any style to make it just a bit fancier by adding only a few touches; avoid trying to go overboard. Bob cuts can be flipped at the ends, and very short and layered cuts can be sprayed at the roots for added body. A small decorative clip at the eyes can also give the hair an added touch that’s flattering but that doesn’t look unnatural.

Talk to your stylist about suggested bridesmaid hairstyles he or she may have, and be patient. With a bit of work and practice, you’re sure to find the right styles for your entire wedding party.