Top Mistakes Brides Make with Wedding Hair and Makeup (And How to Avoid Them)
Your wedding day is one of the most important and exciting moments of your life, and naturally, you want to look your absolute best. But when it comes to wedding hair and makeup, there are a few common mistakes that many brides make—often without realising it—that can impact their final look. In this blog post, we’ll highlight the top mistakes brides make with their wedding beauty routine and, more importantly, how to avoid them to ensure you shine with confidence on your big day!
1. Choosing a Hairstyle or Makeup Look that Doesn’t Suit Your Face Shape
Mistake:
Brides sometimes choose hairstyles or makeup based on trends or inspiration they see on social media, without considering what actually flatters their face shape. What looks great on a celebrity or influencer may not be the best fit for your features.
How to Avoid It:
Work with a professional stylist or makeup artist who understands your face shape and hair texture. For example, round faces can benefit from soft, angled bridal hairstyles, while square faces often look great with soft waves or romantic updos. Your makeup should complement your features, too—like using warm shades for softer looks or bold tones to highlight your natural bone structure.
2. Failing to Do a Trial Run
Mistake:
Many brides make the mistake of skipping a hair and makeup trial, which can lead to last-minute stress or disappointment on the wedding day. A trial run allows you to experiment with looks and communicate exactly what you want.
How to Avoid It:
Always schedule a trial well in advance—at least 2 months before your wedding. This will give you enough time to tweak your look if needed. Make sure to bring photos of your preferred styles, but be open to suggestions from your stylist.
3. Not Considering the Weather
Mistake:
Brides often forget to factor in the weather when planning their hairstyle and makeup. Hot, humid, or windy conditions can ruin delicate wedding updos or cause makeup to melt, leaving you looking less than flawless.
How to Avoid It:
Always think about the season and climate of your wedding. If you’re getting married in summer or in a humid location, opt for more durable hairstyles, such as sleek updos or long-lasting makeup formulas (like matte foundations and waterproof mascaras). For all weddings, use setting sprays to keep everything in place.
4. Overdoing the Makeup or Hair
Mistake:
Sometimes, in an effort to stand out or look glamorous, brides go overboard with heavy makeup or intricate hairstyles. Overdone looks can end up looking unnatural in photos, and you may feel uncomfortable or unlike yourself.
How to Avoid It:
Aim for a polished, elegant version of your usual look. When it comes to hair, choose a style that enhances your natural texture and volume, but don’t go overboard with too many accessories or layers.
5. Neglecting to Test for Longevity
Mistake:
Brides sometimes forget to test how well their makeup or hairstyle will last throughout the day. After all, you want to look fabulous all the way through your vows, pictures, dinner, and dancing. Long-lasting bridal makeup is a must.
How to Avoid It:
During your trial, ask your stylist or makeup artist to test products and styles for longevity. Check how well your hair holds up after a few hours or how your makeup reacts with your skin’s natural oils. Use long-lasting and water-resistant products to ensure everything stays in place.
6. Forgetting to Bring Touch-Up Products
Mistake:
Some brides assume that their hair and makeup will remain flawless without needing any maintenance. However, the reality is that small touch-ups throughout the day are often necessary.
How to Avoid It:
Pack a small wedding day bridal beauty kit with essentials like lipstick, powder, hairpins, and mini hairspray. Be sure to check with your makeup artist or stylist on what products you’ll need for any touch-ups throughout the day.
7. Ignoring Skin Prep
Mistake:
Many brides neglect proper skincare leading up to their wedding day, thinking makeup alone can provide the flawless look they’re after. But your skin’s condition plays a huge role in how makeup will sit.
How to Avoid It:
Start your bridal skincare routine months before the wedding. Focus on hydrating, exfoliating, and treating any problem areas. Don’t forget to book a facial a week or two before your big day to ensure your skin is at its best.
8. Not Considering the Photography Lighting
Mistake:
What looks great in person may not always translate well in photos, especially with certain makeup techniques. A common mistake is not considering how different lighting (like natural light vs. artificial light) affects how you appear in photographs.
How to Avoid It:
Work with your photographer to understand the lighting situation for your wedding. Use matte or satin foundations to avoid flashback in photos, and choose makeup shades that will stand out in natural lighting, but won’t be overly harsh under flashes or artificial lights.
9. Not Thinking About Hair Accessories
Mistake:
Brides sometimes forget to consider how their chosen hair accessories will work with their wedding hairstyle. This can result in accessories that don’t complement their look or even cause discomfort throughout the day.
How to Avoid It:
If you plan to wear wedding hair accessories, such as a veil, tiara, or hairpins, be sure to try them with your hairstyle during your bridal trial. Choose accessories that match the overall vibe of your wedding dress and hairstyle. Make sure they are secure and comfortable so you don’t have to worry about them slipping or causing discomfort.
Conclusion
Your wedding day is all about feeling like the best version of yourself, and with the right approach to hair and makeup, you’ll radiate confidence. By avoiding these common mistakes and taking the time to plan ahead, you’ll ensure that your look lasts from the ceremony to the reception. Remember to book a trial, consider your face shape, plan for weather, and test your look for longevity. Happy planning, and here’s to an unforgettable wedding day!