Summer Wedding Hair

So you have always dreamed about a summer wedding

Travel is easy, the days are long, what better time then to tie the knot on a balmy July evening … but wait …. The very elements we associate with summer fun are the very elements that can wreck havoc with your perfectly coiffed hair-do. Humidity, showers, ocean breezes, morning fog, heat, sweat, and bugs abound in the good ole summer time. But don’t despair, with realistic expectations and proper planning you can have the wedding hairstyle of your dreams…even in the summer! First, you must have realistic expectations. I have 20 years of experience and have found that this is the hardest thing for clients to accept. We all want what we don’t have. (Hey that’s why I have a job!) If you have curly or wavy hair you KNOW what summer heat and moisture can do. Frizz! Think of hair as a sponge. It absorbs the moisture in the air, wavy hair gets wavier and straight hair gets limper. The best advice I can offer is to try not to hope for perfect weather. Nothing causes more stress than worrying about something you have no control over. So don’t expect that your pin straight blow out will last through your deck side wedding. If you hate your frizz then have your hair put up into a style that is designed to stay. Leave-in-conditioners, silicone based products, anti-humectants and wax styling aids will all help. If you want to wear your curls down and keep the fizz at ease, try slicking it back with one or more of these heavy styling products. But make sure to give your look a practice run! If your hair is straight and has a hard time holding a curl, an updo of formed curls will keep its shape. If you dream of the ocean breezes blowing through your hair than go for it! Instead of relying on a “style”, allow a beautiful wreath of natural flowers or a striking live orchid become your focus. Let’s paint the scene for three summer dream weddings… Dream: #1 • Out door back yard wedding • Casual atmosphere • Big white tent • Kakis and sport coats • Simple bridesmaid dress • Lots of home grown flowers Match your hairstyle to the feeling of this casual and classic affair. For short hair tuck it behind your ears with a fresh flower. For longer hair try a soft updo with pieces wisping about. Adorn it with natural greens and flowers. I once had a bride who was getting married outside in a vineyard in New York State. I worked her hair into a loose updo with soft naturally formed tendrils flowing out. For the “headpiece” I tucked in flowers at random spots paying attention to the varity of textures and colors. It was striking and certainly not over done for her wedding location. Don’t worry about this style of wedding being too casual. Lot’s of naturally grown native flowers will dress it up. With you in a long white dress and everyone else in their summer finest, it is a far cry from shorts and t-shirts. It will be special! Dream: #2 • Out door yacht reception • Evening elegance • Black tie optional • Crystal and candles everywhere • Formal flowers • Live band This extravagant affair calls for a formal look. Here you are matching your design elements to your upscale environment not to your summer setting. With the lights low think sparkle. Crystal, soft glitter, lots of candles, beaded details, and a special attention to lighting the night sky. Even if the boat does not leave the dock expect breezes. A chic up swept style would be the perfect crown for this evening. Finish it off with a sparkling tiara. If your hair is shorter, make sure your cut is accented with the proper styling aids, glosses and finishes. Having your hair styled by a professional for this type of wedding is a must. Details are important. Elegance is ordered, refined and expected. This is not the time for flowing, flopping, blowing hair. Dream#3 • The whole beach thing • Sun • Sand • Wind • Bugs • Fish net table covers • Sea shell favors • Tiki lights • Sea inspired garlands • Island music Let it loose and let it flow. This means your hair, your gown and even your flowers. Think soft, loose and texture. You don’t want heavy compact flower arrangements blowing over onto your guests now do you? Toss small shells and fresh flower petals in the tables. To create designated areas for cocktails, dancing and dining rope off sections and tie on natural garlands. To keep your hair somewhat controlled have small braids done in the front and pin in shells and flowers. Let the back flow. For short or medium hair have an ornamented headband made up. It’s all in the details. It’s all about the two of you making a vow of love and commitment before family and friends. It’s not all about how you look! If you plan and don’t stress, and go with the flow, you and everyone else will enjoy your beautiful summer wedding. Gretchen Maurer of weddinghair.com www.weddinghair.com 17 Gunn St. Milford, CT 06460 203-874-3033