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Month Ten: Wedding Day Hair & Beauty


On your wedding day you'll want to look the very best you can. But as well as radiating gorgeousness you still want to look like you: not someone your groom will barely recognize as you walk down the aisle. The good news is that you could not be better placed than in Scotland for assistance with great wedding day hair and make-up from award winning stylists, salons and artists. Start your hunt for professional assistance as soon as your have secured your venue. If your venue does not have an in-house salon and professionals, ask them for recommendations of local hairdressers and make-up artists. But also use our Wedding Suppliers search where dozens of companies and individuals are listed throughout Scotland, and to suit all budgets.

If it is logistically possible try and meet those who'll help you with your hair and make-up in advance: so work enough time into your pre-wedding visits to Scotland. When hiring professionals ask to see portfolios of their work and ensure it includes brides: wedding hair in particular is a skill of its own. Both hair stylists and make-up artists will want to know about your overlook wedding day look before they suggest ideas. Both will also want, if possible, to do a full trial run with your hair accessories before the day. You may want your usual hairdresser to liaise with your Scottish one: during the lead up to your wedding you may need to do something different with your hair to allow the style you want for the wedding day. If you colour your hair they may also want to liaise to ensure the correct timings (a colour and cut/trim done about 10 to 14 days before the wedding allows the hair to 'settle').

Wedding day hair should be a 'take' on your usual look, not something radically different or a style that makes you feel self-conscious. Styles can also date, so if you don't want the fashion police after you when they see the photos in years to come, opt for something classic - like a chignon or a timeless 'hair-up' do. If you want a funky cut ask your hairdresser how they can make it more sophisticated and less current so that it won't date in the photos. Again, if it is not to be your usual hairdresser assisting you on your wedding day, have them liaise with whoever will be.

With make-up consider both texture and colour and match it to your overall wedding day look. On the day go for matte, water-based products to avoid shine in the photographs. A professional may be out of your financial reach when it comes to wedding day make-up, or you may be good at applying your make-up already and feel confident enough to do it yourself. If not, don't panic because practice makes perfect!  Have a trial run several days before the wedding. Build up products gradually on your skin and do not apply more make-up than you need. As with hair, keep make-up classic if you want to avoid the photos dating.

Consider too who else (such as bridesmaids and mothers) will require professional assistance with hair and or make-up and ensure you secure the necessary bookings well in advance.  If you plan to ask a hairdresser and/or make-up artist to come to your hotel on the wedding day, an amount of money that covers what the individual(s) would have made in the salon, plus travel expenses will need to be recovered. So this is a more costly option. But traveling to a salon on your wedding day can be a fun way to spend the hours before the big moment and they will make you and your wedding party feel special.

Experiment with hair accessories.  There are some amazing hair jewels, crystals, slides and clips available. There are many, many companies with wonderful hairpieces and accessories on our Wedding Suppliers search listed under 'accessories'

And don't forget your hands, nails and feet! A fun way to spend the afternoon before the wedding is for you, your bridesmaids and the Mums to treat yourselves to a pampering session at a local spa or salon.  Your venue may of course have spa facilities or there will be a salon (if not a spa) nearby. 

Finally, do not go 'tanorexic' the week of your wedding! No sun beds within 5 days and allow enough time to wash-off the tint and for a fake tan to develop (so no fake tan application with 36 hours of the wedding).
 

Hair & Beauty Tips for the Big Day

 

  • Lay out everything you'll need in a suitable room the night before the wedding.  Ensure it is well lit, with a comfortable chair and accessible power points.
  • If doing your own nails do them the night before and don't forget your toes!
  • On the day be on time for all appointments.
  • Keep make-up and beauty products clear of your outfit and only dress when you have applied everything.  If your outfit needs to go over your head cover your face with a scarf.


  • If you are wearing a veil and intend to take it off at the reception get your hairdresser to teach someone how.


  • Have a lipstick, powder compact and tissues accessible.


  • Check your make-up before the photographs - you are especially looking to avoid a shiny face.

 
Once dressed and ready have a long look at yourself in a full-length mirror.  Enjoy looking and feeling fabulous and do not worry - you will radiate gorgeousness! 

Next time we'll be looking at your wedding day: how to properly timetable it and a few pointers on adding that special Scottish touch to your celebration. Until then - happy planning!

 

VisitScotland's Wedding Planner
Wedding Top Tips
Month One: Getting Started
Month Two: Finding Your Dream Venue
Month Three: Bridal Wear
Month Four: Deciding Groomswear
Month Five: Wedding Day Food
Month Six: Wedding Day Flowers
Month Seven: Photography
Month Eight: Transport
Month Nine: Guests
Month Eleven: The Big Day
Month Twelve: Honeymoon