Today we’re lucky enough to have a true pro – Nicola Beddoes – answering some of the most common and confusing wedding hair and make up questions. Get a note pad and pen ready, and make sure you check out her instagram and website.

Being comfortable and looking fantastic on your wedding day is every Brides dream. It is also where my passion lies, I love making Brides feel relaxed and looking fabulous.  I want to share with you my professional advice, on the most commonly asked questions I get from Brides, when planning Bridal hair and makeup.

I don’t know how to wear my hair?

• Decide on your wedding style (romantic, modern, alternative, vintage, art deco etc.) and select your dress, this will help you work out the most complimentary style for your hair. For a romantic, whimsical wedding with pampas grass and lace, with a beautiful bohemian floaty dress with stunning back detail, I would encourage the Bride to go for an undone, updo to compliment the theme and show of the back of the dress.
• Take into consideration what works for you, this will be based on your face shape, type of hair and what feels comfortable. What is your preference for special occasions? What type of hair makes you feel good. Do you like to wear your hair down and with volume or would you rather have up and out of your face…

To veil or not to veil?

• Totally up to you! As the great news is you can wear a veil with most styles, even with your hair down. It will just need to be secured correctly. I give my Brides plenty of advice on the placement. A word of caution though, when wearing your hair down, the veil may sometimes rub against your hair and it may look a little dishevelled post removal.

I’ve been told I need lots of make up for the photographs?

Don’t listen to them! No heavy makeup required to look good for your photographs. Skilfully applied makeup will do the trick, combined with good skin prep and long lasting make up products. Seriously that’s all you need to look gorge for your wedding photos.

Help! I need inspiration?

• There are so many places to look for inspiration; Pinterest, Instagram, wedding blogs, favourite celebrities or style icons, fashion and wedding magazines, fashion shows and red-carpet events.
• If you are looking for a certain style be specific about what it is you are looking for, this will help you narrow your search and give you more useful references.
• You could collate them all on a Pinterest mood board, Instagram collection or stick them in a folder somewhere. Perhaps even go ‘old school’ and cut out images and paste into a scrap book, whatever works for you. There are so many great resources. Remember to have fun.
• If you are struggling ask a friend or professional to help. I’m here to guide my Brides to the colours and styles that suit their complexion and face shape.

How do I find a suitable Hair Stylist/Makeup Artist?

• If you are using a planner, they will have a list of recommended suppliers tailored to the style you are after.
• Ask for recommendations. A good chunk of my clients come from word of mouth. Doing a good job is vital for my business. Perhaps there is someone you know who recently wed, whose style you really like, ask them? Ask your other suppliers – venue or photographers usually keep a directory of trusted contacts.
• Instagram is a brilliant place to find a hair stylist. Find someone by using hashtags in the search bar. Include your location too. I.e. #hairstylistlondon or #ukhairstylist #ukweddinghairstylist try lots of different ones.
• If you are following other suppliers on Instagram, particularly photographers and planners. They will often tag/credit hairstylist and MUA’s who have been involved in the photos they share.
• Check out wedding directories. There are so many out there. Here are a few UK based to get you started;
  • The Wedding Collective – For stylish, creative weddings
  • The Un Wedding – For modern, untraditional weddings
  • Bride and Tonic – Specialises in sustainable weddings
  • Love My Dress – Covers classic, bohemian, red carpet, fashion/editorial and vintage
  • Festival Brides – for you festival and bohemian lovers
  • Rock n Roll Magazine – For alternative weddings

How far in advance should I book?

• I would recommend booking them 9-12 months in advance if possible. Popular make-up artists and hair stylists, including myself, can get booked up way in advance.

Do I need a trial?

• Absolutely! For peace of mind and to give both yourself and the make-up artist/hair stylist, a chance to ensure that what you envision is possible and notably, it’s what you actually want. Often Brides have an idea and change their mind once it’s created. A Trial gives you a chance to ensure there is less room for error. It puts you at ease and gives you an opportunity to try out the styles you love and make the necessary tweaks, until you are 100% happy.
• Sometimes Brides have an idea they like from a picture on someone else. And when I replicate, they decide it’s not for them.
• It also gives you a chance to learn about how to prepare fully and get some tips and tricks along the way. It’s an opportunity to be pampered and ask questions. If you happen to be going out for dinner with your girlfriends afterwards, so be it! Quick lipstick change and they will never know!

WRITTEN BY

Nicola Beddoes

A London based, wedding hairstylist and Makeup Artist that specialises in effortless, contemporary hairstyles and natural makeup. You can find her via her Instagram @nicolabeddoes or her website www.nicolabeddoes.co.uk