Put the perfect finishing touch on your wedding look by choosing a hairstyle that compliments your overall wedding theme and design. When searching for the perfect hairdo for the big “I do’s,” it is always helpful to draw inspiration from the looks that have stunned audiences across the globe today. Browse through some of the hottest runway and red carpet looks below, then learn how to choose the perfect accessory to top off your look.

Runway Inspired Looks

Whether you are hosting a glamorous affair or a rustic chic gathering, the runway provides endless options of inspiration.

Red Carpet Inspired Looks

Check out these lovely ladies who rocked the red carpet this spring with flawless hairstyles that will set the pace for this bridal season’s stylish trends.

Posted by Infinite Love Weddings in FRESH IDEA, HOME, STYLE, WEDDING

By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
CTW Features

Think feathers are for the birds? Think again.

Brides-to-be are cottoning to the fact that a little plumage is a nice alternative to veils.

Chic feathered headpieces were on view at Romona Keveza’s Fall 2010 collection. Other non-veil options – such as dimensional flowers, pearly brooches and headbands – are among the latest hair adornments framing down-dos, chignons and side-swept tresses as brides shy away from covering their heads in tulle and lace.

“Brides are drifting away from veils,” says Sara Mack, manager of operations at Destiny’s Bride, a boutique in Scottsdale, Ariz., which carries accessories by Toni Federici and Renee Pawele Bride. “Brides are doing more with their hair, embracing softer looks, and these hair accessories are a perfect complement. “

Mack adds that brides tend to pick more understated pieces. Not over-the-top numbers like the feathered headpiece Sarah Jessica Parker’s character wore in her attempt at matrimony in the “Sex and the City” movie two years ago. Feather flower looks with rhinestone center sprays are popular, she says, along with oversized organza flowers in silk white that can resemble flora from a gardenia to a dahlia.

Hair brooches, designed with Swarovski crystals and pearls, lend an air of vintage elegance to a bride. She can fasten one in the back if her hair is worn up or clip it on the side.

The delicate nature of the accessory means a bride can wear it with a veil, if need be.

“Lots of girls will wear the brooch and a veil as a compromise to their mothers,” says Cheryl DeSimone, a sales representative at Clarissa Bridal in Walnut Creek, Calif. “Mothers do love those veils.”

For a hint of shine and a mood of romance, brides are choosing to wear multiple sparkly hairpins or dainty headbands embellished with a small bow or tiny crystals, says Kirstin Martin, owner of Smitten, a wedding boutique in Chicago.

Prices for such hair finery can range from $40 to $50 for feathered combs and hairpins, $100 to $200 for headbands and $200 to $300 for intricate floral styles. The upside for brides is that unlike a veil, they can wear their purchases again after the wedding for a night out or to a party.

The key is to select something that fits in with the bride’s personality and not what may be a trend. “When you look back at those pictures 10 years from now, you don’t want to say, ‘What was I thinking?’” Martin says.

Wedding pictures hold some of the happiest memories of a lifetime, so be sure you consider all the angles when preparing to be photographed on the big day.

In the weeks and months leading up to the wedding…

Plan your procedures ahead – it’s easy to get caught up in the craziness of tastings, fittings and appointments and forget to schedule facial treatments until the last minute. Don’t be tempted to get cosmetic lasering or chemical peels within 10 days to a month of the event, depending on the exact type of laser or peel. Even something as simple as a facial should be given a solid week prior to the wedding for skin to normalize, especially if any extractions will be performed. Call well ahead of time and discuss this with the technician.

Practice good skin health – stay hydrated and eat healthfully leading up to the event. Don’t try new skincare products, or anything that may irritate your skin. Anticipate your skin’s history, and treat it accordingly depending on changes your skin may experience in the climate or weather that’s expected at the venue.

For the big day…

Start with a good base – be sure that your foundation is the right color and formulation for your skin. You may feel like you should use a heavy cream or stick foundation since you’re being photographed, but heavier formulas will look caked on and are more likely leave a line of demarcation around the neck and hairline that’s tougher to blend away. Just stick with the liquid or powder that works for you, and be sure it’s properly matched to your color. No one wants to look washed out, but it can also age you a bit if your base is too dark for you. Color correcting concealers, like green or yellow for redness, and peach or yellow for undereye circles are a much better choice than simply layering on more makeup. Remember that redness will be easily picked up in photographs so take care to balance that out, and stay away from more pink based foundations.

Avoid the shiny look – glitter will reflect too much on camera, and shouldn’t be worn to a nice event like a wedding anyway. Radiance -enhancing or shimmery foundations make faces look too slick and shiny for photos, so if you must, only keep the sheen on cheekbones and the cupid’s bow for highlighting purposes. Always finish the t-zone with powder, which is especially important to balance any highlighting applied. If you know you’re more oily, pop pressed powder in your bag so that you stay shine free.

The eyes have it – keep in mind that darker eyeshadows and heavy liner make eyes look smaller. A matte or pearl shadow formula will be universally flattering and especially in warm, earthy tones. To keep eyes looking big and bright, highlight the inner corners and brow bone with an off-white, light pink or pale gold shadow or crayon. The older you are, the more important it is to stay fast to the no shimmer rule, as it tends to bring attention to fine lines. Black eyeliner can also look too harsh for older women (same goes for liquid liner) and fair blondes are more suited for eyeliner and mascara in the brown tones. Don’t forget to make sure brows are properly framing the face- everyone looks better and younger with defined brows. Fill the arches with powder or if using a pencil, blend with a brush. Brow color and size are important considerations here, so don’t forget to use a light hand and blend.

Consider your venue and lighting – do take the time to stop and think about if the event/photos will be taking place indoors or out, and at what time of day. Indoor photos will be taken with flash, so it’s important to use powder to combat shine and to also be sure foundation is matched well. If outdoors, soften makeup a bit as it can easily look too heavy or harsh. Also adjust your makeup look for more formal locations, and later times in the evening. When considering these factors, you will want to use more color and definition over simply adding more makeup.

Keeping these ideas in mind, remember its always most important to look like yourself and feel comfortable on your wedding day. These techniques will help ensure you look flawless both in person and in photographs for years to come.

Content provided by Sarah Logan on behalf of Aesthetics Science Institute, a beauty school offering aesthetics certification classes and specialized coursework in cosmetic laser training and microdermabrasion certification.