The case for the 1/2 Updo
Choosing your hairstyle for your wedding day can be a difficult decision. I hope this helps you think it through a little more.
Hairstyle by: Katelyn Beam
Full Updo
The full updo is so classy. It’s a great choice if you have long hair for your stylist to work with and braid. It’s a good choice if your hair is tough to manage down or doesn’t hold a curl well. Veils tend to stay in better with a full updo to hold it in place as well. If your dress is designed to show off your upper back, a full updo is an obvious choice as well. If it rains, they tend to hold up nicely and your hair is out of your way for the day.
You should know: with a full updo, it doesn’t give the photographer any hair to work with for posing purposes. Many of us like to place some hair on your neck creases when your head is turned during your portraits.
Hairstyle by: Tousled Beauty in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
All Down
Leaving your hair all down great choice if your hair is very short or longer and holds a curl well or having pins in your hair give you a headache. I LOVE to work with hair during portraits….your hubby can touch it and pretend to tuck it…it will cascade down during a dip kiss. So many fun things. Plus, we can place it in flattering ways while posing you.
You should know: if you plan to wear a veil for your ceremony and husband and wife portraits, they fall out of all down hairstyles easily with nothing to hold them in place. Also, an all down hairstyle can be frustrating for some brides as their hair blows in the wind or falls in front of their face for an outdoor ceremony and portraits. All down styles also are a big risk to lose the curls and texture if there is rain.
Hairstyle by: Midtown Salon in Livingston, NJ
1/2 Updo
My FAVORITE by FAR and less often seen. The 1/2 updo is fun for having some braids and can be achieved with most hair lengths AND allows you to have some hair down and curled for us photographers to work with. If there is rain in the forecast, you still have your braids to feature AND it holds a veil in just as well as a full-updo. You can limit the amount of hair that is left down if you want to feature the back of your dress or draw it to one side for those photos.
You should know: if your hair really doesn’t hold a curl or would be completely out of control in humidity or rain, this may not be the best option for you. You might want to consider a romantic, soft braid that comes all the way down and is movable for portraits.
Hairstyle by: WB Upstyles in Lancacster, PA
Whatever you decide. It should be your dream hairstyle…the one that makes you feel beautiful. THAT ultimately will photograph the best.
If you need help finding a hairstylist for your wedding day or portrait session, I am happy to send my preferred vendors list to anyone who requests it.
Email me at hello@meganhofferphotography.com.
What style did you go with on your wedding day? Comment below!
Hairstyle by: WB Upstyles in Lancacster, PA