So I’ve been thinking long and hard about what I want my hair to look like on my wedding day because as we all know, it’s a big deal! Remember when you took your graduation pictures and people kept saying: “keep it natural and style your hair so it looks like your everyday look.” Unfortunately, most girls ignore this advice and end up curling their hair like crazy and then crying about how they look ‘unnatural’ in their grad pictures.

Well, keeping that in mind, I think I really really like the hair above on the model. Her waves are medium sized and half her hair is pulled back with a side part, with the fringe nicely skimming her forehead. Plus, the hair is set so that a veil can be easily be added on or removed over the course of the night.

Always put together and always stunning, Charlize Theron stepped out at the premiere of her movie The Burning Plain at the 2008 Venice Film Festival with an effortless, wavy, messy updo. My goodness! I saw this and thought immediately how great it would be paired with a wedding dress. (I’m not crazy…I just think it can serve as great inspiration when you’re choosing how you want your wedding hair!)

It seems rather simple, though I’m sure it probably isn’t. Medium waves parted in the middle and then tied up into a lower, yet messy side bun. Top it off with some long jeweled earrings and you’re good to go!

(click to see images in detail - images from brides.com)

Nowadays, wedding hair does not need to be as formal or prim as it used to. The ‘undone’ updo is one that is more modern, yet still elegant and feminine. Here, the three looks are created by creating soft waves and then anchoring the curls back with a few pins. To complete the look, the hair is backcombed in the front for some volume.

This undone updo is great for most hair lengths, but best for medium length hair. It works especially well for summer weddings and if you want to show off those earrings you’ve been dying to wear for a special occasion.

Photos: Hair piece from the knot - drink from foodnetwork - bridesmaid dress from david’s bridal - centerpieces from ivillage - invitation from Hello! Lucky

There’s something refreshing about this combination and it all stems from the lovely green color of the cymbidium orchids in the bride’s hair. To avoid a very ‘green’ looking wedding, I chose a champagne colored bridesmaid dress pulled from the color of the table cloths and an invitation that incorporated the two colors beautifully. The signature drink is an impressive “Summer Solstace Sake Sparkler” that will be unexpected by the guests, but sure to be a pleaser.

Below are the instructions on how to make the signature drink:

Summer Solstace Sake Sparkler
1 fresh basil leaf, chopped
6 fresh mint leaves
2 lemon twists
2 orange wedges
1/4 English cucumber, seeded and diced, very cold
1 1/2 ounces orange flavored liqueur (recommended: Cointreau)
Ice cubes
250 ml bottle sparkling sake

Put the basil, mint, lemon, orange, cucumber, and orange liqueur in a cocktail shaker. Add the ice, cover, and shake vigorously, or stir, until combined and chilled, about 30 seconds. (In general, the drink is ready when the shaker mists up.) Pour into a chilled Collins glass and top with the sparkling sake. Drop in a pair of chopsticks to pick out the cucumber and oranges, if desired. Drink.

This is a very pretty way to put your hair up for your wedding. I love how the loose feeling of it makes it very soft and effortless. Below is a sterling-silver, silk and crystal flower hair pin from Lori London to help recreate the style. This will hold better than a fresh flower which may dry up over the course of the night.

picture sources: instyle

Here’s a bridal hairstyle that is not quite formal, yet slightly casual.

Yesyesyes…headbands have made a comeback. However, you don’t often see them used for wedding hair unless you count the jewel encrusted tiaras. This is your way of adding some color to your wedding ensemble. Here are some examples that do not include tiaras.

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This has to be the 2nd most important thing for a bride aside from the dress. A bride’s hairstyle can definately set her mood! I don’t particularly like bridal hair such as strong ringlets, high buns, or super hairspray hairstyles where it becomes rock solid. Here are some alternatives!

Although this looks a little pageanty, I really like how the relaxed curls cascade on one side. If your hair is shoulder length, you can consider using extensions to get the length.

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Here are some celebrity inspired hairstyles that would work well for brides..

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