Dressing It Up: Hair, Makeup, Headpiece, and More
By: Crystal and Jason Melendez

Authors of e-Plan Your Wedding:
How to Save Time and Money with Today's Best Online Resources


Headpiece

Headpieces are accessories like tiaras, combs, floral wreaths or headbands, and they can be with or without a veil of sheer material such as organza or tulle. Your veil’s material should match that of your dress, and your overall headpiece should flatter and complement your face, dress, and hairstyle. Decide how you want to wear your hair before purchasing your headpiece: certain ones work with different do’s.

You’ll probably select your headpiece when you go in for your first fitting, if your shop carries them. If you purchase a headpiece from another source (online, for example, or at a bridal boutique), bring it along during your fitting to see if you may want to alter it in order to better suit your dress.

The length of your veil, if you choose to have one, is traditionally determined by the length of your train: the longer the train, the longer the veil. But feel free to vary the proportions. Try on different types to see what veil length seems to flatter you the most. If you're full figured and shorter, for example, you may want to avoid a long, billowing veil regardless of the type of dress you're wearing. many headpieces are made (or can be fitted with) Velcro, hooks, or clips so that the veil can be removed  after the ceremony.

When trying on headpieces, make sure you walk around in it, turn your head, and bend over. Is it comfortable? Does it feel loose? Don't buy something that's going to be bugging you all day long, no matter how perfect it looks.


Hair and Makeup

While many brides prefer to do their own hair and makeup for a more natural look, others like the idea of a professional to take care of it and style something special. If your maid of honor, a family member, or one of your bridesmaids is especially good with hair and makeup, you might feel comfortable letting one of them do the honors. If you go with professional hair and makeup salons, you can either swing by the salon the morning of your wedding or have the hairstylist and makeup artist come to you and style you at home. If you want to have your mom and/or bridesmaids done up as well, ask about getting a group discount.

When hiring professional hairdressers and makeup artists, keep in mind that the good ones can book up fast, especially during the peak wedding season. Have your hairdresser and makeup artist both do a trial run or two before your wedding so you can be sure you’re comfortable with your look. Don’t forget to bring in your headpiece when you meet with the hairstylist.

A manicure and pedicure are additional elegant touches you may want to pamper yourself with.


Jewelry

The key to jewelry as a great bridal accent is keeping it simple. Let your dress and your glowing smile take center stage; jewelry should be in the supporting role. Classic examples of wedding jewelry are a simple string of pearls or a pair of diamond earrings (if your hairstyle lets your ears show), but you can wear anything you like that you feel best reflects your personality and the mood of your wedding. If you don't have jewelry that you feel goes with your attire, consider borrowing it from your mother or another relative. It can be the "something borrowed" component of your attire.

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Crystal and Jason Melendez are the authors of e-Plan Your Wedding:
How to Save Time and Money with Today's Best Online Resources
(June 2006; $18.95US; 1-933457-00-3).
For more information, please visit http://www.eplanyourwedding.com

The Silicon Valley technology professionals were motivated during their own wedding planning adventure to research the many convenient but often unknown ways that today's technology can assist an engaged couple. After e-planning worked wonders for their own big day, the newlyweds-turned-business partners co-founded and developed WedShare.com, which has grown to be a top wedding website service provider and a leader in online planning tools. As active members of the wedding industry, they work closely with brides, grooms, and wedding professionals. They are passionate about showing other couples how to plan and pull off their big day with minimal cost, hassle, and stress. Crystal and Jason live in San Jose, California, where they continue their writing and development.

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