STRAPLESS

The popular strapless dress silhouette looks stunning with loose, flowing locks, with a side or middle parting and soft waves, for a princess-like effect. Contrary to the up do, leaving your hair down gives you far more versatility in wedding photos – you can sweep it all to one side, push it off the shoulders or pull your hair over both shoulders for more coverage. What you’ll definitely need to keep in mind, however, is the weather. If you’re tying the knot sometime during Malta’s scorching summer for example, leaving your hair down is sure to have you craving a dip at your venue’s swimming pool!

ONE-SHOULDER

With an asymmetrical neckline or one-shoulder gown, the hairstyle you go for will depend on whether or not you want to emphasise your shoulders and the cut of the dress. Opt for a side-swept hairdo, braid or pony tail to cover the bare shoulder and balance out the neckline, or for a glamorous up do to emphasise the gown’s lines.

HIGH-COLLARED

This kind of cut makes a bold statement – and you’re going to want to show the collar part of the dress in all its glory. Have your hair pinned back in loose, laid-back waves to contrast with the strong collar, and keep the style looking soft and textured, complete with a few loose tresses around your ears.

BOAT NECKLINE

The ‘bateau’ or boat design skims the collarbone, showing a hint of skin. The best option for this style would be hair up and away from the face in a soft, feminine up do or classic chignon, a la Audrey Hepburn. For the ladies with very long hair, avoid a bulky bun or high up do – contain the volume and size of your bun by collecting it at the nape of your neck, and cover those pins with a sparkly brooch.

OFF-THE-SHOULDER

A stiff, satin dress with off-shoulder straps is classy, elegant and somewhat traditional too, so a smooth and simple up do will draw attention to the bride’s décolletage. Test a side or middle parting with all hair pulled back into a tight knot or bun and evaluate whether the look complements your features and face shape – contrary to a soft up do, this kind of look is strong and unforgiving, so get your hairdresser to guide you for the best look possible.

V-NECKLINE

A V-shaped neckline elongates the neck, giving a classy, graceful air to your look, and pulling your hair away from your face will elongate it further and draw attention to your collarbone and shoulders. Depending on the style of your dress, opt for a romantic hairdo, such as a middle parting with a braided band across the front using your own hair, which you can conveniently use to clip you veil into.

SQUARE CUT

This no-fuss cut suits a range of shapes and sizes, making it a popular cut among many brides-to-be, and can show almost as much skin as a strapless dress. Offset this quaint cut with a modern hairdo that complements your face, such as a bouffant style decorated with a thin hairband.

FINAL TIP!

Whatever you do, always ask for a pre-wedding hair trial to make sure you choose the style that’s best for you, and that complements your make-up, dress and veil on the big day!