Help Me Find a 'Do for My Wedding?

[Aunteater]

I'm getting married in three months. I haven't figured out what to do with my hair for the wedding. I stumbled across LHC originally looking for updo instructions that would work for long hair ;) The forums and various instructional pages and videos linked to have been very helpful, and I've since learned to A)put up a bun with bobby pins, and B) Dutch braid my own hair, neither of which I knew how to do before! Still, my skill level and volume of hair are not equal to some of the cooler styles I've found here. How do y'all dress your hair up for special occasions? Any tips for managing updos with fine 1a/1b hair that sheds barrettes and clips as soon as they're put in?

I may or may not wear a veil. The only major requirement for my hair is that it can't be piled on top of my head, because in part of the ceremony, the priest is going to take crowns on and off of our heads a few times.

Here's what my hair looks like after a wash, air-dried, and then combed (i.e. waist length, no curl):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/Cordelia_naismith/30inches.jpg

And here's my little standard bun which is how I usually wear it:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/Cordelia_naismith/62609bun011.jpg

What can I do with this that would look wedding-ish? I'd love to put a comb or pin in it with kanzashi flowers (look it up in etsy, they're really cute!) but haven't the foggiest Idea how to do that. It doesn't even really need to be an updo, just something I don't do with it every day. Suggestions?

[Ursula]

Hmm...

Perhaps your standard bun, held with pins rather than claw-clips (so the tools are not visable), and then get some white rosebuds, and arrange them in a row/semicircle so they are nested behind/above the top of your bun? Either fresh rosebuds or good quality silk ones.

[Dementia1013]

How are your braiding or french twisting skills? Are you going for a fairytale wedding or modern?

[Cherry_Sprinkle]

Twist buns are also very pretty and you could use decorative pins to hold and add a little sparkle or decoration to the bun... I am also a big fan of twist/fans (http://nybridalhairstyles.com/images/bun_twist_zos5.jpg)..

[Ursula]

Since you mentioned that you can now Dutch braid - I do something I call a "Dutch braid base braided bun."

You do a single dutch braid, with a fairly short "Dutch" section, and wrap the length of the braid around the dutch-braid base, and pin. This creates a bun that looks as if it is elaborately braided/woven, and is very, very stable.

You might try this, and dress it up, as I mentioned before, with flowers.

[Cherry_Sprinkle]

oops forgot to link the twist bun (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/80/281805139_1d17ab61f2.jpg?v=1162829319) lol, this pic only a section of the hair is done but you get the idea.

[hellkitty]

I vote for a Gibson Tuck--where you make a nape ponytail, open up a 'pocket' in the hair, and flip the ends into it. (There's a way better description of it around here somewhere). It makes a flattering shape, low on the neck, is soft and romantic, and has automatic 'insert cool hairtoy here' space--you could either use a glittery barrette over the top or insert some satin flowers or something.

If your hair is too long to stay in the pocket (it may be), pull it all the way through (like a topsy-tail) and then braid, and retuck. I think Torrin Paige has a style like this on her YouTube channel, except she does three braids. You could show off your Mad Braidin' Skillz that way!

HK

[Aunteater]

Thanks for all the ideas! That gives me stuff to experiment with, anyway :)

oops forgot to link the twist bun (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/80/281805139_1d17ab61f2.jpg?v=1162829319) lol, this pic only a section of the hair is done but you get the idea.
That is pretty wild looking! I don't know if I can do that, but it might be fun to try...


Perhaps your standard bun, held with pins rather than claw-clips (so the tools are not visable), and then get some white rosebuds, and arrange them in a row/semicircle so they are nested behind/above the top of your bun? Either fresh rosebuds or good quality silk ones.

I could totally do that! Maybe I can try that out this weekend and see how it looks.


How are your braiding or french twisting skills? Are you going for a fairytale wedding or modern?

I can manage a dutch braid creditably, and regular english braids are easy. I have not yet attempted a french twist. Wedding will be small and as simple as we can make it. I'm sewing my own dress, so that won't be anything complicated ;) A fairly simple hairdo would probably suit best.


Since you mentioned that you can now Dutch braid - I do something I call a "Dutch braid base braided bun."

You do a single dutch braid, with a fairly short "Dutch" section, and wrap the length of the braid around the dutch-braid base, and pin. This creates a bun that looks as if it is elaborately braided/woven, and is very, very stable.

You might try this, and dress it up, as I mentioned before, with flowers.

I think I understand that. I'm wearing something similar now, where I've dutch-braided my hair and then pulled the end up, tucked it into the top of the braid at my crown, and pinned it there. I will work with that, take some pictures, and see how it looks.

[Cherry_Sprinkle]

That is pretty wild looking! I don't know if I can do that, but it might be fun to try...

It's really quite easy.. ponytail your hair, then separate it off in small sections and twist like a rope braid and continue to twist until it folds up all into itself and pin the ends voila! :) You'd have a lot of pins but it is also a good hair-do for making it look like you have more hair than you actually do also cause it can cover quite a large area of head.. (I need all the help I can get with that! lol)

[Aunteater]

I vote for a Gibson Tuck....If your hair is too long to stay in the pocket (it may be), pull it all the way through (like a topsy-tail) and then braid, and retuck. I think Torrin Paige has a style like this on her YouTube channel, except she does three braids. You could show off your Mad Braidin' Skillz that way!

HK

Lightbulb! I have tried the Gibson thing with the three braids before, and it just didn't look right. But pulling it through once first and then braiding it... that just might work. (adds to my things-to-try list)

[Ursula]

I think I understand that. I'm wearing something similar now, where I've dutch-braided my hair and then pulled the end up, tucked it into the top of the braid at my crown, and pinned it there. I will work with that, take some pictures, and see how it looks.

I did a tutorial for it here: http://archive.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?p=384703&highlight=dutch#post384703

It's in my private hair journal in the archives, you'll need to log into the archives to see the post.

[buzzbee34]

not sure if the link will work but maybe something like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VtZ2ps-yrg&feature=related shown by the wonderful torrin paige just a thought as to me it seems very very simple and naturaly

[Aunteater]

Ursula: Aww. I don't think I have access to the archives just yet. But I'm pretty sure I understand the instructions you gave.

[Sha-na-na]

I second the gibson tuck, but you can also "tuck" some flowers in the hair pocket. Say, white roses? Ooooooo.

O have also seen French twists with fresh or fake flowers in the hair. I love that.

Since you have long hair, you may want to show it off. How about a half-up with a braided bun, and curl the loose half.

Just a few ideas! Good luck! That is fun.

[Cherry_Sprinkle]

My do from yesterday would also be very nice.. torrinpaige has a nice video on youtube showing you how to do it, she braids hers but I just tucked mine :)
http://www.septemberpixie.com/lj/hair/IMG_4047.jpg

[Aunteater]

not sure if the link will work but maybe something like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VtZ2ps-yrg&feature=related shown by the wonderful torrin paige just a thought as to me it seems very very simple and naturaly ooh, I have been gradually working my way through Torrin's videos-- that's where I learned the Dutch braid! I'm not sure if I can do that one, or that I have enough hair for it to look good, but it's a consideration: my fiance would like it, as he prefers my hair down.


I second the gibson tuck, but you can also "tuck" some flowers in the hair pocket. Say, white roses? Ooooooo.

Since you have long hair, you may want to show it off. How about a half-up with a braided bun, and curl the loose half.

ooh, another good way to wear my hair down and still be dressed up!


My do from yesterday would also be very nice.. torrinpaige has a nice video on youtube showing you how to do it, she braids hers but I just tucked mine :)
Cool. That looks like the Gibson tuck thing I've been trying to get right.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions! I feel like I at least have something to work with now!

[Teazel]

Ooh, fun! Well, nothing looks prettier than a rose bun (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/album.php?albumid=583&pictureid=18456), especially if it's dressed up with sparkly pins or flowers.... A bunned dutch braid (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/album.php?albumid=583&pictureid=26712) is also nice, and should be no problem for you. :)

Gibson Tucks are one of my favourite things, and so easy to adapt for a wedding by adding flowers and curling tendrils. Then there's the deliciously romantic Victorian Twist (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/album.php?albumid=2792&pictureid=34979) - your hair length would look much better than mine in this style.

Enjoy finding your style, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding! :flower:

[Aunteater]

Teazel, those are really pretty! I'm going hunting for a rose bun tutorial now...

[angelakeats]

I'm thinking about my wedding hair too!
I love the style where the hair is down, curled and the front top is sort of up with little flowers around like a crown.
I think it looks very classic, elegant and maiden-like
:)

[Aunteater]

I did a tutorial for it here: http://archive.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?p=384703&highlight=dutch#post384703

It's in my private hair journal in the archives, you'll need to log into the archives to see the post.

Ok, I couldn't see the tutorial, but I think I followed the instructions. Is this it here?

http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/album.php?albumid=3379&pictureid=43478

[Moonstruck]

My hair is similar in length and such to yours, and I also came to LHC for the first time looking for nice updos (for prom, though). In the end though, I couldn't figure out what I wanted to do or how or whatever... so I just let my hairdresser (who I communicated a LOT with, as well as did a few practice runs with...) make something up.

This is what happened. I personally loved it and got tons of compliments on it, but I haven't the faintest idea what it is. A fair number of pins and 2 buns, and some fancy looping?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/jadedmoonlight/n1341450065_30016929_819.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/jadedmoonlight/n1341450065_30016930_1059.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/jadedmoonlight/n1341450065_30016929_819.jpg

[MadPirateBippy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vW03394oqE

Watch that video. Torrin also has a video about how to fancy up bobby pins. I've worn my hair like that once, I got RAVE comments and complements, and it's actually not that hard to do. I strongly recommend doing this, with some bobby pins and possibly a fake pearl bead slipped onto each bobby pin, and possibly pin a few white rose petals through your hair, or even a few whole flowers.

It took me about 20 minutes to do this hair, with 3 ponytails. I just did the ladder knots, and it was fantastic. Most important for the wedding day, though- it was fairly easy to take OUT. At the end of the day you'll just want to get your hair down and pass the hell out. :)

[Aunteater]

Moonstruck: That looks pretty cool, with the peacock feathers!

Mad PirateBippy: I love that video (actually, I love all of Torrin's videos), but I don't think I have enough hair to manage that one. I've been experimenting with pins and things since I saw it, though.

[eadwine]

You could try Eresh's fan bun. Maybe with shorter fan to suit your length. It's on the front page somewhere now.

[Ursula]

Ok, I couldn't see the tutorial, but I think I followed the instructions. Is this it here?

http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/album.php?albumid=3379&pictureid=43478

That's basically it, although I arrange it so that the length of the braid is more flat against the head, so that the full "V" pattern of the braid faces out, rather than it being on its edge.

My hair is also long enough and blunt enough that there is little taper in the braid, so that when you line it up, you don't see the distinction between the braid and the base so much - it looks as of the whole thing is an elaborately woven mass. A nifty optical illusion.

[Anlbe]

Crowns - are you having a greek wedding? I assume that you've already dismissed this but have you thought of having your hair down? The one thing most of us here don't do every day is wear our hair down, and long hair under a veil has to be one of the most romantic things ever. Maybe with a flipped half pony tail that you could fill with flowers and fix the veil to if you decide to have one? a bit like this. but obviously not with such curly hair
http://www.lusterstudios.com/images/melissajohn/flowers-hair-wedding-hairstyle.jpg

[Magdalene]

Oh, you must also be Orthodox! I had to do the same thing to deal with the crowns. What I did was

1. hot rolled it (this was my pre- LHC days, but I'd still do it. It's a special occaision! you could also use sponge rollers.)
2. used a marcel wave iron to make my scalp hair into waves (so It wouldn't look so severe).
3. Side part (actually, part wherever you like, but do it FIRST- it's hard to do after you've set it!)
4. braid length loosely. I started on my left side, but start wherever is easiest. leave about 5 inches of loose curls at the bottom.
5. Pin up braid into an 0 shaped bun, leaving the center of the bun "empty"- ie, you're more wrapping it around the back of your head than bunning it.
6. tuck your curly tail into the center of the bun. pin curls artistically in the center of the bun, making sure to cover the entire scalp area.
7. decorate (I used about 2 dozen marcasite/pearl hairpins and several roses)

I did wear a veil with a flat beaded comb that the crowns could go over, then switched to a tiara for the reception.

I have some pics in my album (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/album.php?albumid=223) THIS (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/album.php?albumid=72&pictureid=392) one is before the veil got put on, so you can see the bun better

[Anlbe]

I have some pics in my album (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/album.php?albumid=223) THIS (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/album.php?albumid=72&pictureid=392) one is before the veil got put on, so you can see the bun better

Wow, you have amazing hair, that length and colour! If I allowed myself I'd have a serious case of hair envy.
I'm orthodox too and hope to have the crowns one day, but Russian style which means they're held above your head. So no heals, to hair ontop of head and no excessive trains.

[Rentlle]

hmmm.. there's an easy version of this updo:
http://www.mydreamwedding.ca/uploads/Image/Maggie/formal_wedding_updos_hairstyle.jpg

1. make the split in your hair where you want
2. make a ponytale
3. grab a litlle piece of hair, hairspray
4. make a loop
5. secure the loop with bobby/amish pin
6. with the rest of the hair, you make another loop untill you are at the end of you hairthingie and then secure
7.so you can do the whole ponytail ;)

I made an easy version on that one, (yesterdaymorning, I Think) and I did it in 2 minutes and not "nice" and perfect.. :p (with big clips, no accessory...)
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/album.php?albumid=3419&pictureid=44066

[Aunteater]

Crowns - are you having a greek wedding? I assume that you've already dismissed this but have you thought of having your hair down? The one thing most of us here don't do every day is wear our hair down, and long hair under a veil has to be one of the most romantic things ever. Maybe with a flipped half pony tail that you could fill with flowers and fix the veil to if you decide to have one? a bit like this. but obviously not with such curly hair
http://www.lusterstudios.com/images/melissajohn/flowers-hair-wedding-hairstyle.jpg

Anlbe: We are Orthodox, so we are having an Orthodox wedding (though not a Greek one ;) ). I am still considering lots of half-ups, or if nothing will work when the big day rolls around, I will just leave it down. DF does wish I would wear my hair down more often... haven't decided yet whether to have a veil or not.


Oh, you must also be Orthodox! I had to do the same thing to deal with the crowns. What I did was

1. hot rolled it (this was my pre- LHC days, but I'd still do it. It's a special occaision! you could also use sponge rollers.)
2. used a marcel wave iron to make my scalp hair into waves (so It wouldn't look so severe).
3. Side part (actually, part wherever you like, but do it FIRST- it's hard to do after you've set it!)
4. braid length loosely. I started on my left side, but start wherever is easiest. leave about 5 inches of loose curls at the bottom.
5. Pin up braid into an 0 shaped bun, leaving the center of the bun "empty"- ie, you're more wrapping it around the back of your head than bunning it.
6. tuck your curly tail into the center of the bun. pin curls artistically in the center of the bun, making sure to cover the entire scalp area.
7. decorate (I used about 2 dozen marcasite/pearl hairpins and several roses)

I did wear a veil with a flat beaded comb that the crowns could go over, then switched to a tiara for the reception.

I have some pics in my album (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/album.php?albumid=223) THIS (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/album.php?albumid=72&pictureid=392) one is before the veil got put on, so you can see the bun better

For some reason, I can't see the full-sized pic, but when I go to the main album, I can see the thumbnail-- and from what I can see, that looks amazing!

[Aunteater]

hmmm.. there's an easy version of this updo:
http://www.mydreamwedding.ca/uploads/Image/Maggie/formal_wedding_updos_hairstyle.jpg

*snip*
I made an easy version on that one, (yesterdaymorning, I Think) and I did it in 2 minutes and not "nice" and perfect.. :p (with big clips, no accessory...)
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/album.php?albumid=3419&pictureid=44066

Thanks! I've been wanting to learn how to do that one, though I don't think I want to use it for the wedding-- it's very pretty, but no matter how careful I am, every time I used hairspray my eyes end up so bloodshot it looks like I've been rubbing sand in them :( That always ends up being my biggest problem trying to manage nice updos: I have fine hair that barettes slide right out of, and can't make up for it with hairspray. Sigh.

[Magdalene]

Anlbe: We are Orthodox, so we are having an Orthodox wedding (though not a Greek one ;) ). I am still considering lots of half-ups, or if nothing will work when the big day rolls around, I will just leave it down. DF does wish I would wear my hair down more often... haven't decided yet whether to have a veil or not.



For some reason, I can't see the full-sized pic, but when I go to the main album, I can see the thumbnail-- and from what I can see, that looks amazing!

That's wierd, I can't see it either and it's my pic! Must be something with the website, I could see it before...the actual wedding album I think I have to add you as a contact, but the hair picture is in the public album...

I had about a 4 foot train which wasn't too bad during the Dance of Isaiah, it's just something to be aware of. Then again, I've worn trains onstage so I've had practice dealing with them :)

[Aunteater]

That's wierd, I can't see it either and it's my pic! Must be something with the website, I could see it before...the actual wedding album I think I have to add you as a contact, but the hair picture is in the public album...

I had about a 4 foot train which wasn't too bad during the Dance of Isaiah, it's just something to be aware of. Then again, I've worn trains onstage so I've had practice dealing with them :)

I gave a lot of thought to that, actually. I'm ridiculously clumsy, and since the ceremony was going to involve holding a lit candle for an extended period, and also the Dance of Isaiah... I decided I did not want a train! But since I also needed the dress to be reasonably modest and have some kind of sleeves, and that particular combination of features doesn't exist in the wedding-dress market this year (the only options are apparently sleeveless or strapless--eek!), I am currently in the process of sewing my own dress. It's plain, and I'm not the world's greatest seamstress, but at least I won't feel naked, and I won't be tripping over any train :)

[Aunteater]

That's basically it, although I arrange it so that the length of the braid is more flat against the head, so that the full "V" pattern of the braid faces out, rather than it being on its edge.

My hair is also long enough and blunt enough that there is little taper in the braid, so that when you line it up, you don't see the distinction between the braid and the base so much - it looks as of the whole thing is an elaborately woven mass. A nifty optical illusion.

Thanks for the tip! I think with my taper, I probably can't get that woven effect, but when I pin it in a more spirally way (I've done it a couple of times since that pic, and it's getting better), it does look very pretty.

[Magdalene]

I gave a lot of thought to that, actually. I'm ridiculously clumsy, and since the ceremony was going to involve holding a lit candle for an extended period, and also the Dance of Isaiah... I decided I did not want a train! But since I also needed the dress to be reasonably modest and have some kind of sleeves, and that particular combination of features doesn't exist in the wedding-dress market this year (the only options are apparently sleeveless or strapless--eek!), I am currently in the process of sewing my own dress. It's plain, and I'm not the world's greatest seamstress, but at least I won't feel naked, and I won't be tripping over any train :)



Yeah, I had a hard time finding one with sleeves! Good luck, I'm sure you'll be beautiful!

[Anlbe]

Anlbe: We are Orthodox, so we are having an Orthodox wedding (though not a Greek one ;) ). I am still considering lots of half-ups, or if nothing will work when the big day rolls around, I will just leave it down. DF does wish I would wear my hair down more often... haven't decided yet whether to have a veil or not.


Good luck with working it all out! When my beloved and I talk about our wedding day the only thing he's every expressed a strong opinion on appearance-wise has been that my hair should be down at the back. If we ever get there (rather gigantic issue of him not being baptised) I think I'll do a sort of Gwynth Paltrow in Shakespeare in Love look but with big waves or Claire Danes in Romeo+Juliet at the ball for straight, but we'll see.

[archionblu]

Twist buns are also very pretty and you could use decorative pins to hold and add a little sparkle or decoration to the bun... I am also a big fan of twist/fans (http://nybridalhairstyles.com/images/bun_twist_zos5.jpg)..
Ahh!!! Do you have a link to instructions for this? It's so beautiful! Simple, understated, but elegant. :)