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    A bad hair day on your wedding day is simply not an option, so seek professional help. You may be lucky enough to have a hairstylist who you trust completely, who knows your hair better than anyone else and can create your dream wedding hairstyle. If you don’t, or you are having a destination wedding, well, you’ll simply need do some research. Ask other brides whose hairstyles you’ve admired. Check the local bridal salons in the area. Once you’ve garnered a list of options, it’s time to set up consultations: the only way to determine if a hair stylist is right for you. Skip this step and your wedding look may be more hair-raising than head-turning.

    When you’re meeting with the wedding hairstylist for the first time, keep in mind that since she doesn’t know your personal tastes, you’ll need to show as well as tell. The best way is to gather photos from magazines that feature hairstyles you like and search wedding hairstyles online. You can even bring pictures of yourself that show the way you want your locks to look, or photos from a friend’s wedding — anything that will give her a hint about what kind of style you’re seeking. Another smart idea: Wear white to your consultation — even a white T-shirt — so that your hair color will be showcased atop the right hue. You should also choose a shirt with a neckline similar to your gown — different hairstyles lend themselves to particular necklines. Once your headpiece is in place, it will make your hairstyle look different, so it’s important to bring it along for the consultations. If it hasn’t arrived yet, ask your bridal salon to loan you a sample. Or bring along a photo, so at least the stylist knows what to expect.

    Speaking of photos, you’ll want to bring a camera. Once the hairstylist starts manipulating your mane, ask her to photograph each finished look from four different angles — front, back, and both sides. That way, you’ll be able to see how you look from all views, and you’ll get an idea of how the hairstylist’s work translates to photographs. If there’s one particular style you like, ask her to write down exactly which products and techniques were used. Since a wedding consultation can take place months before your actual event, it’s important to keep notes and take pictures so you can both remember what worked. At our studio here at Naples Bridal Beauty we do have a mini photo studio that was created just for that purpose.

    Before you hire a hairstylist you need to decide a few things: Do you want her to come to you on your wedding day or would you rather go to the salon? Will she only do you hair or the bridal party’s as well? Do you want her to come and stay with you throughout the day to do touch-ups before the photo session and the ceremony? Discuss these options with your stylist. Of course, how long you hire a professional to stay with you depend on your budget and her time limitations. Once you’ve made the decision to hire, hand over a deposit to save the date, and request a receipt. Professional bridal stylists most of the time have a formal contract, detailing everything that will be done for the big day.

    Ensuring a great hair day on your wedding day will all come down to timing — which means you’ll need to schedule your hair appointment at precisely the right moment. Do it too early and your coif could start to look stale just as the festivities are getting started, but if you start hair styling too late you’ll feel rushed. During your hair trial run, time how long it takes to get your mane perfect, then allow that amount of time plus a half an hour of leeway, and schedule your hair appointment for as late as possible. For example, if photos are scheduled to begin at 4, and your hair takes an hour, schedule it for 2:30.

    When the wedding day arrives, put your undergarments on under a button-front shirt so you’ll be ready to slip on your dress when your hair is done and your headpiece and veil are in place. If your stylist is coming to you, make a place for her next to a low table and make sure you have or request (if you are at a hotel) a chair with a low back so she will have easy access to your head. And make sure there are electrical outlets nearby for appliances like hair dryers, curling irons, and electric rollers. Your hair stylist should give you tips for keeping those luscious locks in place throughout the reception. Also, if your veil needs to be removed after the ceremony, ask for a lesson on how to do it. After all, you want to show off that wonderful mane, don’t you?