Summer wedding hair, makeup, and jewelry

Hair, makeup, and jewelry are important details for any wedding. However, for summer 2009, they may mean more than ever before because the trends differ from the "norm" of the past few years.

Wedding Hair

For a long time brides felt it was necessary to wear their up in fancy styles that didn’t always reflect who they were as individuals. But that isn’t the case anymore. Today’s bride is comfortable being exactly who she is and letting that shine through on her wedding day.

With sexy short and sassy hair being on trend, it only makes sense that should be carried over to the wedding day as well. Look for a lot of hairstyles that skim the chin or even go shorter with smooth classic bobs, adorable and playful super short pixie cuts and everything in between. Curls may not make an appearance at all with these stylish cuts because they simply aren’t needed. The simpler, the better for summer weddings on the beach, in the garden, at the park or anywhere else the bridal couple chooses. The bride will remain calm, cool, and collected in her short "do" without worrying about the frizz humidity typically causes.

However, that certainly doesn’t mean that long hair is passe. Far from it! No bride is likely to cut her hair off for her special day. She wants to reveal her inner goddess and sometimes that means long, luxurious hair. Once again, however, don’t look for fancy "updos." Longhaired brides are letting their tresses down this summer despite the potential for heat. It’s who they are and they intend to express themselves all the way. They may, however, add a few loose curls or waves for definition and refinement. Also look for hair jewelry to hold their locks into place with grace and elegance.

Of course there will be plenty of updos as well, but unlike the past, today’s updo will be less structured and more carefree with lots of loose ringlets to accent the bride’s beautiful face.

Wedding Makeup

Makeup for summer weddings this year will mostly be natural. Today’s bride doesn’t want to pretend to be someone else on her wedding day. She wants to express the very best of who she really is as an individual and that will also reflect through her makeup.

Mineral cosmetics will play an important part in this summer’s weddings as brides search for foundations, shadows, and blushes that won’t "run" in the heat of the sun. There is an additional benefit to this type of makeup. When it is carefully and appropriately applied it looks as though no makeup is being worn at all. Instead there is just a beautiful, radiant glow. What bride doesn’t want exactly that ook on her wedding day?

Long wearing lipsticks, lip plumpers, and shimmering glosses will be very important for all of those pictures as well as for avoiding an old fashioned lipstick mess on the stemware. Blush choices will be pale enough to add just a kiss of color behind that looks as natural as a child’s rosy cheeks. Even eye makeup will be underdone, seeking only to highlight the eyes rather than overpower them.

Summer brides will likely seek a slight tan to to with the season. Those who don’t tan naturally will make their way to a tanning salon or try one of the hundreds of self-tanners available in today’s marketplace.

Wedding Jewelry

Pearls have been a popular wedding jewelry choice for hundreds of years. This year will see them as well. However, rather then sticking to the traditional ivory or cream colored pearl, today’s bride may opt for color instead. Pastel pearls in pink, gold, or pale cocoa brown are likely to be popular. However, black pearls will also offer a startling contrast against a white bridal gown.

Gemstones remain popular too with diamonds – real or fake – leading the pack but also echoing the gem's natural colors rather than the more traditional clear. Rubies, emeralds, and sapphire jewelry sets, which include necklaces, bracelets and earrings will be chosen by some brides who want a pop of color to highlight their dresses.

Also look for a few opaque gem choices like mother-of-pearl, opal, onyx, blue lace agate, and even turquoise. If it fits the bride’s personality, it will be part of her special day in some way. Look for both traditional jewelry pieces as well as non-traditional choices like a hair comb, an oversized right-hand ring, an anklet, or even a toe ring.

Both demure and bold jewelry pieces will accompany brides down the runway. Today’s bride will express her personality through her jewelry, which can mean anything from simple and elegant gold pieces to heavy accent cuffs, unusual broaches, or bold medallions. Anything goes as long as the bride chooses it!