Let's talk updo's! We've all seen the hyperlapse videos of gorgeous swept up styles - they are inspiring, but not as simple or straightforward as a 30-second video may lead you to believe. My own favorite styles have super intricate detailing and require a lot of time, product and hair extensions, but it's worth it because they are so beautiful.

When it comes to our brides, we want to make sure they're getting the hair style they love that's on budget and will fit into their wedding day timeline. Here are a few points to consider.

HAIR TRENDS
It's important for stylists to recognize and stay on top of trending styles - and how to achieve them. Through online education and classes, we can learn from the experts exactly how to create these styles. But without all of the recommended items such as hair extensions, accessories, and the right products for texture - we may not be able to achieve the exact style.

PRODUCTS I LOVE
Verb Texture Spray and Texture Crèam: It's like heaven in a bottle for big volume styles, it's also amazing for braids or a beachy wave look (see below). My favorite mousse for day before of day of prep is Kenra Professional and Amika dry shampoo.

UPCHARGES AND PRICING
To be frank, intricate updo styles mean an increase in the price of your service. It’s definitely a lot to consider, but I always recommend discussing these specifics at the trial run to discuss your options and figure out the best route to go for your bridal hair style. We receive many requests for particularly intricate styles, and the reality is, they are time consuming - leading us to require more assistance and products, which costs more money.

TIMELINE
An average style takes 30-45 minutes, but these detailed styles can take 60-120 minutes. This is a major impact on your wedding day timeline, and also the cost of our time on site.

GET SPECIFIC
Learn the proper way to communicate exactly what you want. If you don’t like volume but show these pictures, you need to specify that. The popular styles now have tons of volume and texture. Do you like just 1 or 2 things about the style? Tell your stylist so they can incorporate those. Also keep in mind the person in that photo could look great from one side, but you don’t know how the other side looks… find pictures from all angles - left side, middle, right side and back to show exactly how you want it to look. Do you want you bun in the center? The photo you show her may be a side swept style. Tell your stylist what you like and don’t like. When deciphering your bridal hair style, you don't want it to be a guessing game.

The chart below shows you a few ways to determine the style you want - and how to describe it to your stylist.

A post shared by Hair and Makeup by Steph (@hairandmakeupbysteph) on Jul 17, 2018 at 6:14am PDT

Thinking of going for an updo style for your wedding day hair style? Be sure to check out our guide to accessorizing to learn about the best pieces to use for your look!