How to Get An Inspired Wedding Look
From InStyle and People to The Knot and Pinterest, there’s no shortage of websites with photos to help you formulate your idea of big-day beautiful.
Austie Eckley, a Portland, Oregon.-based hair and makeup artist, says many of the brides she works with find inspiration in celebrity images because starlets typically have top stylists creating their picture-perfect looks.
The key thing, however, is to know yourself, says Megan Garmers, founder of MG Hair & Makeup, which provides services nationwide.
Find examples of your desired look (as well as ones you don’t like), ideally on someone who looks like you.
“We all want to look like Beyoncé,” Garmers says, “but if your skin tone and hair type are more like Nicole Kidman, only a small fortune and a really good plastic surgeon can help you.” Of course, you also can point out aspects of pictures that appeal to you, such as flawless, glowing skin like Beyoncé’s, Garmers adds. But if you, say, have short and thin hair, understand that a large bun would require extensions.
Print photos or store them on your phone or tablet and bring them to your consult, Eckley says. “Or you can email a ... link to your stylist to help her or him prepare for the trial.”
Garmers also offers an iPhone/iPad app called iLook Beauty Book, which includes numerous hair and makeup images that you can filter through for specific beauty profiles, such as red lip, up-do, short hair, hair accessories, etc. It also links through to the artist/stylist’s website so that you can ask how they did the look, get product recommendations or inquire if they provide bridal services in your area or know of someone who does.
That said, days or even months of online research and photo accumulation only go so far. “It’s important for brides to come in with an open mind,” Eckley says, “and take advantage of your stylist’s opinion.”
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