Is your ceremony style more romantic and dreamy while your reception style leans more towards let’s get down on the dance floor? Then today’s editorial is right up your alley! The experts at Page Beauty, Southern House Events and Timeless Event Planning are sharing their tips on how to smoothly change bridal looks between ceremony reception – both from a beauty perspective and a planning perspective… ’cause we all know the logistics are just as important as all the pretty details. Need some style inspo? The full gallery from Anya Kernes Photography has got you covered!
“If you prefer to wear your hair up for the ceremony, ask your hairstylist to add some waves before pinning, and use minimal pins to secure the updo. Use a soft-hold, flexible hairspray to allow the hair to loosen after wearing it up. Strong-hold hairsprays won’t allow the hair to loosen and the hair will look stiff after an updo. When taking the hair down, pull the pins, flip your head upside down, and gently shake the hair from the roots. You won’t need to add any product as the hair has already been treated, and you don’t want to weigh the hair down with additional product. If you have a curling iron available, take the bottom sections of your hair and reboot the waves. Some brides prefer to wear their hair up at the reception so she can dance the night away and not overheat. For a do-it-yourself easy updo after ceremony, take the front section of each side of your hair, and set aside. Pull the remaining hair into a low pony, but don’t pull the hair all the way through, thus creating a bun. Take the front hair from each side and wrap each section around the hair tie and pin to secure. Give your hair a final spray of strong hold hairspray and get on the dance floor.”
– Stefanie Cuesta, Page Beauty Hairstylist
“An easy quick change with your makeup is bumping up the eyes with a cream eyeshadow stick that you can manipulate with your fingers. If you’ve started with a soft eye makeup, you can add a rich shade of brown or smoke around the lash line to add drama. Smudge with your fingertip for a soft smoky effect. Another option is to add a fun sparkle on the ball of the eyes and inner corners. If lip colors are your jam, add a rich matte red or a bold shot of pink for the reception and keep the eye makeup soft for balance. Don’t forget to check your radiant skin! Add a drop of cream or liquid highlight to the tops of cheeks to add more radiance.”
– Tanya Bures, Page Beauty Owner | Lead Makeup Artist
Typically the time immediately following your ceremony is focused on taking photos with family, friends and your bridal party, and doesn’t always leave much time to facilitate a second look before being announced into your reception. That’s why I recommend budgeting and planning time for your second look well before the day-of. — This should definitely not be something you try to “squeeze in” in-between photos and family hugs. Your best resource to help with this timing expectation would definitely be your Beauty professionals. You can take advantage of their knowledge during your beauty trial by asking for their advice on how much time should be budgeted for your second look…. Will 10 minutes be enough or do you need to budget more like 20 – 30 minutes? Next you’ll want communicate this timing expectation to your Planner or Day-of team, so they can find the perfect moment for your to step away without feeling rushed or stressed out. I usually recommend extending your cocktail hour, if possible, and budgeting a minimum of 20 minutes so you can combine your beauty change with the bustling of your dress and removal of your veil. Planning for this second look from the very beginning not only helps you to not be rushed on the day-of, but it also gives you a few quiet moments to freshen up, use the ladies room and prepare yourself for dancing the night away! “
— Kayla Gantzer, Southern House Events Owner
Having two wedding looks is always better than one! You get to express two personalities and show off how fabulous you look in both. During the ceremony, many of my brides will use lighter tones of makeup and wear their hair down. Think of this as the most romantic, whimsical part of your wedding. The reception is the part of your wedding where you then get to party and celebrate your love for one another. The moment dancing starts, many of my clients will want to put their hair up and let loose with their friends to celebrate. This also gives you time to sneak away, take a breather and freshen up. No one wants smudged eyeliner, so it’s important to add this into your timeline. If you’re feeling a little daring, throw on a bold lip to really make the change stand out. My last reason is that you will have two sets of photos with different looks. If you really want to go all-out, pick out a reception dress and completely change the feel. You will love having two galleries and various photos to hang on your living room wall.”
— Sandy Brooks, Timeless Event Planning Owner
Photography: Anya Kernes | Event Planning: Timeless Event Planning | Event Planning: Southern House Events + Design | Floral Design: The Little Fleur Co | Stationery: Samantha Meyer Studio | Shoes: Kate Spade | Beauty: Page Beauty | Bridal Accessories: Styled By Twos Company | Cookie Artist: Brooke's Baking Bliss | Gowns: Jinza Couture Bridal | Rose in Glass Cloche: Sonnet 54 | Styling Ceramics: Simple Things Ceramics | Styling Surface: Locust Collection