DIY Bridal Hair

This side-swept bun complements the laid-back nature of a beach wedding. If your wedding is along the water, kept hair back (it could be breezy!) and experiment with using local foliage as substitute hair accessories. Also be sure to use an anti-humidity spray for both hold and preventing frizzies.

Christine, our June bride, will be having her wedding in St. Louis, Missouri, which is notorious for its humid summers. She wanted a look that would hold up in the heat and also complement the traditional feel of her wedding, but in a modern way.

"I have a gorgeous lace dress that's very classic, yet has some modern touches," she says, "and because the wedding is going to be quite traditional, I'd like my hair and makeup to add a contemporary feel to my look."

Keeping thick, glossy strands straight can be difficult mid-summer. Leading up to the wedding, get weekly deep conditioning treatments so strands are as well nourished as possible (the drier they are, the more likely you'll see split-ends). Get a trim a week before to be on the safe-side. If you decide to pull your hair back mid-party, your lustrous locks will look great in a full ponytail.

Marisa's waterfront wedding in Connecticut calls for a glamorous and sexy makeup look.

"The ceremony's on the waterfront, the reception is in a ballroom, and my dress is a cross between a ball gown and an A-line with a big, billowy skirt," she said. "I want to feel extremely beautiful and sexy at my wedding. I envision something very much like The Great Gatsby — very glamorous, very elegant."

A voluminous bun is timeless and classic. Add modern edge to yours by using clip-in hair extensions to add body and fullness to your coiff (most red-carpet 'dos are filled out with faux hair). If you decide to brush back your bangs, have hairspray on hand to help keep them in place.