Forget the fancy veils and tiaras. Put roses in your ringlets; tuck a calla lily into your curls.
To show off some of the fresh flower bridal possibilities, NaturallyCurly.com gathered six curly models — along with a generous selection of calla lilies, ranunculus, hydrangeas, roses, peonies and proteas — at Austin’s Ann Kelso Salon and CitySpa. The stylists used the wedding dresses and each model’s curl type and personal style to inspire them.
Blooming Brides
Hot Accessories
Fresh flowers are one of the hottest hair accessories for brides, bridesmaids and flower girls, according to wedding planners.
Ideal for Texture
Flowers work especially well with curls and kinks, which have the texture to hold them.
MORE: Best Bridal Beauty Tips
Subtle or Statement
Flowers can be used as a subtle accent or a dramatic fashion statement, depending on what varieties you select and how you arrange them.
WATCH: Curly Hair Bride Video
Formal & Informal
Fresh flowers are suitable for all ages and appropriate for both formal and informal events. The type of flower you choose can vary from casual with daisies, for example, to more formal buds like roses.
Bridal Party
Flowers can easily be coordinated with the rest of your bridal party. Smaller buds can be incorporated into the hairstyles of bridesmaids and flower girls.
Fresh All Day
There are specially preserved flowers that you can use, that have been dried in a way to keep them looking good throughout your special day.
Expert Tip
To prevent wilting, dip your flowers in a anti-transrespirant, which seals in the moisture.
Cost-Friendly
Flowers are an easy, yet noticeable way to add a unique touch to a wedding without spending a lot of money.
Any Hairstyle
Flowers can be incorporated into almost any wedding hairstyle, whether one’s hair is pulled half-way up, completely up or simply styled.
Finishing Touch
Flowers need not be the focal point of your look. If your dress or neckline is already intricate, you can use a simple bud or two for a subtle finishing touch.
A Finished Look
“It’s a way to have a more finished look,” says Kathi Thomas, an Austin floral artist with Kathi Thomas Designs, who created a headband of stephanotis and gardenias for her own wedding.
Timing
“The flowers shouldn’t go in more than an hour or two before the wedding,” Thomas says.
Outdoor Wedding
“For an outdoor wedding, put them in right before you go out.”
Curly Bride
Have Them Wired
The bride can have flowers from her bouquet individually wired to make them easier for the hairstylist to position.
Accessories
Another option is to have flowers attached to a hair comb or clip.
An Alternative
Silk flowers are another good option for brides who want the look of fresh flowers but want more longevity.
Variety of Silks
They are available in a variety of colors and styles and can be reused for other occasions.
Stay In Tact
They are guaranteed not to wilt or wither throughout the course of the event, regardless of the temperature or humidity level.
Light & Easy
Silk hair flowers require less maintenance, and tend to be lighter than their “real” counterparts.
Range of Options
Your floral piece can range from a single full blossom to several small buds to an elaborate combination of several varieties.
Consultation
Be sure to let your hairstylist know beforehand that you would like to use your wedding flowers in your look, so that they can incorporate them into your hairstyle.
Embellishments
Flowers also can be combined with other decorative items such as beads or jeweled bobby pins to add an interesting touch.
Special thanks to:
Ann Kelso Salon + CitySpa
Stylists: Brooke Michie, Jason
Kirkpatrick, Meredith Herndon
and Maya Nusbaum
Makeup Artist: Heather Belanger
Gowns: Alexia Gavela Bridal, Austin, Texas
Jewelry: Lisa Harrison, available at Aviary, 512-916-4445
Photographer: Rudolfo Gonzalez
