Photo: Garrett Richardson
If you’re recently engaged, then chances are your social media has already tapped into the wedding side of the algorithm (Welcome!), and we need to talk about a recent trend that has us totally freaking out. Maybe you’ve seen it too and are equally concerned…or perhaps you’re thinking about doing it yourself! Before you do anything too drastic, let’s talk it through. Videos are popping up on Instagram Reels and TikTok featuring brides having their hair cut for a “quick change” from their ceremony to reception look. We’re not talking a light trim or a bang touch-up, we’re talking like 12 inches!
Thankfully, we haven’t seen it go totally wrong…the brides end up looking just as fabulous as they did before. But, we found ourselves biting our nails and wondering, what is the driving force behind this new TikTok trend? Some brides view it as a symbolic transition from one part of life into another–a beautiful sentiment, while, it seems that others are just using it as a way to make their big day go viral.
Here’s what we have to say. In an age where our lives are dominated by endless “competition” on social media, take this one day (your wedding day) to make it just about you and the love of your life. Who cares if you get likes on your photos, who cares if your video gets millions of views? If you want to show off anything, show off your love, that’s what this whole event is about, and if it’s not, you’re doing it wrong.
Another big consideration should be…what if they mess up? There’s a reason that haircuts take so long at the salon. There’s a process to it, a science. Why risk having a serious hair meltdown on one of the most important days of your life, one that’s going to be immortalized in photos that you’ll want to hang on your wall (hopefully!). If you’re looking to spice things up from ceremony to reception consider instead:
Photo: Veronica Girotti, Mama Photo Studio
Brides have been doing outfit changes for as far back as we can remember. It’s always fun to spice up your look and slip into something a little more comfortable for dancing.
Photo/Event Design: Victoria Austin Designs
Instead of asking your HMUA to cut your hair, consider an updo for your ceremony and ask them to take it down for the reception or vice versa. It will still dramatically change your look without being irreversible! If you have your heart set on a length change, what about extensions? Have your hairstylist put in long extensions for your ceremony and remove them for a dramatic reception reveal. Same effect, much less risk!
Photo: Vanessa Renae Photography
Switching up your makeup can be just as dramatic as changing your hair. Go for something more dewy and natural for the ceremony and amp things up with a smokey eye or a vampy lip for the reception.
If you still need a little hair inspiration to talk you off the ledge, check out these 10 stunning updos or this bride's gorgeous pink hair that totally stole the show!