Hair Idea 1
I will be wearing an updo because I think it looks better with my dress than my hair down. I hate bridal hair where the hair is so smooth and sleek that it is plastered to the bride's forehead and looks painted on. I'm thinking about a loose low chignon with some softness and height.
This is what I'd like the front to look like with a few loose tendrils and waves framing the face. My only concern is that it doesn't look too messy.
I want the back of my hair to look like this. I want to sprinkle a few crystal hair pins in the chignon--I bought these from VeilShop already.
I need to figure out how to wear Craig's grandmother's veil with my hair. My FMIL said that I should just pin it to the back of my head in a single layer because it isn't quite long enough (Grandma was 5 ft nothing and I'll be 5'10" once I put my heels on). This is an example how to wear the veil (and bad plastered bridal hair!!)
Hair Trial 1
I had a hair trial with Nicole C on April 15th, and I'm so glad that I did. Originally, I wanted an updo but I wanted it to be soft and loose. I am a child of the 80s and while I don't want mall hair, I do want lush, gorgeous hair rather than a subdued "elegant" style.
Style 1: Here is the first look where we attempted to have a low smooth chignon and a softly wavy top with a little height. Nicole did a fancier chignon than what I was thinking in the example posted above.
We both agreed that there was something not right about this look so we tried again. I thought that I needed more hair around my face. I had just read an article on beehives at WeddingBee so I asked Nicole to give this a try.
Style 2: French twist. We both agreed this was better than the first updo, but I still wasn't feeling it. I need bangs or something to soften it up. It's too tight and controlled, and doesn't really suit my personality. When I came home, I could tell that Craig didn't like it.
I'm now reconsidering an updo all together and will probably wear my hair down more like this option Nicole showed me as we changed updos. 
Style 3: Down and curly. I don't like how the hair is pulled off my forehead, but I like it better than either updo. Nicole says my hair holds a curl well so maybe I'll start looking at other options.
Hair Idea 2
Thank you June '08 brides for helping me find this alternate hair style. She has it pinned to look as if she has bangs which means I don't actually have to commit to cutting them. I also think side parts are more flattering, and if I feel the need for bigger hair, I can tease up the crown a little.
