Entrusting your wedding-day hairstyle to an experienced salon professional is the best way to ensure a polished, sophisticated look on the day

As a bride, you want everything to be perfect on your wedding day: the chapel, the flowers, the dress, the cake and, most importantly, the beauty asset that frames your face: your hairstyle.

If anything goes wrong on the “big day,” either it won’t matter or you’ll forget about it later. But if you have a bad bridal hairstyle, your wedding photos will serve as a rude reminder—till death do you part.

Most brides entrust their bridal hairstyles to an experienced salon professional—and that’s the best way to ensure a polished, sophisticated look. Book your consultation about six months in advance. Bring your veil or headpiece, as well as a picture of your wedding dress to help get a good idea what bride hair style will suit the occasion.

If you know the type of bridal hairstyles you want, present a picture to your stylist. She can give you an honest opinion as to whether the look will work with your hair type. Six months provides you with sufficient time to grow your hair, if necessary, or to schedule any braiding, coloring, straightening or perm services you may require.

If you feel unsure about your wedding hairstyle, tell your stylist everything possible about your wedding: the color theme, date/season, location (outdoors, indoors, chapel, other type of hall), time of day, mood (formal vs. informal), size of the guest list, floral selection and the like. The more she knows about your wedding, the easier it will be for her to make appropriate recommendations and discover your dream bridal hairstyle.

If you are planning to wear a traditional one-piece veil, to be removed before the reception, inform your stylist so she can recommend some lovely hair jewelry or flowers to prevent your head from looking bare.

If money is tight, or you think you’re adept enough to style your own hair, make sure you are up for this once-in-a-lifetime task. While pre-wedding jitters are normal, you don’t want to crack under pressure with a curling iron in your hand. If friends or relatives are staying with you, take into consideration how many bathrooms you have—and the time everyone will need in them. It’s tough to try to curl your hair in a bathroom full of your sister-in-law’s leftover shower steam.

Celebrity brides are the best reflection of what’s popular in bridal hairstyles, as money is generally no object. Carmen Electra wore her hair in long, flowing, loose curls, swept back softly. A popular variation: Add flowers in areas where the hair is pulled back.

Another trend for long hair: Wear it softly swept up, with large curls at the crown bearing delicate flowers—similar to Sopranos actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler’s bride hairstyle. By far, some variation of the classic updo is the most popular wedding-day hairstyle.

For medium-length hair, try a soft flip, with the hair at the crown teased for volume. Pull back hair in the front with a jeweled barrette.

If you have short hair, you can create an entirely new look with hair extensions. If your hair isn’t super-short, use a curling iron to produce fullness at the crown and back, but keep the front subtle and natural. Sweep hair off to the side—perhaps pinned with a hair ornament. Halle Berry looked amazing at her wedding, wearing her short, layered hair in soft curls.

Your bridal hairstyles and dress should be approached as a style “package.” A fitted gown looks best with sleek, elegant hair, as Julianne Moore wore, or with curls neatly nestled atop the head. A long, flowing dress is best accentuated with a softer, more romantic style. If you enjoy flaunting your inner drama queen, go where your personality leads you: a shimmering dress with flowing, somewhat untamed hair. Lighter fabrics call for wispy curls, while satin and velvet are generally paired with smooth hair or more pronounced curls.

As for hair accessories, tiaras remain extremely popular, as do headbands. Hair ornaments, such as hairpins and combs made with jewels or flowers, have been gaining favor.

Follow these additional tips for winning bridal hairstyles: