Wedding Hairstyles: Loosen Up

Unstructured updos get dressy with delicate hair jewels

Starting with an extreme side part—just north of the ear—hair is swept back in sections and ends are pinned under; a few fat curls hang freely. Straggling ends are anchored by jeweled hair combs placed just so. Perfect product: To build enough oomph for this tousled style, prep with Tresemmé Tres Extra Hold Mousse.
Swarovski crystal hair combs, by Thomas Knoell Designs, thomasknoell.com. Matte jersey bias-cut gown, about $2,035, by Eric Gaskins.

Easy and elegant, this updo will last all night. Hair is parted from ear to ear; the back section is lifted, given a twist and secured against head. Back-combed front pieces are smoothed away from forehead, then bobby-pinned, disguising the twisted section, while hair ornaments create the gentle chignon. Perfect product: Fight fuzz with Pantene Pro-V Frizz Control Extra-Strength Serum.
Crystal and pearl hairpins, by Laura Jayne Bridal Design, laurajayne.com. Satin slip dress {Not Shown}, about $2,600, by Palazzo, available at Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, 212-319-6778.

A mane of relaxed, bouncing corkscrew curls is pulled into a high ponytail; loose ends fall freely from the sparkling cincher. Perfect product: Keep ringlets defined with Redken Fabricate 03 Heat-Active Texturizer.
Pearl and crystal hairvine, by Laura Jayne Bridal Design, laurajayne.com. Ivory grosgrain gown with trumpet skirt {Not Shown}, about $1,450, by Watters Brides, 972-404-0143, watters.com. Diamond earrings, by Alexandra Van Dell, 617-335-2863, alexandravandell.com.

Use an elastic to form a head-topping ponytail, then feather it out to create a "fountain" of hair; tuck the ends under and secure to crown. Leave a generous piece of side-parted hair loose in front; swoop it across forehead and tuck behind ear. Perfect product: A fanciful pony stays firmly in place with Garnier Fructis Style Pure Fix Spray.
Pearl comb, by Tia Mazza, tiamazza.com. Pearl-striped satin-back taffeta halter gown {Not Shown}, about $820, by Watters Brides, 972-404-0143, watters.com.

My Pick: I love this one.

Already-curled locks get the cotton-candy treatment, with layer upon layer of hairspray and generous finger-plumping. Several crucially placed pins elevate the mass of loose hair, lifting it off the neck. Perfect product: Your mane can be as soft as a cloud with Aveda Air Control Hair Spray.
Feather hairpins, by Laura Jayne Bridal Design, laurajayne.com. Silk tulle ball gown with ribbon detailing and crisscross back bodice with ties, about $3,400, by Ahnna B. Designs 770-392-9620.