Hair seems to be one of those things we only think about when we have to. I know the only reason I’m thinking about it right now is because my fun and flirty hairstyle is quickly turning into a Monkees-esque horror. I really need to do something about that. But until I do, hair is going to be on my mind in a major way.

So how do those of us with busy lifestyles choose a do to compliment our overall wedding look? By not waiting until the last minute, of course! If you’ve never thought about your ultimate wedding hairstyle, you’re going to want to start mulling that over six months before the wedding. This can be a good time to meet with your stylist to discuss headpieces and hairdo options. If you’re absolutely stymied, make a list of your beauty icons and then ask your stylist for advice.

Guides like the The Perfect Wedding Series for Hair DVDs can help you learn the secrets of gorgeous wedding hair.

Browse the multitude of online wedding hair galleries and then consider: The mood of your wedding, the style of your dress, the length and type of your hair, the shape of your face, and your relative up-do comfort level. Some people don’t mind being stabbed with bobby pins. You may not want to have to worry about your elaborate twist coming undone. Personally, I get migraines when my hair is pulled back too tightly. These things matter. No matter how beautiful you look, discomfort will interfere with your nuptial joy.

Condition, condition, condition. But not right before your hair trial run, photo session, or ceremony. Deep condition all you like until a week before these events. Shampoo the day before, but don’t wash your hair on the day your locks are being styled. A little natural oil will help your hair stay in place. I would suggest that you also refrain from changing your base style or your haircolor before the wedding. You may not like the results and your hair will be immortalized in your wedding photos.

Above all, be realistic. If your everyday hair is a mass of tightly packed curls, work with that. If your hair is straight as a pin, find a style that will make the most of it. Use what you’ve got, ladies! You’ll feel more confident when the you walking down the aisle is the real you.

Above style by Ooh-La-La-Beaute

No, not those under five feet tall. Maybe I’ll tackle that some other time. I mean ladies sporting totally modern, super hip short locks. I was inspired to take on this topic a few days ago when I visited the salon in order to have my long ladylike tresses converted into an ultra-short, face-framing do. What can I say? I’m brave like that. And it’s only hair. Right?

Cut to shortly thereafter when The Beard hinted he might be inclined to pop the question one of these days (YAY!) and I realized I’d never even considered how someone with hair as short as mine might go about styling it for their wedding. Updo’s are almost the least complicated thing one can do because one typically leaves the doing of it to an accomplished stylist. And, with a longish updo, there are all manner of things one can pin into or onto it.

That leaves headbands, crowns and wreaths, little clips, and plain. Of course, that accomplished stylist I was thinking about will be able to think of something, but it’s best to have at least some idea of what you want. Here are three looks from WeddingHair.com that I like and that can be purchased in kit form:

If you’re a DIYer, you could check out Beautiful Bride – HAIR, The Perfect Wedding Series Volume 2, which gives a number of hints and tips on styling your own hair for your wedding day.

Of course, none of this has helped me determine whether wearing a veil is even a possibility with two-inch long hair.