Wedding Hair: Side-Pinned Curls Tutorial

Last week, I shared a fun wedding style with a formal bridesmaid style dress. You can see that post here. I am back to share a tutorial on how to get the side-pinned curls that I wore in that post!

This is a very feminine and easy wedding hairstyle. It looks like it took a long time, but its very minimal effort. 

I drew my inspiration from Aria/Lucy Hale because... do I need a reason!? She's a total babe. 

You'll need: 

beach babe cream (I use whenever my hair dries naturally), 'pink addiction' 12 benefits serum, and hairspray (I currently like tresemme). 

lots of bobby pins

a close-up of pink addiction (aka the best thing to ever happen to my hair)

Start with wet or untreated hair. I use Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Cream on my wet hair anytime I let it dry naturally. It's does amazing stuff, but that's for another post. 

Once your hair is dry, smooth pink addiction serum through all parts. This stuff is seriously my favorite hair product ever. It makes it so soft and silky, and easy to work with. 

Begin pinning your hair back with bobby pins. Start at the crown, about an inch away from your ear in the back. Every time you put in a bobby pin, cross another one over it for extra hold. Make sure that the hair on top of your hair from your part isn't too tight. You want your hair to be secured, but you also want a little bit of volume, if that makes sense. 

Keep your wand at a fairly low heating setting. I never go higher that 330 degees, even though I have really thick hair because I like loose curls much better than tight curls. 

Start curling your hair. Hold the wand downwards when wrapping hair around it. Create wide spaces between wrapped strands of hair- this and the low temperature will create looser curls. I only hold for about 5-10 seconds per strand, depending on how thick it is. Play around with it and you'll get a feel for the best way to use the wand on your hair. 

If some curls are tighter than others (they most likely will be), run your fingers through your hair to make them looser. The key is loose curls for this romantic wedding look. This is not a Shirley Temple look!

The final product: 

Throw a fun headband on for an even more finished and feminine look! 

I hope this tutorial was helpful and that the directions were clear! What kind of wedding hairstyles do you like to wear!?

If you try this hairstyle, be sure to tag me or shoot me an e-mail!

facebook 

twitter: @afternoonstyle

instagram: @afternoonstyle 

e-mail: afternoonstyleblog@gmail.com

Read more »

Wedding Series: 2014 Wedding Trends

Wow, how time flies! It has been almost 2 years since Brogan and I were married. Our anniversary is coming up soon! I had intentions of starting a wedding series on this blog back in May... but that didn't go quite as planned. Now we are halfway through the summer. 

Time flies. 

I love looking at how trends change over time in fashion and in wedding styles. It's interesting to look at what was seen as the thing to do when your mom was married, versus when you were married, and so on. Even a lot of the big trends have changed from just two years ago when I was planning my wedding. 

Here are 8 Wedding Trends that are big this summer. If you are currently planning your wedding, you may just want to indulge in one of these ideas! Or if you're like me and you love wedding season, you can live vicariously through the next 8 pictures!

1. Succulent Party Favors 

source 

This is such a cute idea. I love party favors that are cute, personalized, and useful for guests after the event. If you're on a small budget like I was, then you may not be doing favors at your wedding. Incorporate this trend by displaying succulents as decorations. They would be adorable as centerpieces for a garden/woodsy themed wedding. 

2. Unique Color Themes 

source

I feel like many weddings incorporate the same set of colors... pinks, peaches, reds, pastels, yellows, etc. Those are great colors, but it's fun to see bright and unique colors at weddings too. Cobalt is a big trend this season and I can't say I have a problem with it. How fun would it be to wear those cobalt heels and earrings with a flowing white gown on your big day? And I'm sure the man you're marrying wouldn't mind having a more masculine color in the plans. 

3. Brunch Style Wedding

source

Why didn't I think of this for my wedding? I adore this idea, it's so clever. Evening dinner receptions are so average and expected. How fun would it be to be married in the morning and have a simple brunch reception following the ceremony? This is a great theme to follow, especially if you are going for a simpler wedding. 

4. Vintage Vases and Wildflowers

source

This is such a good idea and it is so easy to do. We actually had a similar set-up on our food table at our reception. I loved the look of the old, vintage bottles tied together with twine, and filled with wildflowers. It has a very whimsical and simple feel to it, but it is still beautiful and fancy. This is also a great idea when you're on a budget because it is such a low-cost centerpiece idea!

5. Easy & Simple Appetizers 

source

I mean really though, if something will make your wedding easier and more simple, it's usually a big fat YES. Am I right!? I love this idea for salad on a stick- it's a finger food, it's simple to make, and it is visually appealing. That's everything you'd want for your reception, though I would ditch the school bus sign. 

6. Naked Cakes

source

Let's be honest, I freaked out a little when I saw these pictures... the adorableness-level of this idea is beyond measure. Naked cakes are not frosted traditionally, but just have frosting in-between the layers. With white buttercream on the inside and fresh fruit on the outside... this would be both a delicious and charming touch at a wedding. It would also go along great with the brunch them mentioned above. 

7. Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses

source

This has actually been a wedding trend for a few years now, but I don't see it going anywhere. I love the idea of bridesmaids wearing different styles of dresses in corresponding wedding colors. It makes pictures pop and it is just so much fun. It makes sense too, since women have so many different body types. My bridesmaids and I did the same thing. Don't mind the fact that I don't even look like the bride I was two years ago...

Seriously, who is that? ...be on the lookout for a post all about bridesmaid dresses, coming soon. 

8. Rose Gold Wedding Bands

source

This is something that is really big right now and I have to admit, I love seeing different tones of metal together. The silver engagement ring with the rose gold band looks stunning. This makes me wish I had one because I love rose gold. When my husband and I were engaged, we decided I didn't need a wedding band. I just didn't really desire one and I really loved the look of a skinny-banded engagement ring by itself. However, somewhere in between now and my 5th anniversary, a rose gold band wouldn't be such a bad present, now would it? (hint hint, husband)

What trends are you loving for weddings this year? 

Be sure to stay tuned for more wedding series posts throughout the rest of the summer! 

Follow along on instagram @afternoonstyle for updates on new posts. 

Read more »

Easter Dress + Springtime Tights with Hanes

Every year, I search for the perfect spring/Easter dress. This year, it happens to be an eclectic lace lavender dress from Honey & Lace! The lace detail on this piece is so intricate and the color is beautiful. I have it in rose, which is actually a mix between light pink & lavender... perfect for spring and the upcoming summer months.

On another note, I bet you'd never guess that I'm wearing tights in these photos! I've never been one to wear tights and pantyhose in warmer months, but that has officially changed. I am wearing Hanes Silk Reflections tights and oh how I love them! They are sheer and you don't even realize you are wearing them- they are so smooth and comfortable. They make your legs look amazing, especially when you are in between the stages of winter white legs and working on a tan, which we all know we are going through right now. With wedding season upon us, I know I will definitely be sporting these tights at many events to come. They will be great to wear with all kinds of skirts and dresses to upcoming bridal showers, weddings, receptions, etc. 

Want some of these tights for yourself!? Hanes is doing a huge Save the Date Sanity giveaway on facebook. Those who enter have the chance to win $1,000 and a top drawer full of Hanes Hosiery tights! Additionally, five more winners will be picked to win a sampling of Hanes Hosiery tights (about a $50 value). These are some amazing prizes ladies! You won't want to miss out on these tights for wedding season. 

Stay tuned for more wedding posts to come! I will be styling some more Hanes tights for different wedding-related occasions, talking about weddings do's and don'ts, wedding guest hairstyles and fashion, and much more! 

Thanks for following and for all your sweet comments!

dress: c/o Honey & Lace // necklace: c/o Persun Mall // tights: c/o Hanes Silk Reflections Sunkissed pantyhose // shoes: target, old

Linking-up to:

Style Sessions
The Pleated Poppy
Three-fer Thursday

Read more »