There’s no time like your wedding day to make a bold statement and awe your guests. And there’s more than one way to do it, from your dress to your hair, and the subtle to the extreme.
Most often, brides revamp their reception or evening look by changing into an entirely new gown. But one trend we’re seeing is brides shaking up their look without purchasing an additional gown. For example, restyling their existing outfit with a detachable skirt, or wearing a flexible ‘multi dress’. Check out our article on 2023 Wedding Fashion Trends to learn all about it.
The latest TikTok craze, the so-called “bridal chop”, is by far the most daring bridal transformation. Featuring a head-turning haircut in between the ceremony and reception, it’s the ultimate grand reveal moment. Many brides choose not even to let their partner in on it. We spoke to some of our expert hairdressers and stylists, to get their opinion on such a dramatic on-the-day transformation, as well as their top tips on how to style short hair on your wedding day.
Plus, with celebrities from Paris Hilton to Sarah Michelle Gellar and Camila Cabello rocking bobs lately, there’s no denying that a shorter, cropped style is on-trend. So what are you waiting for?
Colette Johnson | CJ Beauty & Co
What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?
“I think the trend is brilliant! We have incorporated this as an option for brides under our full day package or with our evening turnaround service. It’s a brave option and a confident statement! But why not? Most brides grow their hair for their wedding day and then have it chopped off either before their honeymoon or when they get back – so why not have it done on the day as you enter married life and your first few hours as Mrs…”
Any top tips for styling short bridal hair?
“Brides are dressing up shorter hairstyles with bows, glitzy hair slides, or simple pearl headbands.”
Eileen Nugent | Eileen Nugent Hair & Makeup
What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?
“Regarding the latest “bridal chop” trend, I did do this a few years ago for a bride on her wedding morning and surprised her bridesmaids and husband to be. It was a great success.”
Eva Pisanu | Foreva Hair
What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?
“I love this trend! As a bridal hairstylist that is also a qualified hairdresser this is right up my street! Such a great way to surprise your guests instead of a dress change. I quite often get asked for a hairstyle change for the evening do, but I haven’t had a haircut request, but I would love to do this!”
Any top tips for styling short bridal hair?
“There are so many hair accessories that suit a long bob or short hair. One of my favourites would be the floral hairbands!”
Hayley Laws | Freelance Hair & Makeup Artist
What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?
“This trend of cutting your hair off between the wedding service and the reception is definitely a unique take on having a second dress for your evening guests. It isn’t something that I have been asked about yet. My brides have opted for another dress or a bold red lip for the evening. Cutting your hair off can be scary when most brides spend so long growing it for their big day. The quirkiest thing a bride has asked me is to put fairy lights in her hair to switch on when the sunset came. I love a dramatic haircut. It empowers the client and gives new confidence. As long as the bride is committed to the change, why not!”
Any top tips for styling short bridal hair?
I would make the process as easy as possible to take less time out of your day. Maybe opt for a down style for the morning ceremony so that a ‘dry cut’ in a similar hairstyle won’t take too much time away from your guests. For short hairstyles in general I love a soft Hollywood wave or any wave at all. Part the hair deep to one side. It is a powerful style but is always a cute look for a short do. Add a simple vintage slide or a thick chunky headband as a statement piece. You could always add a side braid for an edgier style.
Kate Fletcher | Flashkate Bridal Hair & Make Up
What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?
“I love this trend! Most brides grow their hair for the wedding day, so they can have a traditional ‘up do’. They mostly plan to chop their hair off after the wedding so why not AT the wedding. I’ve seen it a couple of times, paired with an outfit change, but not personally cut the hair. It’s a ballsy move and not for the faint hearted but has the real ‘WOW’ factor.”
Laura Anne | The Bridal Stylists: Wedding Hair & Makeup
What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?
“We haven’t yet [come across this] but we are totally down for this request! We think it’s fab! Such a unique way to transition to the evening.”
Any top tips for styling short bridal hair?
“If you are thinking about doing this, some pointers to consider: it really would only work if you have already had your hair shorter in the past and loved it. Don’t let this be the first time going shorter. Also, make sure the style you go for first is lightly styled without a ton of product, so that the changeover is shift and successful. Plus, your hairstyle needs to be an experienced hairdresser too! We love a choppy, textured wave on shorter hair. Maybe with one side pulled back with a fab statement accessory. Or perhaps you prefer a simple, sleek ‘lob’ letting the hair shine through.”
Laura Glanville | Wishbone & Comb Bridal Hair & Makeup
What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?
“As a bridal hair stylist for over 10 years, I must say this new trend is one that I am a huge fan of! As most brides are opting for a change of outfit for the evening, then why not surprise everyone even further, by adopting a whole new hairstyle too? I have lost count of how many brides tell me, when I compliment them on their long hair, that they can’t wait to have it “chopped off” after their wedding. With this in mind, why not incorporate just that into their schedule as well!”
Any top tips for styling short bridal hair?
“I suggest that if they are not going to be away from their reception for too long – I recommend opting for a simple one length cut that can be easily styled with a pretty tiara headband, or with a hairslide clipped to one side, that will showcase their new shorter hairstyle beautifully.”
Melissa Clare | Melissa Clare Makeup & Hair
What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?
“I personally haven’t had any brides do this but I think the idea is fab. In the same light as brides who love to have more than one dress and change halfway through the day to create a new vibe for the second half, why not add in a totally new cool chop too!”
Any top tips for styling short bridal hair?
“My advice would be if you are having a chop resulting in short-mid length tresses, then show it off, don’t hide your new look in a bun. Keep it down, whether you prefer casual beachy waves or a more glamorous Hollywood or vintage wave, you can accessorise this look with an on-trend headband or comb worn on the side behind the ear. If you prefer to have your new do off your shoulders you could try a low textured ponytail with chunky bow/ribbon.”
Olga Taylor | Barnet and Boatrace
What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?
“We’re absolutely loving the new bridal chop trend, but yet to find a bride that is brave enough to go through with this on their big day! Many are talking about it at their trial appointments though. It’s common practice for brides to grow their hair as they are led to believe that this is something that they ‘should do’ in preparation for their big day. Fuller, thicker, longer princess hair. We totally get it. Then suddenly, not long beforehand, they’ve been known to chop it as they feel totally fed up with the extra length or that it’s not really them. Within our team we have qualified hairdressers as well as stylists so we’d love to meet a bride who just holds off a couple more weeks and trusts us to transform them not once but twice on their big day!”
Any top tips for styling short bridal hair?
“A jewelled clip placed strategically above one ear on one side with brushed out waves looks simple yet super cute and guaranteed to wow guests at your evening ceremony!”
Vicki Lord | Vicki Lord Hair Wedding Hairdresser
What do you think of the latest bridal chop trend?
“Having a mid-day haircut can definitely be a fun and unexpected way to completely transform and switch up your look for your wedding day, and add an unexpected twist to your wedding day style! Being a multi award-winning bridal, red carpet, celebrity, fashion, cut and colour hairstylist, it’s not uncommon to see brides grow out their hair in anticipation of their wedding day, and it’s understandable that they may want to have longer hair or an up-do hairstyle for their big day. However, without regular trims, long hair can become unruly and difficult to manage, which can make it harder to achieve the desired wedding day style. In any case, in recent years, there has been a trend towards more unique and individualised bridal hairstyles.”
Any top tips for styling short bridal hair?
“Short hair can be just as beautiful and elegant as longer styles and can be styled in a variety of ways to suit the bride’s taste and wedding theme. A skilled hairstylist can work with the bride to create a bridal transformation that highlights her features and personality. Incorporating a cool and elaborate hairpiece can add an extra touch of glamour and individuality. Ultimately, the goal is to create a hairstyle that makes the bride feel confident, beautiful and true to herself on her special day!”
So if you were thinking of taking the plunge with a bridal chop of your own, this is your sign! With these top tips and tricks, you’re all set to turn heads more than once on your big day.
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