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SALT LAKE CITY — The new year is in full swing, and so are wedding plans for thousands of excited couples across Utah.
Sharolyn Tenney, owner of Beautylicious Salon and Supply in American Fork, says she's seeing some new trends popping up for the coming season.
Trend 1: Braids
Braids are "in," and Tenney isn't the only one who's seen their rise in popularity.
"Braids are huge this year and show no sign of slowing down," says girlywedding.com.
Perhaps one reason for this is flexibility, as braids can be tight and formal or loose and casual to fit the personality of each individual bride.
Tenney lists the soft, flowing waterfall braid and the elegant side swept fishtail braid as bridal favorites.
Trend 2: Soft, loose curls
"Side swept or hanging loose," Tenney specifies. This trend actually carries over from the last couple years and isn't likely to be a surprise to most brides. But the timeless feel of curls is sure to transcend future trends.
Trend 3: The ballerina bun, chignon or French twist
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On average, a wedding dress costs about $1,099, according to The Knot, nearly the average cost of expenses for invitations, the wedding cake, and favors put together.According to hairstyles-galaxy.com, one of the top favorites is the ballerina bun. It will "beautifully open your face and highlight your best features. This season bun up-dos are more glamorous with extra volume," the website says.
A more modern variation on the classic bun is called the chignon. For brides with shorter hair, the chignon is a popular choice. "A lot of emails come in regarding short hair and how hard it can be to dress it up," says Kristin Ess of thebeautydepartment.com. "(The chignon) is one of my favorite, long-lasting hairstyles for brides and party-going gals who are lacking length."
The French twist has been a top pick for decades. Many brides find that it adds the sense of classical elegance they want.
Trend 4: Vintage
Vintage hairstyles are an "eternal and favorite for many fashion icons and celebrities," says weddingomania.com. Whether a bride decides to go authentic style, like Dita von Teese, or simply use an antique hairpiece, vintage-style only continues to gain in popularity.
Trend 5: Straight and smooth
Women with long hair, or even those with hair that doesn't curl well, may opt for a straight, smooth look. Tenney listed this type of style as her last top trend because it looks less formal but is still modern and feminine.
With so many fashionable options, many brides may be unsure what they want. Tenney recommends choosing a stylist that consults with clients in advance. Then they can discuss options together and decide what is best for the bride and the look she wants.
"You should be as honest and open as possible," she says. "For them to be able to create your best look, they need to understand your ideas, likes and dislikes."
Rebecca Rode has written for Schooled Magazine, KSL.com and Deseret News. Her first book, "How to Have Peace When You're Falling to Pieces," will be released in March 2013.
