Your complete resource for choosing the perfect bridal hairstyle in South Florida
Planning your wedding day hair in Delray Beach? You're in the right place. With Florida's humidity, oceanside venues, and year-round warm weather, choosing the right updo isn't just about style—it's about ensuring your hair stays flawless from ceremony to last dance. This comprehensive guide covers everything from selecting the perfect style to booking the right salon for your big day.
Wedding updos have evolved far beyond the traditional bun. Today's brides have countless options that range from classic elegance to bohemian romance. The key is finding a style that complements your dress, venue, and personal aesthetic while staying secure in South Florida's climate.
Timeless and sophisticated, perfect for formal ballroom weddings. Works beautifully with strapless gowns and showcases statement earrings. Best for: Traditional elegance.
Soft, textured, and slightly undone. Ideal for garden or beach weddings. Pairs perfectly with lace detailing and vintage-inspired dresses. Best for: Romantic, whimsical vibes.
Intricate braiding wrapped around the head creates a regal look. Stunning for outdoor ceremonies and bohemian themes. Best for: Nature-inspired weddings.
Modern and editorial, featuring twisted sections and strategic volume. Perfect for contemporary brides with sleek gowns. Best for: Fashion-forward style.
Glamorous waves swept into an elegant updo. Ideal for Art Deco venues and vintage themes. Best for: Old Hollywood glamour.
Any updo elevated with fresh flowers or greenery. Perfect for garden parties and tropical venues. Best for: Natural, organic aesthetics.
Delray Beach offers several exceptional salons specializing in bridal hair. Here's an honest comparison to help you choose the right stylist for your wedding day:
Location: Downtown Delray Beach
Specialty: Full-service bridal packages with large team capacity
Best for: Bridal parties needing 5+ stylists, all-day packages
Note: Book 6-12 months ahead for peak season
Location: Central Delray
Specialty: Japanese-inspired precision styling, modern techniques
Best for: Sleek, contemporary updos with architectural elements
Note: Known for innovative braiding and texture work
Location: 403 E Atlantic Ave
Specialty: Personalized boutique bridal experience, expert consultations
Best for: Intimate weddings, brides wanting dedicated attention and customized styling
Note: Specializes in humidity-resistant techniques perfect for beach venues
Start researching salons and saving bridal hair inspiration photos. This is especially important if you're getting married during peak season (December-April in South Florida). Popular salons book up fast for weekend dates.
Schedule consultation appointments with your top 2-3 salon choices. Bring photos of your dress, venue, and hair inspiration. Discuss your hair type, typical humidity response, and any concerns. Book your preferred stylist after consultations.
Have your trial run scheduled. This should be at the same time of day as your wedding to account for similar lighting. Bring your veil, hair accessories, and a photo of your dress. Take photos from all angles and test how the style holds up after a few hours.
Start any hair growth treatments or conditioning regimens recommended by your stylist. If you're planning a color change, begin the transition now to perfect the shade by your wedding day.
Schedule your final hair color appointment to be 2-3 weeks before the wedding. Get a trim to remove any split ends but maintain length. Confirm all timing and details with your salon.
Do a deep conditioning treatment. Confirm the number of people in your bridal party needing hair services. Finalize the day-of timeline with your stylist, accounting for travel time to your venue if they're coming to you.
Get your final haircut/trim. Avoid trying any new products or treatments. Confirm all final details including arrival time, number of stylists, and payment arrangements.
Arrive with clean, dry hair (unless your stylist instructs otherwise). Have your veil, accessories, and a photo of your final trial look ready. Relax and trust your stylist!
South Florida's humidity is notorious for destroying carefully styled hair. Professional bridal stylists in Delray Beach use specific techniques to combat moisture:
Outdoor Delray Beach Weddings: Opt for romantic, textured styles that look intentional even with some movement. Avoid super sleek looks. Consider styles that incorporate your hair's natural texture. Braided elements tend to hold up better than smooth twists.
Indoor Air-Conditioned Venues: You have more flexibility with sleek, polished styles. However, you'll still transition between AC and outdoor heat for photos, so some humidity protection is essential.
Understanding wedding hair costs helps you budget appropriately:
Basic Bridal Updo: $150-$200
Simple, elegant updo without extensive braiding or intricate details. Perfect for minimalist brides.
Detailed Bridal Updo: $200-$275
Includes braiding, multiple techniques, extensive pinning, and intricate details. Most popular option.
Premium Bridal Updo: $275-$350+
Highly complex designs, extension integration, or celebrity-inspired looks requiring advanced techniques.
Hair Trial: $75-$150
Essential for testing your look. Some salons credit this toward your wedding day service.
Bridesmaids/Guests: $75-$125 per person
Coordinated styles that complement but don't compete with the bridal look.
Travel Fees: $50-$200
If your stylist comes to your venue. Varies by distance and number of stylists needed.
Fine hair can create stunning updos but requires specific techniques to maintain volume. Your Delray Beach stylist should use texturizing sprays, strategic teasing, and possibly clip-in extensions for added fullness. Avoid heavy products that weigh down fine hair.
Thick hair holds styles beautifully but can feel heavy in updos. Skilled stylists will create internal structure and use the right bobby pin placement to ensure comfort throughout your long day. The weight of thick hair actually helps combat humidity frizz.
Natural texture is a beautiful asset for wedding updos. Work with a stylist experienced in curly hair who understands how to work with—not against—your natural pattern. Delray Beach's diverse salon scene includes many stylists skilled in all curl types.
Let your stylist know about any chemical treatments. Recent color, keratin treatments, or relaxers affect how hair holds a style. You may need additional prep work or product adjustments.
Don't Try Anything New: This is not the time to experiment with new products, treatments, or cuts beyond what you and your stylist discussed.
Deep Condition: Use a hydrating mask 3-4 days before your wedding, but not the day before (hair that's too soft can be slippery and hard to style).
Wash Timing: Most stylists prefer day-old hair for updos. Wash your hair the night before your wedding, let it air dry, and sleep on it. This gives it the perfect texture.
Avoid Heavy Conditioners: The morning of, don't apply leave-in conditioners or oils unless your stylist specifically requested it. These can make hair too slippery to hold pins.
Gather Your Accessories: Have your veil, hair jewelry, flowers, or any other accessories ready and easily accessible for your stylist.
"We went with Rové for our beach wedding at the Seagate Beach Club. Having a team of 6 stylists handle my bridesmaids and moms was incredible—everyone was done in 2 hours. My updo stayed perfect through humidity, happy tears, and hours of dancing. Worth every penny." — Sarah M., married March 2025
"I wanted something really special and modern for my Sundy House wedding. Salon Sora created this amazing textured updo with geometric elements that was absolute art. They really understood my vision for editorial bridal." — Jennifer K., married January 2025
"As a bride with very fine hair, I was worried about achieving volume. Chris David Salon spent time during my trial perfecting a romantic low bun with just the right amount of fullness. On my wedding day, they came to the venue and created exactly what we'd practiced. The personalized attention made me feel so special." — Amanda R., married November 2023
The best Delray Beach salons book 6-12 months in advance for wedding season. Start your search today to secure your preferred stylist for your special day.
For Delray Beach, book 9-12 months ahead, especially for December through April weddings (peak season). Summer weddings may have more availability with 6-8 months notice.
Ideally, yes. This lets you see your complete bridal look together and take photos in natural light. Schedule hair first, then makeup, to match your wedding day timeline.
Absolutely! While updos are popular for practical reasons (heat, humidity, beach wind), many brides choose half-up styles or flowing waves. Just ensure your stylist uses strong anti-humidity products and proper setting techniques.
Speak up immediately. Trials are specifically for perfecting your look. A good stylist welcomes feedback and will adjust until you're thrilled. If you're truly unhappy, you still have time to try another salon.
Yes, 20% is standard for excellent service. If you're thrilled, 25% shows extra appreciation. Some brides give cash tips on the day; others add it to the credit card payment.
No! Your bridal updo should be special and distinct. Bridesmaids typically get coordinating but simpler styles—maybe a version without the intricate details or using similar techniques in a different configuration.