Your bridal hairstyle will be captured in every photo of your wedding day, and at Salon En Vogue, in the heart of the Vieux-Montréal, we take that responsibility seriously. From the cobblestones of Place Jacques-Cartier to the elegance of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, Old Montreal offers an incomparable romantic setting, and your hair should feel worthy of it.
Perfect bridal hair does not begin the night before. It is planned months ahead, from preparing the hair to selecting a style and completing the final trial. This step-by-step guide will help you arrive with beautifully prepared hair and a style that lasts from morning until the final dance.
Six months before: hair preparation begins
Six months is an ideal window for improving your hair's condition and creating the perfect foundation for your bridal style.
Assess your hair's condition
Book a hair assessment with your stylist. She will evaluate:
- La overall health of your hair, including split ends, breakage, porosity and elasticity.
- La length and density in relation to your chosen style.
- Your hair history , including colour, chemical services and styling habits.
Begin a treatment plan
If your hair needs repair, six months gives you time to begin an effective program of professional hair treatments :
- In-salon deep treatment once a month to restore moisture and strength.
- Hair botox or taninoplasty for severely damaged or very frizzy hair. Schedule the final treatment at least three months before the wedding for the best result on the day.
- Tailored home care: your stylist will recommend specific products for use between salon visits.
Consider your colour
If you are planning a colour change, such asbalayage, colouror lightening, now is the time. Starting early lets you reach the desired tone gradually without rushing chemical services. Our colourists can create a schedule tailored to your goal.
Three months before: choose the style and book a trial
Three months before the wedding, it is time to bring your vision to life.
How to choose your bridal hairstyle
Your hairstyle should work in harmony with several elements:
- Your dress: an open back pairs beautifully with an updo or low bun that highlights the neck. A high neckline or long sleeves work well with loose hair or a half-up style.
- Your veil and accessories: the style should incorporate your comb, tiara, fresh flowers or pearl clips seamlessly.
- The ceremony setting: an outdoor Old Montreal wedding calls for a wind-resistant style, while an indoor celebration allows more freedom for delicate looks.
- The season: a Montreal summer wedding needs humidity resistance, while a winter wedding leaves more room for elaborate styles.
- Your personality: do not choose a hairstyle simply because it is fashionable. You should feel like yourself, beautifully elevated.
The most requested styles
The romantic low bun
A timeless classic, the low bun can be textured with face-framing pieces for romance or sleek and structured for sophistication. It highlights the neck, earrings and low necklines, making it perfect for Old Montreal chapels and reception halls.
Hollywood waves
For brides who want loose yet glamorous hair, Hollywood waves offer film-star allure, with defined curves, remarkable shine and fluid movement. It is one of the most photogenic bridal styles.
The bohemian braid
A crown braid, woven fishtail or loose braid adorned with flowers brings a romantic, bohemian touch to outdoor weddings. Braided styles are also among the most resistant to wind and humidity.
The textured half-up style
The best of both worlds: volume and structure above, with length and movement below. It is ideal for brides who want neither a full updo nor completely loose hair.
The hair trial: absolutely essential
A hair trial is not optional. It is a crucial step because:
- It lets you test the chosen style on your hair with your actual texture, length and density rather than in theory.
- It allows details such as bun position, curl size and accessory placement to be refined.
- It gives you a realistic preview and removes stress on the wedding day.
- It allows your stylist to time the service and plan the wedding morning.
Bring your accessories, a photo of your dress if needed and all your inspiration images. Our team of bridal specialists will take time to test every detail with you.
One month before: final adjustments
The final cut
Book your final cut or trim about four weeks before the wedding. This gives hair time to settle naturally while keeping the ends fresh and layers defined. A cut too close to the date can feel overly new or rigid.
The final colour touch-up
If you colour your hair, schedule the final touch-up two to three weeks before the wedding for fresh, vibrant colour without a last-minute reaction.
The final deep treatment
A salon treatment two weeks before the wedding will add shine and softness. Avoid intensive keratin or taninoplasty services too close to the date, as they can alter texture unpredictably.
Wedding week: the final steps
- Wash your hair the day before , not that morning. Freshly washed hair can be too slippery to hold a style, while day-old hair offers ideal grip.
- Avoid new products: this is not the time to test a new shampoo or treatment. Stay with your trusted routine.
- Sleep on a satin pillowcase to minimize frizz and friction.
- Keep your hair hydrated in the preceding days with your usual hair oil, but not on the wedding morning, when oily products can make styling difficult.
The wedding morning: the magic begins
Your stylist arrives, or you come to the salon, fully prepared. Thanks to the trial, she knows exactly what to do and how long it will take. An ideal morning unfolds as follows:
- Base preparation: blow-drying, smoothing or curling according to the chosen style.
- Building the style: creating the bun, braid or wave structure.
- Finishing and accessories: placing the veil, decorative pins and flowers.
- Hold: light hairspray for a natural finish or stronger hold for an outdoor setting.
- Photographs: your stylist ensures the hair looks flawless from every angle, including the back and sides often photographed during the ceremony.
Prepare a reception touch-up kit with extra pins, a small hairspray and a fine comb. Your maid of honour or stylist can make quick adjustments before dancing begins.
Old Montreal: a romantic setting for your wedding
Old Montreal is one of the city's most coveted wedding districts. Stone streets, historic architecture, the riverfront and sumptuous reception spaces create a dream setting. Your hair should reflect that atmosphere with elegance, romance and timelessness.
Whether you exchange vows at Notre-Dame Basilica, Bonsecours Market or a terrace overlooking the river, your hairstyle will carry your elegance through the day. Browse our bridal hairstyling portfolio to see work by our team, and contact us to plan your consultation.