The date is set, and there’s a very pretty ring on your finger. A stunning dress awaits at the bridal boutique, and a pair of gorgeous satin pumps is sitting in your closet. Now it’s time to add the finishing touches to your wedding day look − hair, makeup and accessories.

Ideally, the bride-to-be should set a consultation appointment with her beauty stylist three to six months before the big day. Bring a picture of your dress and anything you are considering wearing in your hair: a veil, silk flowers, a tiara, a wreath, crystals, or an heirloom pin. If you have seen a picture in the latest wedding magazine, cut that out and bring it too. This will help your beautician create a bridal hairdo that is perfect for you.

Your stylist will want to know the time and place of the wedding, so she can gauge whether to suggest a formal bridal updo for evening or whether to create a looser, more informal hair style, such as one worn at a morning garden wedding or at a destination wedding on the beach. Getting a feel for the mood of the celebration will help the stylist pair the hair with the right makeup application, too.

There are so many looks to choose from: simple curls, intricate twists, sleek buns and romantic tendrils. You want something beautiful and flattering to be sure, but you should also consider comfort and the durability of the hairdo throughout the whole celebration.

Will it still look as good after an hour of dancing? Will the hairpins hurt and be a distraction? Will the curls hold up in the breeze for an outdoor wedding? Will your hair frizz in the humidity? All of these are important questions to discuss with the person who will do your hair for your bridal portrait and for the day of the nuptials. An experienced hair artist will be able to talk you through these concerns, and she even may suggest a trial run or two. Portrait day is not a good day to have a hair disaster, and your wedding-day itinerary certainly has no room for coif drama!

One option that your hair stylist may suggest is Japanese hair straightening. This reconditioning treatment permanently straightens your hair, giving you the foundation for a sleek and shiny “do” or a loose and silky look. Thermal processing ensures heightened hair manageability for pre-wedding activities, the ceremony itself, the reception and the honeymoon. It’ll buy you some extra time and peace of mind, and it will be apparent when you get all your wedding pictures developed.

With a Japanese straight perm, you will banish frizz and fuss for six to nine months. You can kiss those long blow-out sessions in front of a mirror good-bye, which is just as well, because you’ll have better things to do anyway! Plan ahead and have this reconditioning service done a month or so in advance, so you’ll have time to get a final haircut and color two to three weeks before the wedding (if your hair passes a strand test).

Be sure to ask your stylist what products you should be using and whether you should wash your hair on the morning of your wedding, prior to the beauty appointment. If you get the Japanese straightening perm, make sure you stock up on the appropriate after-care products and transfer them to travel size bottles for the honeymoon trip.

To reserve a free hair and makeup consultation prior to your wedding day, call Chicago’s Salon Trendz. We can accommodate wedding parties if given advance notice.