10 Styling Mistakes Brides Often Make and How to Avoid Them

We’ve all seen it. A bride either overlooks a major detail or goes too far and doesn’t look like herself on her big day. The hem of her dress might be too long, the curls in her hair are lacquered in hair spray and appear way too stiff and tight, or her skin seems too orange f-rom a spray tan that’s gone awry . . . It’s every engaged woman’s worst nightmare. But anyone who has tried to plan a wedding—let alone their wedding look on top of that—while holding down a day job knows it isn’t easy. There are dress appointments, hair trials, makeup consultations . . . the list is endless. So what’s a busy girl to do? Enter: Cynthia Smith and her new venture, Cynthia Cook Brides. After almost 10 years working in the fashion department at Vogue, whe-re she honed her eye, and serving as a dutiful bridesmaid more times than she can count, Smith has hung out her shingle and opened a business as a wedding stylist. Aimed at bringing an editorial point of view to weddings, she works with brides to cre-ate the perfect head-to-toe looks to complement their personal style for every event, f-rom the engagement party to the big day and beyond. Here, we picked Smith’s brain to find out the biggest faux pas brides make in the lead-up to and on their big day and what can be done to avoid them.

1. Pick a theme.

Instead of trying to do everything, decide what story you want to tell and stick with it. Then, tailor the decor and fashion to cre-ate an atmosphere that reflects you and your partner’s personal style. Cre-ate mood boards with inspiration imagery so you can easily communicate your vision to others. Let your guests know the theme in advance so everyone feels in on the plan.

2. Look like yourself!

Don’t overdo your hair and makeup on your big day. A rule of thumb is no tight curls, no big updos, and no shimmery eye makeup. Enhance your natural features to be the most beautiful version of yourself.

3. Refuse to be a conformist.

Just say no to the cookie-cutter bridesmaid dress. Your bridesmaids are an integral party of your wedding, so they should look just as amazing as everyone else, whether that translates into one magical dress that suits them all or a se-lection of attire that gives a unique yet cohesive look to your bridal party. Pick a shape and color for each girl that is flattering and makes them feel good.

5. Accessories shouldn’t be an afterthought.

If your bridesmaids are more comfortable with their arms covered, pick a lace capelet or caraco to wear over their dress.
 

6. Embrace color.

Don’t be afraid to wear color at your welcome drinks or rehearsal dinner. It will add variety to your photographs and you can wear the dress again. No one will forget that you’re the bride, trust me!
 

7. Eat!

Don’t lose too much weight. Naturally your nerves will speed up your metabolism as your wedding approaches. Once you get engaged, begin a beauty and fitness routine leading up to your big day.
 

8. Be candid.

The most beautiful photographs do not look like a stiff prom photo. Pull past Vogue portraits for inspiration and guidance and share them with your photographer. Chairs or benches can be helpful in giving depth to your group portraits.
 

9. Sweat it out.

Work out the morning of your wedding, even if it’s just hanging on the beach paddleboarding or doing yoga with your bridesmaids. Do something active to calm your nerves before the big event.
 

10. It’s your day—make it your own!

Flower crowns are beautiful in a garden setting, but not on the beach. Be classic—don’t follow the trends.