In times of the past, the ponytail has been synonymous with a working hairstyle; convenient, no-nonsense, and an effective way to ensure hair is off one’s face. However, the ponytail of today is proving its worth as a formal hairstyle that can delight at your wedding and complement a range of dress styles. Whether it’s a tousled low ponytail or something long and wavy, this renowned hairstyle – affectionately dubbed ‘the pony’, can be a beautiful option for brides alike. For hairdresser Isabella Palmer, the key to ponytail perfection is soft movement and texture.

Versatile And Practical Styling

On your wedding day, the last thing on your mind
should be the prospect of your hair dismantling itself in the wind or getting tangled as you hug loved ones. To avoid such hassles, working alongside a good hairstylist and choosing an appropriate style is key. According to Palmer, one of the many merits of the bridal ponytail is its ability to retain its style all night long, while leaving a bride unbothered and not having to perform constant touch ups during her special day. “Having a ‘pony’ is great because it’s the best of both having hair up and your hair down at once,” Palmer says. “It’s pulled back and out of the way, with the exception of [some] waves around the face to soften the look from high school gym class to sophisticated, playful bride.”

When choosing to rock a ponytail on your special day, Palmer advises taking into consideration the feeling you’re trying to convey, as well as considering your hair’s texture and what type of ponytail will be most flattering for your face shape. To begin, try doing some research on the different variables involved with a ponytail. These include deciding whether you’d like to have a ponytail with a quiff, something voluminous with a rough texture or something smooth and refined. Don’t forget to consider the texture of the hair that hangs from the ponytail – from beach waves, tighter curls or something sleek and straight, the preference is yours. For a low-back dress with an alluring side slit, Palmer recommends a modern, low ponytail. A textured, messy ponytail with loose waves is perfect for a boho-inspired gown, complete with a soft flower crown to add an ethereal touch. And if a simple, elegant dress is your preference, Palmer champions a medium to high smooth textured ponytail with soft waves to frame the face. 

“Any low back dress is amazing teamed with a
ponytail,” Palmer remarks. Other dresses that delight when paired with a ponytail include those with a high and detailed neckline, something off-the-shoulder and shoestring strap dresses. In terms of hair length, while Palmer praises the options that long hair provides for both brides and hairstylists, she does advise brides against letting their hair get too long, and suggests they avoid unsightly split ends by getting a trim every ten to twelve weeks. “By having that length you have the luxury of choice [regarding] high or low styles to choose from.”

Accesorise Accordingly

When it comes to accessorising your bridal pony,
Palmer generally advises to go with something on the smaller side. “Since clips and hairpins embellished with pearls, crystals and simple gold or silver have been a huge hit this season in everyday wear, it is also a simple and understated
way to accessorise your pony,” she notes. “I think
going smaller [is] better with your accessories for a ponytail … not to say that doing a big flower crown is wrong!”

While having a balance of accessories is often
a good way to ensure a coherent hair style, that
doesn’t necessarily mean you need to focus on
symmetry. “You can pick the side that will be viewed most by your guests during the ceremony as you slide your clips in,” Palmer says. If a low ponytail with a deep side parting is your preference, try adding a small fresh floral clip to your right side, as the asymmetry will work to balance out the look.

While a sleek and straight ponytail can look
striking for a red-carpet look, it can be very high
maintenance, with it so easily able to frizz or move out of place. In terms of Palmer’s personal preference, she favours a tousled, softer ponytail
with waves, as this style can withstand weather, dancing and movement. In fact, when a tousled, wavy ponytail naturally softens and drops slightly
throughout the day, it can look even more effortless. A quality texture powder and flexible-hold hairspray will ensure this pony has optimal
chance of lasting regardless of circumstances.