^{Image Courtesy of Kylee Ann Photography}

Mother of the Bride: Hairstyles, Makeup & Nails

Loving tips for looking and feeling your best on your daughter’s sacred wedding day.

You’ve found the perfect dress, maybe even shed a few happy tears in the process. And now it’s time to start thinking about how you want to feel and look as the proud Mother of the Bride on one of the most sacred and unforgettable days in your family’s life.

While the bride is, of course, the center of attention, this day is incredibly meaningful for you, too. You’ve raised her, prayed over her, and now you’ll stand by her as she begins her eternal journey in the temple. You deserve to feel radiant and confident—from your hair down to your fingertips.

Wedding Day Hairstyles for the Mother of the Bride

When it comes to hair, you’ve got options—and permission to feel beautiful without upstaging your daughter.

There are three main choices for wedding hairstyles:
• Letting your hair down in soft waves
• A half-up style for a lovely in-between look
• A classic updo for more formal or elegant events

Moms with short hair can still look absolutely fabulous with the right styling products or by adding a few soft accessories like pearl pins or floral clips. And if the wedding will be on the formal side, it may be worth booking a session with a professional stylist (ideally one who knows LDS wedding timing—temple sealings wait for no one!).

The key to choosing your hairstyle is balance. If you have a broad forehead, side-swept bangs or soft layers can flatter beautifully. Narrow face? Try styles that bring fullness around the sides, not the top. But remember: don’t go fancier than the bride. If she’s going for a simple bun, this isn’t the moment for a tiara of your own!

Wedding Makeup: Natural, Radiant, and You

The goal here is to look like your best self, not like someone else entirely. Whether you book a professional makeup artist or handle it yourself (or with help from a daughter or friend), aim for fresh and photo-ready—not overdone.

A few tips:

• Start moisturizing daily at least a month before the wedding.

• Consider a spa facial a week or two beforehand.

• Use quality makeup that will last through the whole event.

• Choose waterproof mascara (just in case—you might cry, and that’s beautiful).

• And remember: less is more. Too much foundation or powder can settle into fine lines and do the opposite of what you want. A light, even application will serve you well all day long.

Wedding Nails for LDS Moms: Polished, Not Distracting

Don’t forget about your hands—you’ll be hugging, helping, and holding hands all day long.

A few days before the wedding, treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure. A classic French manicure is always lovely, or you can choose soft neutral tones, pearly whites, or pinks that coordinate with your dress.

Not sure what color to choose? Here’s what I often told other moms who wrote in:

• Wearing navy? Try a pearl finish with blue undertones.

• Burgundy dress? A matching deep tone or French tips with a subtle gold accent.

• Light pink or silver? A soft pink or shimmer will look elegant and cohesive.

And yes—it’s totally fine if your fingers and toes match, but not required. Go with what makes you feel polished and poised.

💗 A Note from One Mom to Another
Take a deep breath. You’re about to witness something beautiful: your daughter beginning forever. You’ve earned the right to feel beautiful, too. From your hairstyle to your nails, let this be a moment where you take care of you—the mom behind the bride.

And if you’re ever unsure about what’s “appropriate” or elegant enough, here’s your answer: If it helps you feel confident, calm, and radiant without taking the spotlight—go for it.

You’ve got this. And she’s lucky to have you by her side.