Planning Your Iowa Wedding Hair? Here’s What You Need To Know

Hey Bride,

If you’ve ever found yourself Googling something like “best bridal hairstylist near Des Moines” or “how do I prep my hair before my wedding day?”—you’re not alone. As a bridal hairstylist in Iowa, I’ve had the privilege of working with so many incredible brides, and I’ve also heard just about every question under the sun when it comes to hair and wedding day prep.

I’m Stacia, and I’ve been styling bridal hair for a long time—and I mean a lot of weddings. I’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and what brides wish they’d known earlier. So I thought I’d round up the most common things Iowa brides are searching for lately and give you real answers.

Whether you're still in the early stages of booking or you're just a few weeks out from walking down the aisle, I wanted to answer some of the most common questions brides in Iowa are asking right now.

Let’s dive in.

How far in advance should I book my bridal hairstylist?
Honestly? As soon as you’ve booked your venue and have a date set, it’s time to start locking in your glam team. Most brides book their hairstylist 9–12 months out, especially if your wedding falls during busy season (late spring through early fall). Saturdays book first—and fast. I personally don’t take more than one wedding a day, so once it’s booked, it’s booked!

That said, it’s not about rushing—it’s about getting first dibs on the person who’s going to be with you all morning on one of the biggest days of your life. Hair and makeup are some of the first vendors you’ll see on your wedding day and ones you’ll spend a big portion of the day with. The energy they bring matters. When you know you’ve got someone who matches your vibe and is genuinely excited to show up for you—that's one less thing to worry about.

Do I really need a bridal hair trial?
Short answer: Yes. But not in a “you’re required to do this” way. It’s more like: you deserve this.

Your trial is where we figure out the details—what kind of volume you like, how your veil will sit, how you feel about soft tendrils vs. clean lines. Sometimes what you think you want isn’t what you actually love once it’s on your head. And that’s okay! The trial is a no-pressure space to try things out and make changes.

It’s also a chance for us to connect in real life, talk through your wedding morning timeline, and make sure your vision aligns with what your hair can actually do (with a little help from me and maybe a few bobby pins).

If you book with Bespoke Beauty and choose not to do a trial, I’m totally okay with that! But I do highly recommend booking the Classic Package instead of A La Carte—this gives us more time on the day of to style your hair exactly how you want it.

Should I wash my hair the day of the wedding?
Ah, the age-old question. And I totally get the confusion—everyone has a different take.

Here’s what I recommend: wash your hair when you know you need it. If your hair gets oily within 12 hours of washing, then washing the morning of might be best—as long as it’s dry by the time we style. Most people don’t get oily quite that fast, so washing the night before is usually just fine.

Ideally, use a light shampoo and conditioner. Skip the heavy oils or leave-ins. Don’t try any new products last-minute. Blow-dry using a heat protectant… please don’t go to bed with wet hair (you’d be surprised how often this comes up!).

Clean, dry hair gives me the best foundation to work with—and I’ll prep it properly from there. Trust me: with the right products and technique, your style will hold all day (and all night).

Can my bridesmaids get their hair done too?
Absolutely. Wedding mornings are honestly one of the best parts of the day—everyone’s in robes, the playlist is going, maybe there’s a mimosa or two... it’s a whole thing. And I’m here for it.

I offer services for bridesmaids, moms, flower girls—you name it. The number of services I can offer depends heavily on your day-of timeline. I start with the time you and your party need to be finished and work backward to figure out our start time. We’ll build a custom timeline so every person getting styled has their own slot. No chaos, no guessing who’s next—just a calm, organized, and fun morning where everyone gets to feel pampered.

Do you travel for weddings in Iowa?
Yes! I travel all over Iowa—and honestly, I love it. Whether you're getting married in Des Moines, Iowa City, a little country church in the middle of nowhere, or a barn venue tucked down a gravel road I’d never find without GPS—I'm in.

We’ll talk through mileage and any hotel needs ahead of time. I’m always upfront about those details so there are no surprises later.

What kind of bridal hairstyles are trending in Iowa right now?
Right now, the vibe is effortless and elevated. Think soft, textured buns that don’t feel too stiff. Sleek ponytails that still have movement. Loose waves that feel modern and fresh—not too beachy, not too pageant-y. And, my current faves: Hollywood waves and a modern tousled take on the french twist.

Iowa brides are loving looks that feel like them, just a little more polished. Pearls are having a moment. So are chic bows, statement clips, and long veils that make an entrance.

What if it rains or it’s humid on my wedding day?
Let’s be honest—this is Iowa. You could have fog at 6 a.m., sun at noon, and sideways wind by dinner. I’ve done hair in barns, hotels, and bridal suites with no AC. I plan for all of it.

I use long-wear, humidity-resistant products and prep your hair based on the weather and your specific hair type. We talk through this during the trial so we’re ahead of the game. I always come with extra pins, setting spray, and a calm attitude—because the weather might be unpredictable, but your hair doesn’t have to be.

That said, there’s only so much product can do in extreme weather. That’s why I offer a “Personal Stylist” option—an hourly add-on time where I stay with you for touch-ups or a full style change later in the day. We’ll talk through your needs and plan something custom if that’s something you want!

Any last advice?
Here’s the deal: your hair is just one piece of your wedding day, but it’s also the frame for everything—your photos, your memories, that moment when everyone turns around to see you walk in.

I don’t take that lightly. I show up early, come prepared, and make sure you feel seen, supported, and stunning. If you're planning your dream wedding somewhere in Iowa and you want a hairstylist who’s not just talented but also super chill and detail-oriented, I’d love to be part of your day.

Let’s make your hair dreams happen.

Xo,
Stacia