By: Carla Welechuk Kowski
Photos: Amy Ann Photography
Weddings are a beautiful celebration of love and commitment, and for LGBTQ+ couples, they hold the additional significance of being a testament to authenticity and individuality. Whether it’s a chic city affair or a rustic countryside celebration, hair and makeup trends for LGBTQ+ weddings reflect the diversity, inclusivity, and personal expression that these unions symbolize.
Here’s a look at some of the top hair and makeup trends shaping LGBTQ+ weddings today.
1. Natural Beauty and Minimalism
More and more couples are leaning toward soft, natural looks that enhance their unique features without overshadowing their personalities. The natural makeup trend—think glowing skin, soft contours, and light blush—is perfect for couples who want to feel like the best versions of themselves on their special day. This look pairs well with loose, textured hairstyles, like soft waves, natural curls, or undone updos, creating an effortless, timeless aesthetic.
Pro Tip: Opt for a light foundation or a tinted moisturizer to let your skin breathe. A subtle highlighter and lip tint complete this look, perfect for couples who want their true selves to shine through.
2. Bold and Androgynous Styles
Some couples embrace an edgier, more gender-fluid approach to wedding beauty. Androgynous haircuts like undercuts, sleek pixies, or short bobs, paired with bold makeup choices such as defined brows, smoky eyes, and daring lip colors, allow individuals to play with traditional gender norms and express themselves freely. This trend is all about blending masculine and feminine energies in a way that feels authentic and true to you.
Pro Tip: To pull off a chic, androgynous vibe, try pairing a sharp haircut with either a minimalist makeup look or go all out with a dramatic eye and lip combo for a high-fashion feel.
3. Gender-Neutral Glam
For those who want to embrace elegance without conforming to traditional masculine or feminine beauty standards, gender-neutral glam is the way to go. This trend focuses on highlighting one’s best features, regardless of gender labels. Skin is kept glowing and fresh, while eyes are emphasized with neutral or metallic tones. Hair can be styled sleek and modern, or with soft waves to maintain a polished yet relaxed vibe.
Pro Tip: Soft metallic eyeshadows like gold, bronze, and champagne flatter all skin tones and can add a touch of glam to your look without being too bold. Keep hair sleek and natural for a look that’s both timeless and chic.
4. Vibrant Colors and Playful Looks
For couples looking to infuse a little more fun and personality into their wedding style, vibrant colors and playful hair and makeup are trending. Whether it’s a pop of color on the eyelids, a statement lip in a bold shade of red, purple, or blue, or even pastel hair colors that match the wedding theme, this look is all about celebrating the joy of the occasion in an unapologetically fun way.
Pro Tip: If you’re going bold with makeup, balance the look with a simpler hairstyle, such as sleek waves or a classic chignon. And if you’re opting for bright, colorful hair, keep your makeup fresh and clean to let your hair steal the show.
5. Classic Elegance with a Twist
Many couples are still drawn to the timeless elegance of traditional wedding beauty but are giving it their own modern twist. Classic Hollywood waves, red lips, and a soft cat eye might be paired with a statement hair accessory like a jeweled headband, floral crown, or even a dramatic veil to create a unique and personalized look. This trend allows you to honor tradition while still showcasing your individuality.
Pro Tip: If you’re opting for classic waves or an elegant chignon, consider adding hairpieces like pearls or crystals to give your look a personalized touch. For makeup, a red lip or soft winged liner never goes out of style.
6. Mix-and-Match Wedding Party Styles
One of the most beautiful aspects of LGBTQ+ weddings is the fluidity in style choices for the wedding party. There’s no need to stick to a traditional uniform look. Instead, many couples allow their wedding party to choose hair and makeup that reflects their own identities and styles. This could mean a mix of bold and natural looks, short and long hair, or even allowing individuals to opt for gender-affirming styles.
Pro Tip: For cohesive photos, give your wedding party a general style guide—such as color palettes or levels of formality—while still allowing everyone to express themselves.
7. Inclusive and Non-Traditional Beauty
As more makeup artists and hairstylists become attuned to the needs of LGBTQ+ couples, inclusive beauty practices are becoming a trend in and of themselves. This includes working with people of all skin tones, hair types, and textures, as well as understanding the needs of transgender, non-binary, and gender-fluid individuals. Whether it’s a hairpiece to accommodate transitioning hair, or makeup that affirms gender identity, couples can now find beauty professionals who understand how to make them feel their best.
Pro Tip: Seek out LGBTQ+-friendly beauty professionals, like Alea Beauty, who are trained and experienced in working with diverse clients.
LGBTQ+ weddings are about love, freedom, and self-expression, and the hair and makeup trends seen at these celebrations reflect that beautifully. Whether you’re opting for a natural look, bold statement makeup, or something entirely unique, the most important thing is to choose styles that make you feel confident, radiant, and authentically you on your special day.
When planning your wedding beauty, embrace your individuality, break the rules, and celebrate love in all its forms. After all, that’s what your day is all about!
