Photo by The Picture Lady; Hair by Beehive Beauty Shop & Boutique

Three months before...
Schedule your wedding day hair appointment. But, don't expect just any stylist to do your wedding hair if you desire an intricate updo. This is a specialty service and best left for the resident expert, so request the right person for the job.

Two months before...
Experiment with styles. Consider the overall style of your wedding day. A loose style is appropriate for informal or daytime weddings, while an updo portrays a formal, evening look.
"You don't want to have a classic dress with fun spiky hair," notes Debbie Cedeno of The Beauty Room Day Spa & Beauty Boutique in Anchorage. Also, your gown's neckline and the shape of your face should influence how the hair is worn.
Let an expert help you determine the best style. The more the stylist knows about the mood of the wedding, the better he or she can create the perfect hairstyle.
"Bring a photo of the dress to the initial consultation as the dress style can have a major impact on the hair design," says Jessica Carr Irsik of The Beehive Beauty Shop & Boutique in Wasilla.
Remember that some hairstyles can add inches to a bride's height, and shorter brides may want to use this to their advantage.

One month before...
Do a "test run" to make sure your headpiece and veil work with your hairstyle. During the "test run," walk around with the hairstyle you plan to wear to determine its comfort level. The photos, wedding and reception could last as long as ten hours - will the hairstyle stand the test of time?
Finally, if you perm or straighten your hair, do it now.

Two weeks before...
Get a final trim.

Four to 10 days before...
Hair color looks its best the first two weeks, so have your hair colored about a week or so before the wedding. However, do not try dramatic hairstyle changes right before the wedding, such as haircuts, permanents or new colors, advises L.A. Style & Retail Center in Anchorage. That is not the time for surprises!

The day before...
For best styling results, shampoo hair lightly the day before the wedding. If possible, do not wash hair the day of the wedding, because the hair will be easier to control.

The big day...
On the big day, carve out at least one hour to do your hair before your makeup goes on. Wear a shirt or robe that opens in the front to prevent mussing. Before stepping into your dress, liberally spritz hair spray. Then put on the jewelry, fix your veil or headpiece in place and secure with bobby pins. If a stylist is doing you and the bridal party, make sure the others go first. This is definitely a case of saving the best for last!

The Beehive Beauty Shop & Boutique in Wasilla (907-357-UPDO) and The Beauty Room Day Spa & Beauty Boutique in Anchorage (907-279-9617) contributed to this article.