Should You Keep Your Beard for Your Wedding?

To shave or not to shave, that is the question. Your wedding day is when you're supposed to look your best. You'll be in countless photos with all eyes on you as you stand at the front waiting for your bride. But there's one question a lot of men struggle with – what is a suitable wedding beard style?

If your usual beard is clean and neatly trimmed, it's probably not as big of a question. However, for those sporting a full beard or anything a little messier, knowing how much to trim and what style to go for is a complicated conundrum.

Tradition dictates a fresh face on your wedding day. (If that's what your future spouse wants, we advise you not to argue.) For the rest of you, it's a choice you're going to want to consider carefully.

In this guide:

• Should You Keep Your Beard for Your Wedding? 
• When to Trim Your Beard Before Your Wedding
• Best Wedding Beard Styles

Should You Keep Your Beard for Your Wedding? 

Two types of men grow beards: those who like the look and those who hate shaving. Men in the former camp usually have a particular style and work hard to achieve the finished look. If you fall into the latter camp, there's a risk you end up looking like a wizard after a three-month-long quest.

Either way, it's perfectly acceptable to keep your beard – you might just want to put in a bit of extra effort. That's particularly true for those who are follicular-ly blessed (we're talking full-on Wildman). 

You'll want to give your beard a thorough trim, getting it down to a manageable length. Ensure there are no uneven sides or strange beardy bulges. Next, give it a good combing, using either a sandalwood comb or a beard brush. Finally, rub in a healthy dose of beard oil, massaging it deep into your jawline to soften the hair and moisturize your face. In fact, you might want to spend a week or more applying beard oil to get your beard looking lush and shiny. It is your wedding beard, after all.

When to Trim Your Beard Before Your Wedding

Got a full beard but fancy a change? Don't be brazen – the day of your wedding isn't the time to experiment with a ducktail. You shouldn't be making any drastic changes to your facial hair in the week before the wedding. Otherwise, you might find yourself less than your best.

That being said, you might hate the freshly groomed look. Those with a full beard should trim it around a week before the big day, whereas those with a shorter beard may need a trim a couple of days before the wedding. It all depends on how fast your hair grows. 

The biggest factor is the neckline. Any scraggly hairs are most noticeable here. That's where you want to focus on the day itself – or the day before – a little last-minute tidy-up. 

Best Wedding Beard Styles

1. Full Beard

Classic, timeless, and masculine – there's no beating the full beard. It pairs well with a sharp suit, giving you that distinguished, polished appearance.

2. Balbo Beard

Sleeker and more modern than a full beard, there's an element of the goatee to it. Keep the edge neat and the beard thick for the best results. Definitely adds a bit of creativity to your look.

3. Ducktail

Another classic – the Ducktail is refined and pointed, ideal for grooms who want a dash of flair without drowning their sophistication. If you're looking for a variant on the full beard, this is the one.

4. Long Beard

Long beards are a challenge. Get it wrong, and you'll look seriously scruffy in your photos. Take the time to give your beard the TLC it deserves. You might even want to visit a professional barber to get it styled to perfection.

5. Little Bit of Stubble

Nothing gets women hotter than a rugged hint of stubble. When trimmed well, it's a simple yet effective way to incorporate a beard into your wedding day. 

6. Dyed Beard

As far as wedding beards go, this one isn't for everyone. You could go darker or a bright, bold colour. Depending on your and your partner's personality, a dyed beard is either a no-brainer or an argument waiting to happen. Pick wisely!

Elevate Your Wedding Beard with Beard Sorcery

Whatever wedding beard style you go for, you want to put the groom in grooming. Our collection of beard oils, balms, creams, and shampoos are specially formulated to nourish your facial hair. We have a range of fragrances that capture your personality, from the refreshing Druid's Mist to the bold Paladin's Might. 

Find the right beard oil for your wedding beard – shop our collection today.