How-to 'dos for budget brides

Skipping the salon can be a big money saver for budget-conscious brides, but how do you make a DIY 'do stand out from the every day?

Sarah Potempa, a New York hairstylist who coiffs models and celebrities for runway shows and fashion magazine shoots, describes how to glam up a tousled down-do and bring elegance to a classic bun -- all by yourself (or with the help of trusty bridesmaids).

A word of caution: Always do a practice run before your big day, and take pictures, to make sure it's the look you want and that you can pull it off.

Beachy glam

After washing your hair, figure out where you'll want your part. A middle part is more relaxed. A side part is more old-Hollywood glamour.

Loosely blow-dry (don't straighten) your hair, flipping your head down to get volume at the roots. When it's 80 percent dry, use a brush to smooth down the ends. Optional: Apply a soft mousse while your hair is still damp (Potempa likes Aussie's "Catch the Wave Mousse and Leave-in Conditioner").

Once it's completely dry, separate the left and right halves of your hair and bring them forward, as though you're making pigtails. Starting on one side, separate the top ¾ of your hair and clip it out of the way, leaving you with a row of hair at the bottom of your head. You will be curling by section, starting at the back and working your way forward.

Repeat for each 1-inch section of hair, working from back to front. When the bottom row is done (usually two or three curls), release the clip to separate the next row up (about 1.5-inch wide) and do the same thing. Then do the next row up, and repeat. Once that side of your head is finished, do the other side, always going from back to front, bottom to top, rotating the iron away from your face.

With the curls still intact, spritz your hair with a hair spray that is flexible and strong hold. Then run your fingers through your hair.

If you have kinks or frizz around your hairline, use a small touch-up straightening iron to smooth them out (and bring it with you for emergency touch-ups).

Messy bun

This is for hair that's mid-neck and longer.

Twist your ponytail and wrap it around itself, pinning as you go. Let wisps fall out. To create more wisps and texture, trying separating your ponytail in two and tying it in a knot before wrapping and pinning.

Classic bun

This is for hair that's shoulder length or longer.

After washing and loosely blow-drying your hair, straighten your hair in sections using a straightening iron.

Spray flexible and strong-hold hair spray onto a flat brush and brush your hair into a low ponytail, no more than an inch above the base of your hair. A trick: Spray the top of your head and roll the metal spray can over your roots to smooth flyaways.