Hair DOs... and Hair DON'Ts

If you know me, you know I almost always wear my hair down.  It all goes back to picture day circa 1997.  I was in 8th grade.  We were scheduled to use some class (probably English) for pictures.  Unfortunately for me, that class fell right after P.E.  I didn't think it would be a big deal to just wear my hair in a ponytail since it was a little sweaty from PE.  Man, was I wrong...  I looked bald!  It was awful.  (I've since destroyed all evidence of this picture, otherwise I'd share).

So pretty much ever since then, I've hated the way I look with my hair up.  Maybe it's my weird shaped face, or my semi-Kuhn family nose.  Maybe it's the pale skin... For whatever reason, I just think I look better with hair on the sides of my face.

I'm thinking I want a look somewhat like this for the wedding... but with a veil in the back:

Summer 2010 at my co-worker, Sarah's wedding

I have such thin, fine hair that the only way to give me any kind of volume that lasts is to go somewhat curly.  I love the big flowing curls look.  Here's a few of the images I've saved as ones I really like:

I have two concerns about this type of hairstyle: 

1.  Most of these girls have hair MUCH longer than mine.  Although I still have a year to grow it out, I'm worried it won't be long enough to get make it look really good.  So I'm considering hair extensions.  No, not Kate Gosslin-style of the all-over, takes 50 hours straight to put in... but maybe just adding some length (and volume) under/mixed in with my normal hair.  Has anyone tried hair extensions before?  Do they look fake and hideous if you're not willing to spend a ton of money (over $100) on them?

2.  Sweat.  I sweat... a lot... no, I mean a LOT... and if the back of my neck gets wet, I'm worried it will ruin the hair style before the reception is even in full swing.  Maybe I will be able to do a quick semi-up-do or side pony after the ceremony before all the dancing starts?  I just think I look weird with my hair pulled back...

Oh, and did I mention that I totally and completely HATE the bump?  You know, that pushed-up blob of hair that makes you look sO ToTaLLy 80's... I'm avoiding that completely, but still want some volume. 

Any advice?