HELP!! hair-updo or down??

Hi everyone, I'm looking for hair advice. Has anyone experimented yet? I know updo's at the most traditional but I like my hair down better. It is pretty thick, around my bra strap and doesn't curl especially well. (sounds like a DISASTER)
Has anyone else with this hair type done long loose curls maybe half up and how long will they last? (church, dancing etc)

any advice/pics greatly appreciated