Match Your Hairstyle to Your Wedding-Dress Neckline

Need wedding-hair inspo? Choosing a hairstyle that works with the neckline of your wedding dress is a great place to start.
shelley brown - the knot
by
Shelley Brown
shelley brown - the knot
Shelley Brown
Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor
  • Shelley writes and edits articles for The Knot Worldwide, with a speciality in fashion, beauty, jewelry and accessories
  • Shelley writes and edits articles for The Knot magazine, as well as styles the magazine’s fashion and cover shoots
  • Prior to The Knot Worldwide, Shelley was a freelance Digital Editor at Conde Nast’s Lucky Magazine and freelanced for FLAUNT Magazine, Los Angeles Magazine, Backstage.com and Paste.com
one-shoulder wedding dress
Jennifer Moyes Photography

So you found the perfect wedding dress. Now it's time to find the perfect wedding hairstyle. With a wide array of dress styles out there, finding a hairstyle that's elegant but won't steal the spotlight from your amazing dress can be tricky. Don't worry, we're here to help. First, decide how formal or casual you want to look and then take your neckline into consideration. You want a hairstyle that complements your dress and balances out your overall aesthetic, not competes with its elaborate details or interferes with the lines of your gown. Whether you're rocking a trendy one-shoulder or a classic strapless with a sweetheart neckline, there's a 'do out there for you.

Check out our favorite hairstyles to complement some of the most common wedding-dress necklines below.

Topknot With High-Collar Wedding Dress

bride with crew-neck wedding dress and topknot
Abby Jiu Photography

A topknot has an instantly regal feel that plays up the ultra-formal feel of a high neckline. And a high bun elongates your neck, making it easier to pull off more dramatic detailed collars that would otherwise compete with your hair. Add braids to your topknot for an of-the-moment look, or keep it elegant with a ballerina bun.

Low Bun with Bateau-Neckline Wedding Dress

bride with lace bateau wedding dress and low bun
Reese Moore Weddings

A bateau neckline is seriously feminine and classic. To keep from overshadowing this timeless silhouette, opt for a simple low bun. Anything more elaborate runs the risk of feeling stuffy. If you want to give this traditional neckline a more modern twist, consider a high ponytail with some volume.

Loose Curls With V-Neck Wedding Dress

bride with loose curls and V-neck wedding dress
Mirelle Carmichael Photography

A wedding dress with a V-neck draws the eye vertically and elongates your body. (And who doesn't want that?) To complement these long, lean lines, wear your hair down. Loose curls with a side part (and a vintage barrette, if you're so inclined) feel totally Old Hollywood. If you're going for a more casual look, consider beach waves.

Side-Swept Updo With One-Shoulder Wedding Dress

bride with one-shoulder wedding dress and side-swept hair
Jennifer Moyes Photography

A one-shoulder wedding dress draws attention to your shoulders, so you don't want a flowing hairstyle that will obscure this flattering silhouette. A side-swept updo will balance out an asymmetrical neckline and won't get in the way of shoulder details. For a more bohemian vibe, try a side-swept fishtail braid.

Chignon With Strapless Wedding Dress

bride with strapless wedding dress and chignon
Ascension Visionary Concepts

A number of hairstyles flatter a strapless wedding dress, but we love the idea of pairing a shoulder-baring updo with this silhouette. Windswept chignons are all the rage right now in wedding hair, and this romantic style adds some sophisticated polish to a neckline that shows a lot of skin. And it can work with or without a veil.

Want more wedding-hair inspiration? Find it here!

Up Next
  • Wedding Hair Trend Long Effortless Waves
    The Top 8 Wedding Hairstyles for 2025 Brides