52 Wedding Updos That Will Stay Put All Day

From classic to boho, we've got a style for everyone.

FLORA BLOOM PHOTOGRAPHY | PHOTO + VIDEO
,ZHA ZHA PHOTOGRAPHY
,CHRISTINA KARST PHOTOGRAPHY

Updated Mar 30, 2021

While there are plenty of ways to wear your hair for nuptials (down, half-up orin braids, for example), many to-be-weds prefer to wear their tresses up. Wedding updos are so popular because they're the perfect combination of form and function. They're classic and elegant, but they also keep your hair up and out of your face (key if you're planning on dancing the night away.) To help you choose your day-of 'do, we rounded up 52 wedding updos for every kind of style.

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If you have long hair, your wedding updo options are endless. Braids, buns and chignons are all possibilities. (Psst: Check out our best tips on how to grow your hair out for your wedding if you're dreaming of long tresses.) If you don't have quite enough length to pull off your dream updo hairstyle for your wedding, consider using hair extensions. But long hair isn't a requirement for these looks. You can make many of these wedding updos work for short hair too. However you choose to wear your hair up, we recommend working with a professional hairstylist to ensure it stays put all day long.

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If you're struggling to choose a style, consider different aspects of your wedding day for inspiration. For example: the formality factor. Is it going to be outdoors or in a ballroom? A slick ballerina bun is an elegant choice for the latter, while tousled curls pinned back with flowers would blow beautifully in a beach breeze. No matter what kind of celebration you're planning, we have something for everyone. Scroll through our 52 favorite wedding updos to get inspired (and don't forget to save your favorites for later).

In this article:

Wedding Updos For Every Style
Wedding Updos With Braids
Wedding Updos With Veil
Wedding Updos With Flowers
Wedding Updos With Hairpieces

Wedding Updos For Every Style

Whether you're searching for a clean, classic chignon or a messy low bun, we have a style for you. See some of our favorite wedding updos, below.

Retro Volume

Feeling nostalgic? Rock a 1950s-inspired wedding updo with extra volume on top.

Chic Topknot

Braided ballerina bun wedding updo for long hair

A topknot bun is a fresh, modern twist on the classic chignon. Pull out pieces at your temples for a boho-chic vibe.

Messy, Pinned-Up Bun

Tousled curls pulled back into a messy low bun look effortlessly gorgeous. Bonus: This style will look amazing even as you dance the night away.

Gibson Tuck

Want to show off an open back or unique neckline? This twist-and-tuck bun will keep all your strands perfectly in place.

French Chignon Twist

This updo is frequently worn on the red carpet because of its classic sophistication.

Twisted Ballerina Bun

Looking for a different classic wedding updo? Rock a perfectly-polished ballerina bun.

Sleek Low Bun

An on-trend center part part slicked back into a sophisticated bun will highlight your gorgeous wedding makeup.

Slicked-Back Ponytail

The ultimate cool-girl wedding 'do? An effortless but totally chic ponytail.

Sleek Low Ponytail

For an on-trend wedding hair style, consider creating a center part and pulling your back into a low ponytail.

Elegant Bouffant

This wedding updo is equal parts elegant and bold. Make it even more dramatic by adding more volume at the top.

Loose Ponytail

It's no wonder why wedding ponytails are having a major moment. They're effortlessly gorgeous, and they keep your hair out of the way so you can fully enjoy the day.

Messy Bun

Your day-of 'do doesn't have to be prim and proper. We love loose wedding updos like this bun, which is equal parts messy and polished.

Rolled Curls

We love this twisted wedding updo because it's elegant but doesn't feel too stiff.

Side Bangs

Flaunt your fringe. Pull your hair back into a low bun and let your side bangs shine.

Classic Chignon

We'd be remiss not to mention the classic chignon. Psst: It's a massive celebrity wedding beauty trend.

Loose Chignon

If you love the look of a chignon but prefer something a little more laid-back, ask your stylist to leave two pieces out front. It'll create a wispy, boho effect.

Pop of Color

Add dimension and character to your updo by coloring your tresses. After all, bold and bright hair colors are a major wedding hair trend of 2021.

Wedding Updos With Braids

Turn any wedding updo into a boho look with braids. They'll add fun texture to whatever style you choose to wear for your nuptials.

Classic French Braid

If you're dreaming of a boho wedding updo, consider braiding your hair back into a classic plait. Want to make it more edgy? Ask your stylist to braid in the reverse direction to create a Dutch braid.

Side Twist

If you're looking for a vintage wedding updo, consider this style. Twist your braids into a topknot on the side of your head for a fresh-yet-retro look.

Braided Bun

A braided ponytail wrapped into an updo is a fun take on a traditional style.

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Loose Boho Bride

This messy fishtail braid is the perfect mix of edgy and pretty.

Textured Tuck

Make a simple low bun more interesting by adding in a pretty braid. Wrap the plait around your bun for a unique, gorgeous wedding updo.

Twisted Topknot

This twisted style is a creative and unexpected take on a braided wedding updo.

Braid Crown

We love the idea of a braid crown for a wedding updo because it's beautiful and practical.

Funky Braided Updo

Calling all edgy to-be-weds. This unique wedding updo will make a serious statement at your nuptials.

Dutch Crown

For an ultra-boho look, rock a braid along the side of your head. Twist it into your bun for a seamless finish.

Wedding Updos With Veil

Another pro of rocking an updo for your nuptials? You can easily (and securely) pin your veil above or below your bun, twist or ponytail. Check out our six favorite wedding updos with a veil here.

Veil With Face-Framing Layers

Make your veil the star of the show with this pretty wedding updo. Pull out a few wispy tendrils for a soft, romantic look.

Volume & Veil

This stunning wedding updo is straight out of a fairytale. Add volume to the top of your chignon, and then place your veil right above the twist.

High Veil

You can still wear a veil without covering your updo. The key is placing the veil higher on your head above your chignon or bun.

Braided Updo With Veil

Elevate a traditional low bun style by adding in a pretty side braid.

Hidden Veil

Let your hairstyle shine by pinning your veil underneath it.

Birdcage Veil

Lean into your retro wedding theme by rocking a birdcage veil on top of your updo. Bring the look to life with our shoppable roundup of birdcage veils.

Wedding Updos With Flowers

Whether you're a free spirit or just love the look of fresh blooms, we have a wedding updo for you. See our favorite floral-inspired hairdos, below.

Braid With Colorful Flowers

Add a pop of color to your wedding updo by incorporating bold, bright florals.

Braided Halo With Flowers

Put a fun spin on a halo hairstyle by tucking in a few small blooms. Don't be afraid to pick colorful flowers—they'll be neatly tucked back thanks to this classic updo style.

Bun With Floral Halo

Add a ring of flowers around your modern high bun for a whimsical vibe.

Hidden Floral Halo

Accent your pretty wedding updo with flowers at the top. We love the idea of baby's breath since it's so delicate and small.

Greenery Flower Crown

Top off your gorgeous wedding updo with a flower crown. Consider using greenery or wildflowers for a unique take on the popular trend. (Psst: this style looks especially stunning with curly hair.)

Floral Barrette

Swap out a traditional sparkly barrette for one made of flowers. It's an unexpected hair piece that will look stunning in pictures.

Oversized Blooms

Talk about wow factor. Place oversize flowers underneath your bun and veil for a stunning surprise.

Wildflower Accents

For a fresh take on the hair florals trend, use wildflowers. They're also perfect for jewel-toned wedding color palettes.

Low Bun With Pin Curls

Channel old-Hollywood glamour by rocking pin curls with your wedding updo.

Wedding Updos With Hairpieces

Netflix series Bridgerton served up tons of wedding inspo (from decor trends to no-makeup makeup looks to wedding dresses). But the show has also caused a surge in popularity among hairpieces—and we're here for it. Below, see our favorite wedding updos with hair accessories (and check out our shoppable roundup of hairpieces too).

Rosette Twists

Rosette twist wedding updo for long hair

A few twists pinned in place look absolutely enchanting with a floral hair piece.

Ponytail With Headband

Elevate a simple low ponytail by adding a sparkly headband on top.

Sparkly Side Braid

Accent a pretty side braid with a gorgeous hair piece. We love this set of flower barrettes.

Messy Bun With a Hairpin

A messy bun looks stunning on its own, but adding a vintage hairpin makes it even more glam. Plus, it's a fun way to incorporate your "something borrowed."