30 Beautiful Wedding Hairstyles for Long Hair

Love is in the hair with these long, wedding-ready styles.
Collage of wedding hairstyles for long hair.
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by
Lauren Whalley
lauren whalley headshot
Lauren Whalley
Fashion Editor, Beauty & Inclusivity
  • Lauren writes and edits articles for The Knot Worldwide, with a specialty in fashion, beauty and size inclusivity.
  • Prior to The Knot Worldwide, Lauren worked in wedding editorial for Brides, Style Me Pretty and Enaura Bridal.
  • Lauren studied public relations and advertising at the University of Central Florida.
Updated Feb 22, 2023

The list of wedding hairstyles for long hair can be as lengthy as your locks. With such style versatility, it's no wonder why so many to-be-weds choose to grow out their hair for the big day. Whether your tresses are straight and fine or curly and thick, the style options are truly endless when you have some length to work with.

"A bride with longer hair should try and test out different styles ahead of the big day," says Stacie Ford, owner and creative director of Stacie Ford Beauty Co. In order to get your ideal look, Ford suggests booking a trial with your stylist no later than six months prior to the wedding date. "It's best to come prepared with hair inspiration to show what style you're interested in, along with any additional information such as the style of your dress and what makeup look you will be wearing."

Need help finding inspiration? From bouncy curls to ballerina buns, here are 30 wedding hairstyles for long hair to show your stylist for the big day.

Wedding Hairstyles for Long Hair Down

What better way to showcase your long locks than by wearing your hair down? "For those who prefer to wear their hair down, it's critical to work with a skilled hair artist who understands how to properly set and prep longer hair for maximum staying power."

Bombshell Blowout

Bride wears her hair in a romantic, bouncy blowout.
Sarah Richardson Photography

It's a classic for a reason. "A fresh blowout shows off all that length and has a chic, effortless look to it," says Ford. All it takes is a great blow dryer and a round brush. Leave it as-is for the full bombshell look or sweep it off to the side for a touch of romance.

Deep Side Part

Bride and groom walk down steps hand in hand.
Kenzie Victory Photography

We love a deep side part moment. By moving all of your long hair to one side, you are giving the illusion of more volume. The result? Endless glamour.

Voluminous Curls With Crown

A statement hair accessory is all you need to take your curls to the next level. Take a cue from this gorgeous bride, who added a custom quartz crystal crown to finish off her beautiful curls.

Straight and Simple

We'll be the first to say it: Straight wedding hair is just as elegant as its curly counterparts. Keep your 'do simple by adding a few hair pins to keep your bangs out of your gorgeous face.

Natural Curls

Curly hair is eye-catching enough on its own, thanks to all the volume and texture, but adding a few loose flowers or greenery will add a romantic spin to the style.

Boho Flower Crown

Want to add a little boho flair to your curled tresses? Simply add a dreamy flower crown to instantly transform your look.

Pinned Back Bangs

Y2K nostalgia meets modern bridal when you pin back your long tresses with the accessory of your choosing. Just look at how this bride's hairstyle was transformed by the addition of two sparkly barettes.

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Loose Curls With Headband

Bangs can add texture and dimension to nearly any long hairstyle. This whimsical crystal headband in particular was made for the bride who loves boho-inspired details.

Cascading Floral Vine

Move over, Rapunzel! This bride put a fresh twist on her cascading locks by adding fresh flowers throughout. Recreate this romantic hairstyle by having your stylist add in a floral vine with blooms similar to those in your bouquet.

Center Part With Tucked Bangs

As seen on the "it girl" bride, tucked bangs with a middle part are totally on trend. The center part creates polished symmetry while still keeping your bangs out of your face, so no one can miss your radiant bridal glow.

Hollywood Curls With Crystal Headband

"We love this all-down bridal style for its soft, glamorous curls and camera-worthy vibes," says Ford. Try taking your quintessential Hollywood curls up a notch by adding a crystal headband. It's the perfect style if you're looking to add an opulent element to this classic look.

Half-Up Wedding Hairstyles for Long Hair

Can't decide whether to wear your hair up or down? Choose both. The ever-so-popular half-up hairstyle is the best of both worlds and can be styled for nearly any wedding aesthetic or season.

Half-Up Curls

Calling all hopeless romantics: you can never go wrong with a half-up hairstyle—it always looks beautiful on long locks.

Messy Boho Half-Up Hairstyle

File this under: boho wedding hair inspiration. This adorably earthy look only requires your long natural waves and a few bobby pins. Consider yourself woodland wedding-ready.

Half-Up Hair With Natural Curls

We see you, natural curls. This bride styled her long coils in a voluminous half-up 'do so that her African-inspired jewelry could take the spotlight. The result is absolutely breathtaking.

Half-Up With Barrettes

We've said it before and we'll say it again: barrettes are in. If you're going for a laid-back vibe for your wedding day, don't overthink the placement too much; it will give the style more character.

Half-Up Braid

Couple embraces on their wedding day.
Josh Gruetzmacher Photography

This sweet half-up braid is straight out of a storybook. The details of the textured waves and fishtail crown braids together are absolutely enchanting. Don't forget to add a texture spray when styling to create plenty of volume.

Half-Up Beach Waves

These waves have "beach wedding" written all over them. Recreate the look by grabbing small sections of hair and wrapping them around a 1/2" curling wand. Leave them as is or follow this bride's lead and create a half-up crown braid.

Simple Half-Up Wedding Hair

The best part about a simple half-up hairstyle? The pulled-back front means you don't have to worry about hair falling in your face while you dance the night away.

Romantic Half-Up With Braids

Sometimes more is more, and that goes for volume too. Bombshell curls, a thick half-up braid, and plenty of teasing at the crown make for a showstopping bridal hairstyle.

Relaxed Half-Up With Wispy Tendrils

If you're on the hunt for a low-maintenance style that isn't too polished or structured, consider half-up waves and wispy tendrils. This can add texture and movement to long hair without feeling stuffy.

Half-Up Micro Braids

Bride wears her hair in long braids pulled back from her face.
Derek Bedwell Photography

Long micro braids were a wildly popular style in the early aughts, thanks to celeb icons like Beyoncé and Alicia Keys. These tiny braids have recently made a comeback, and we love to see them on the wedding scene.

Updo Wedding Hairstyles for Long Hair

"Some longer hairstyles can overwhelm a gown and cover up intricate details on the gown," says Ford. If that's the case, wearing your hair in a stylish updo can show off those coveted details while still keeping your hair looking incredible.

Top Knot

"We love a sleek, high top knot because it's simple and chic," Ford says. "To achieve this look, you'll need lots of backcombing, hair pins, and smoothing hair serum. Once smooth and high on top, twist the remaining hair into an unstructured top knot, and there you have it!"

Fishtail Ponytail

If you're looking for a modern way to wear a boho fishtail braid, consider this fashion-forward ponytail. Starting the pony higher on the crown of the head will give it some preppy flair.

Updo With Statement Hairpiece

Equal parts bold and modern, a statement headpiece is a great way to add visual interest. This bride specifically chose a red flower as an ode to her Chinese culture, as the color symbolizes good luck and happiness.

Loose, Messy Bun

"We love a messy chignon because it is an effortlessly chic style," Ford tells us. "Add volumizing mousse, like the Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse, to create fullness and a messy effect."

Straight and Long Ponytail

A simple ponytail works wonders for any summer wedding, whether it's curly, wavy or straight. "This look is modern and fashion-forward without the worry of flyaways," says Ford. "It's a super chic style with an edge to it. Brides can achieve this look by blow-drying the hair while working in the direction of the pony. Complete the look with a high gloss finishing serum to smooth out the hair."

Curled Updo With Floral Hairpiece

Bride wears her hair in a curled, elegant updo.
Booth Photographics

Romantic brides will get all the heart eyes for this curled updo. Finish off the look with a floral headpiece, like this one made of gilded florals and pearls.

Elegant Braided Updo

Looking for Meghan Markle hair inspiration? We've got you covered. Be sure to show this braided updo to your stylist, then complete the look with a long wedding veil.

Long Braid With Pearl Accents

Pearls are one of the hottest bridal trends, so why not add them to your hair? This long, beachy braid gives us all the mermaid vibes, perfect for a seaside destination wedding.

Sleek Bun

A sleek bun looks even better with a glamorous hair accessory like this one. We love how it mimics the flow of her slicked-down bangs.

Bow Embellished Ponytail

Bride wears her hair in a high ponytail with a white bow.
SI! QUIERO BY SIRA ANTEQUERA

Tie your wedding look together (literally!) with a dainty hair bow. Pro Tip: Put your hair in a ponytail before styling with a curling iron for a bouncy, flirty finish.

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