40 of the Best Wedding Hairstyles for Medium-Length Hair

You can’t go wrong with any of these stunning options.
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by
Carli Brennan
carli brennan headshot
Carli Brennan
The Knot Fashion Contributor
  • Carli writes freelance fashion articles for The Knot.
  • Prior to The Knot, she was the style section editor at Her Campus Media and launched the Fashion Institute of Technology chapter of Her Campus.
  • Carli’s passion for the wedding industry stems from her time as a bridal consultant and her previous internship in a bridal showroom.
Updated Jan 04, 2024

One of the most important elements of your wedding day glam is choosing a bridal hairstyle. For brides with medium-length hair, there are endless wedding hairstyles for a variety of bridal styles. Whether you are opting for boho braids or a sleek chignon, your bridal hair stylist will be able to work with you to achieve the wedding day style of your dreams. Make sure to bring your inspiration pictures to your trial hair session and don't be afraid to be vocal about what you like and don't like. After all, your wedding day hairstyle is supposed to make you feel like the best version of yourself.

Textured Pony

Textured pony medium-length wedding hairstyle
Photo: Marisa Rose

A twisted, textured pony is the perfect effortless wedding day hairstyle for medium hair. This style is especially great for brides with curly or wavy hair.

Sleek Bun

Sleek bun medium-length wedding hairstyle
Photo: Sarah Naslund

This modern twist on a sleek bun is perfect for the cutting-edge bride. Pair it with a strapless wedding dress to let your hairstyle take center stage.

Twisted Updo

Bride with twisted updo medium length wedding hairstyle
Photo: Madeline Eleanor

Pump up the volume by going for a teased, twisted bridal updo. Face-framing baby hairs add a soft, romantic feel to this gorgeous wedding day updo.

Natural Waves

Bride with natural waves medium length wedding hairstyle
Photo: Marissa Belle Photography

For the no-frills bride, opt for a natural, soft beach wave hairstyle. This breezy bridal hairstyle pairs well with a variety of bridal styles and wedding dresses. Pop on a veil and you're ready to strut down the aisle.

Smooth Ponytail

Sleek ponytail medium length wedding hairstyle
Photo: Hair by Ty Flyy

A sleek, Barbie-inspired ponytail is perfect for Barbiecore-loving brides. This one features sleek edge control to finish off the look.

Natural Curls

Bride with medium length natural curls
Photo: Sarah Rolling

If you're blessed with natural curls, embrace them for your wedding day hairstyle! There are so many gorgeous curly wedding hairstyles for medium-length hair to choose from. This natural, curly look is perfect for brides who want to show off their gorgeous natural hair texture.

Braided Beauty

Braided half-up medium length wedding hairstyle
Photo: Jessica Keife

This half-up braided hairstyle is equal parts ethereal and glamorous. A half-up style is great for keeping your hair out of your face, while still maintaining length.

Floral Detail

Floral hairpiece medium length wedding hairstyle
Photo: Hair by Theresa

A gorgeous floral hairpiece is especially perfect if your wedding dress features floral applique details. Keep your hair simple in soft beachy waves to let the hair piece be the focal point.

Cascading Curls

Cascading curls medium length wedding hairstyle
Photo: Sara K Beauty

Naturally, curly girls, this one's for you. A gorgeous pile of cascading curls tied up into an updo is a gorgeous pick for a bridal hairstyle. For extra drama, add in your favorite hairpiece.

Mini Braided Buns

Mini braided buns medium length wedding hairstyle
Photo: Kayla Anne Hair

Mini braided buns make for a quirky, yet fabulous wedding day hairstyle. Flowing baby hairs and the addition of pearl-adorned hair pins make this a truly stunning wedding day hairstyle.

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Sleek Low Bun

Sleek low bun medium length wedding hairstyle
Photo: Denise Chesser

If you've been rocking the Sofia Richie slicked-back bun all of 2023, consider this the elevated version for your wedding day. The slicked-back front is balanced out with a tousled low bun in the back.

Boho Braid Crown

Boho braid crown medium length wedding hairstyle
Photo: Cassandra Broccoli

This voluminous braid crown is what bridal hair dreams are made of. Blooming florals add even more drama to this stunning style.

Seeing Stars

Tousled updo with star ornaments medium length wedding hairstyle
Photo: Knoxville Bridal Hair

Tiny star-shaped hair pins adorn this stunning tousled updo. If you're planning a celestial-inspired wedding, this style is the perfect addition. Think of it as a tiny constellation in your hair.

Pearl Adorned

Pearl hairclips medium-length bridal hairstyle
Photo: Tamara Holden Hair

Trendy pearl-adorned hair clips are the perfect addition to your bridal hairstyle. If a veil isn't your vibe, these clips add a bridal vibe to your hairstyle sans tulle.

Dainty Florals

Floral hairpins medium length wedding hairstyle
Photo: Melissa Lopez

We're swooning over these dainty floral hairpins tucked into a messy updo. Curled hair is the perfect base for adding dimension and texture to this style.

Middle Part Mermaid Waves

Middle part mermaid waves wedding hairstyle
Photo: With Megs

Planning your vow exchange on the beach? Pair tousled mermaid waves with a sleek middle part for your medium-length hairstyle perfect for a coastal wedding.

Green With Envy

Medium length wedding updo with greenery
Photo: Styles by Lindsey

A sprig of greenery is a welcome addition to your wedding day updo. You could even match them to your wedding day bouquet!

Pearly White

Pearl-adorned bridal updo for medium length hair
Photo: Studio Kay Bridal

Pearlcore isn't going anywhere for 2024, so it deserves a spot in your wedding day glam. If your wedding dress incorporates pearl details, you can tie them into your hairstyle as well. Your hairdresser can dab a tiny bit of eyelash glue on mini pearl stickers for a luxurious touch to your bridal hairstyle.

Textured Updo

Textured wedding updo for medium length hair
Photo: Christy Yoo Artistry

This elegant updo features textured twists to create dimension and volume. It's the perfect chic and effortless style for your big day.

Face Framing Updo

Face framing wedding updo for medium length hair
Photo: Madeline Eleanor

For brides wanting to showcase their bangs in their wedding day hairstyle, consider this elegant face-framing updo. It pairs especially well with a high-neck or halter-style wedding dress.

Natural Updo

Natural wedding day updo for medium length hair
Photo: Madeline Eleanor

Let your natural curls shine with this stunning wedding day updo. Loose, face-framing curls add softness to this sleek updo.

Pearlized Pony

Wedding ponytail with pearls for medium length hair
Photo: Marissa Grace Artistry

Add just a touch of glamor to your ponytail by tucking a few pearl bobby pins into the crown. You could even opt for a pearl embellished ponytail holder to up the ante.

Half Up Sparkle

Half-up wedding day hairstyle for medium length hair
Photo: Grace Lin

A sparkly hairpiece is always the perfect finishing touch for a half-up bridal hairstyle. Choose one that has elements similar to your wedding dress for a cohesive look.

Pearlcore

Wedding day updo with pearl hairpiece for medium length hair
Photo: Amanda D'Andrea Hair

Pearls are always a good idea. This pearl cluster hair piece tucked into a sleek updo is perfect for classic brides.

Pin Up Hairstyle

Side-swept wedding hairstyle with bobby pins for medium length hair
Photo: Sara K Beauty

This edgy side-swept hairstyle is pinned out of the face with crisscrossed bobby pins. You could even opt for bejeweled or sparkly bobby pins depending on your style.

Half Up Waves

Half-up waves bridal hairstyle for medium length hair
Photo: Tamara Holden Hair

Beachy waves are swept into a half-up style for this bridal hairstyle. A teased crown adds extra volume.

Retro Waves

Retro waves bridal hairstyle for medium length hair
Photo: Jasmine Palma Artistry

Soft, retro waves make for a timeless wedding day hairstyle. This style goes with any kind of wedding dress and you won't have to worry about it getting messed up throughout the night.

Textured Twist

Textured twist wedding hairstyle with pearls for medium length hair
Photo: Marissa Grace Artistry

Get that effortless, cool girl wedding day hair with this messy textured updo. Dress it up with your favorite hair pins, like these pearl-adorned ones.

Wispy Updo

Wispy updo medium length wedding hairstyle
Photo: Grace Lin

Wispy front pieces add drama to this dreamy updo. We would pair this one with an off-the-shoulder wedding dress to show off your decolletage.

Voluminous Curls

Voluminous curls wedding hairstyle for medium length hair
Photo: Denise Chesser

Sweep your natural curls out of your face with this voluminous updo. The more texture and volume, the better!

Blooming Bun

Rose wedding updo for medium length hair
Photo: Kayla Anne Hair

This romantic updo almost resembles a blooming rose made of your hair. It would be an apt choice for a garden-themed wedding.

You're So Golden

Natural curls with gold hair accessories wedding hairstyle for medium length hair
Photo: Sara K Beauty

Let your natural curls run wild with this defined curly wedding day hairstyle. The addition of metallic gold hair accessories lends a goddess-inspired vibe to the look.

Sleek and Smooth

Sleek, smooth wedding updo for medium length hair
Photo: Denise Chesser

There isn't a single hair out of place in this sleek, smooth updo. A cascading cathedral veil would also lay perfectly under this low bun.

Half Up Florals

Half up wedding hairstyle with floral hairpiece for medium length hair
Photo: Christy Yoo Artistry

A half-up half-down is a classic bridal hairstyle because it keeps your hair out of your face and still allows for cascading waves. Dress yours up with a stunning floral hairpiece like this one.

Sleek Waves

Sleek waves wedding hairstyle for medium length hair
Photo: Marissa Grace Artistry

These voluminous, sleek waves are perfect for the classic, traditional bride. No accessories needed!

Mini Adorned Twists

Half-up wedding hairstyle with twists and pearls for medium length hair
Photo: Twirly Shears

This half-up style features mini overlapping twist details and pearl-adorned hair pins. Consider it the elevated version of your tried and true waterfall braid technique.

Twist and Shout

Twisted wedding updo for medium length hair
Photo: Denise Chesser

This updo is especially great for brides with layered medium-length hair. Countless twists come together to form one fabulous, voluminous updo.

Soft Strands

Wedding updo with soft front pieces for medium length hair
Photo: Knoxville Bridal Hair

Soft, wispy front pieces lend an ethereal, romantic vibe to this bridal updo. Leave it as is or dress it up with some sparkly clips.

Braids for Days

Braided bridal updo for medium length hair
Photo: Jessica Keife

This braided bridal updo is giving Princess Leia — in the best way possible! The voluminous braid crown is perfect for the boho bride.

Smooth Waves

Bride with smooth medium length waves and a side part
Photo: Sarah Rolling

Smooth, subtle waves and a side part are the perfect match for your wedding day veil. It's the perfect glam style that won't distract from the rest of your look.

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