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 Mar 23, 2023
Let's face it: When it comes to wedding hairstyles, the possibilities are pretty much endless. There are so many different wedding hairstyles to consider, between buns, braids, twists and ponytails. Feeling overwhelmed by all of the bride hairstyle options? We don't blame you. That's why we've rounded up our favorite wedding hair looks to help narrow your search. If you have no clue which routes to take and can't decide which wedding hairstyles are best for you, keep the other aspects of your wedding in mind. Imagine what might work best with your celebration's atmosphere, dress, and overall comfort level. Having a black-tie soirée in December? A classic topknot or smooth curls might be the perfect fit. On the other hand, an outdoor barn wedding might call for a more casual bridal hairstyle.
We've rounded up different wedding hairstyles we love to get started on your search for bride hairstyles that help you achieve the look you want. Scroll through these stunning wedding hair ideas to inspire your day-of look, whether it's a sleek updo, messy braids or the best version of your natural curls. Once you've found your perfect match among these wedding day hairstyles, work with a professional stylist to make it a reality.
Wearing your wedding hair down is a classic. While you might be thinking that the only options for down styles are curled or straight, there's actually a ton of versatility with these looks. Yes, you can keep it simple and beautiful with a classic wedding hairstyle if that's what you envision, but you can also change it up by adding extensions, a bridal hair accessory or switch your part. To help jumpstart your search for the perfect wedding hairstyles to wear with your hair down, we've gathered some of our favorite looks to browse and save for your inspiration. So, keep scrolling for styles you'll want to show your hairstylist immediately.
1. Long, Smooth Curls
Studio Finch
If your tresses have serious length, show off your wedding hair by rocking these gorgeous smooth curls. Have your stylist work some frizz-fighting product through your waves before pictures, so they stay shiny and sleek all day.
A side part is a glamorous look that can work with any hair type, texture, or length—which is why we love it. Depending on how you style the rest of your tresses, a deep side part can give you an edgy look or give you a soft, romantic feel.
3. Pinned Curls with Floral Headpiece
Adrienne and Dani Photography
Take a unique spin on a classic wedding hairstyle by pinning your curls to the top for extra volume. Then, complete the look with a sparkly headpiece for a stunning wedding day look.
4. Loose Curls with Braided Fishtail Crown
Shane and Lauren Photography
Try this tousled half-up, half-down hairstyle if you want the perfect balance of done and undone. Then, braid your hair to add extra texture. The messy waves are perfect for a beach or boho wedding—but you can rock them regardless of your wedding theme.
5. Natural Curls with Flower Headpiece
Shane and Lauren Photography
We believe you should be the best version of yourself on your wedding day, so if you have natural curls, make them extra bouncy. First, work with your hairstylist to solidify the combination of wedding hairstyling products to give you your best hair day. Then, consider adding a fun hair accessory like a headpiece, tiara or flower crown.
The wedding hairstyling options are endless when rocking a flower crown on your big day. Whether you go for simple greens or colorful blooms, style your hair in loose waves to keep the focus on your stunning headpiece.
Opt for this fun take on the classic half-up half-down wedding hairstyle for an ultra-glam look reminiscent of Old Hollywood. Have your stylist tease the back section of your hair so that it has some serious volume.
Dare to be bold with this "cool girl" bridal hairstyle. Part your hair down the center, then tuck the remaining tresses behind your ears for a polished and modern wedding day hair look.
9. Boho Curls with Braided Crown and Colorful Ends
Make your wedding hairstyle (and your hair color) pop by dying the ends of your locks your favorite color, then style with simple waves. Top it off with a simple flower crown to focus on the color of your tresses.
10. Voluminous Curls with Sparkly Hair Comb
Hunter Ryan Photo
For a bombshell moment, have your stylist give you a classic blowout followed by some voluminous curls. Then dress it up by pinning one side down with a sparkly barrette. You'll be shining the whole day.
Show off your personality by choosing a unique bridal crown or headpiece for your wedding day. We love this crystal crown as a free-spirited, boho spin on the classic tiara.
12. Relaxed Half-Up, Half-Down Hairstyle
OUR STORY CREATIVE
A half-up, half-down is a wedding hairstyle that is always perfect for a laid-back wedding on the beach. Just add a bit of texture spray, and you are ready to say, "I do."
13. Side-Swept Waves with Side Part
ENDLESS WAVE STUDIOS
Want to wear your wedding hair in a down style while still keeping your tresses out of your face? Request glamorous side-swept waves and add plenty of hairspray to keep them in place from your grand entrance to exit.
14. Glamorous Hollywood Curls
MATTHEW DRUIN CO. PHOTOGRAPHY
You're the star of your big day, so why not have a bridal hairstyle that suits it? Use hot rollers or a wide-barrel curling iron to create Hollywood-inspired curls with big, touchable volume.
15. Soft Curls with Braid and Floral Hair Pins
LANDON JACOB
Bouquets aren't just for holding anymore! Elevate your destination wedding hair by adding a crown braid and a few floral hair pins to your half-up curls.
16. Shoulder-Length Textured Bob Cut
JULIA ELIZABETH PHOTOGRAPHY
Classic, textured waves are both casual and gorgeous. This shorter cut is ideal for those wearing a statement dress or detailed neckline like this gorgeous bride.
17. Straight Bob Cut with Pastel Pink Highlights
BEIGE WEDDINGS
Love color? So do we. If you aren't ready to commit to a full-on dye job, try a few strands or dipping the ends to create a watercolor effect throughout your colorful wedding hairstyle.
18. Soft Curls with Pearl Headband
JESSICA BORDNER PHOTOGRAPHY
Same classic style but dialed up with a gorgeous bridal hair accessory. Follow this beautiful bride's lead by adding a trendy pearl headpiece to your day-of 'do.
19. Silky and Straight Wedding Hair
HEATHER JOWETT
Silky straight wedding hair can catch the light without overshadowing your face. Check out how classy this bridal party looks with matching straight hairstyles.
20. Classic Waves
VALORIE DARLING
Can't go wrong with a classic wedding hairstyle like stylish waves. Part down the middle for a modern style, or sweep them all to one side for a sweetly chic look.
21. Waterfall Half-Up, Half-Down Hair
DEAR WESLEYANN
Don't go chasing waterfalls unless you're looking for this half-up bridal hairstyle. The braid easily elevates timeless curls without being overly fussy.
22. Boho Waves
saltwater studios
Boho brides: this one's for you. Use a large curling iron to achieve the perfect beach-blown waves, then style with a center part for an effortlessly free-spirited look.
The best bridal hairstyles highlight your natural texture. Take this bride's beautiful coils as a prime example. We love that she added a glam hair comb to one side for that extra "it" factor.
Pinned Up Wedding Hairstyles
Whether your hair is curly, wavy, fine, natural, or thin,there's one thing for sure - it will look good in an updo. Not only does it keep your locks out of the way, but they let you show off your gown's gorgeous neckline. Wondering which wedding updos to add to your inspiration board? Whether you describe your style as classic, modern, boho, or casual, we've handpicked the most gorgeous pinned up wedding hairstyles for you to save, from beachy fishtail braids and polished ponytail wedding hairstyles to simple chignons and buns.
When it comes to pinned up wedding hairstyles, this remains a classic for a reason. Sweep your hair back and pin it into a simple, elegant low chignon. Add in some braids or hair pieces if you'd like, or leave it as is—either way, you can't go wrong with this one.
25. Elegant Vintage Curls
Tim Waters Photograph
If you're having a vintage wedding or want to add an extra touch of glam, these Hollywood-inspired curls are the way to go. They'll add just the right amount of luxe to your special day. Another thing we love about this look? It's absolutely timeless—just like you.
26. Romantic Updo with Floral Hair Pins
Feng Rui/Storyteller Wedding Photography
Opt for a slightly undone bun with some wispy, face-framing pieces for a more relaxed wedding updo. Add some flower hair pins (we love these small white blooms) to give your wedding hairstyle extra romance.
Going full glam? Pull your hair back into this sleek ponytail wedding hairstyle. It looks super chic and elegant from the front, but you get to show off your long, luxurious locks in the back. Plus, you won't have to worry about fussing with your hair as the day goes on.
Take any elegant updo to the next level by adding a sparkly hair clip to your bun. The extra sparkle will catch your guest's attention throughout the day.
29. Sleek Top Knot With Braid
Markit Photography
Give the iconic top knot style a fun twist by braiding the back of your bridal wedding hair into a bun. It's a small detail that will add a playful approach to your already-sophisticated updo.
If you want your hair out of the way but don't want to commit to a full updo, consider a braided wedding hairstyle. We love this fishtail braid because it's perfectly undone, so you don't have to worry about your hair frizzing or pieces coming loose during your outdoor summer wedding. The messier it looks, the better.
31. Twisted Ponytail
BRITT DEZEEUW
Ponytails will always be in style. Up the romance by twisting it backward for an effortless style that looks like it took you hours.
You may think this romantic top knot is only for ballrooms, but it will look stunning at any venue. So channel your inner ballerina with a gorgeous and bold top knot, and maybe do a twirl or two on the dance floor.
33. 1920s-Inspired Updo with Rhinestone Headpiece
Fiona Conrad Studio, Inc
Bring all of the glitz and glam to your wedding day with this gorgeous bridal updo. First, twist your hair back and secure it at the nape of your neck. Then, channel a bygone era by adding your favorite antique-inspired headpiece to sparkle through the night.
34. Elegant Twisted Updo
Jeanni Dunagan
If you don't want to rock anything too perfect on your wedding day, consider this slightly asymmetrical twisted updo. It looks effortlessly chic.
Play dress up with your undone bun or ponytail by adding a colorful flower crown to the overall look. Editor tip: talk to your wedding hair stylist about how to undo your locks at the end of the night so you do not damage your beautiful hair.
Have some statement earrings you want to show off? Consider rocking this gorgeous updo that will keep your hair in place, so you can enjoy your wedding day (and look beautiful while you're socializing with your loved ones).
A casual updo will always do the trick if you're looking for one of the best wedding hairstyles. When styled correctly, it will always look simultaneously effortless and chic.
38. Long Braid with Simple Ribbon
Want to add a simple accessory to your bridal hairstyle but don't want it to take away from your already gorgeous look. Weave in a dainty ribbon into your look for just the right touch of elegance.
39. Romantic Ponytail with Flower Hair Clip
KATIE KAV PHOTOGRAPHY
Highlight a gorgeous neckline with an understated bride hairstyle like this curled ponytail. Add a flower hair clip at the base for an extra-romantic vibe.
40. Classic Updo with Custom Headpiece
RACHEL JOY BAREHL
Want to add something totally unforgettable to your day-of bridal hairstyle? Commission a custom headpiece to wear with your bridal updo on your special day. Then, keep it as an heirloom to pass down for generations to come.
41. Braided Updo
BASSOS WEDDINGS
Artsy yet simple, this braided wedding hairstyle will look breathtaking on anyone hosting a rustic outdoor fall wedding. Keep it as is, or go all in by adding a few loose pieces of baby's breath.
42. Simple Ponytail
MLE PICTURES
This style is low-maintenance but high romance. Just pull your natural waves into a relaxed ponytail wedding hairstyle, and you are ready to walk down the aisle.
43. Vintage Updo with Antique Hair Clip
CYN KAIN PHOTOGRAPHY
What's not to love about a vintage-inspired updo? Opt for an heirloom hair clip or get inspired by shopping this list of hair accessories we're obsessing over.
44. Romantic Updo
EMILY WREN PHOTOGRAPHY
When it comes to wedding hairstyles for brides, this romantic bun looks like it came straight out of a fairytale.
45. Undone Romantic Bun
STEVEN MICHAEL PHOTOGRAPHY
If you love a timeless updo but want to add a few modern elements, a floral hair clip and a few loose pieces will do the trick. Just look at this imperfectly perfect undone bun.
46. Unstructured Twist
KIYAH C PHOTOGRAPHY
Go for an unstructured twisted bun for something more casual and relaxed. Leave it as is, or add a bridal hairpin for an organic touch to this boho wedding hairstyle.
47. Classic Updo with Traditional Headpiece
Nicole Delanie Photography
Let your traditional headpiece shine by rocking a low updo, like this twisted low bun. The results will speak for themselves.
48. Ponytail with Hair Bow
Si Quiero, by Sira Antequera
We'll never say no to a sweet bow, especially when it comes to bridal hair. It will beautifully complement any ponytail or pinned up wedding hairstyle.
49. Low Ponytail with Tied Hair Scarf
Alika Key / Shutterstock
For the cool bride who wants to do something different with their hair, this one's for you. Tie a luxurious silk scarf around your ponytail for a stylish moment that is sure to turn heads.
50. Modern Braided Updo
T & S PHOTOGRAPHY
Sleek and edgy, this style is simple but stunning. Style the braid towards the crown of the head for added fullness, which lends a unique twist to the classic wedding hairstyle.
