55 Stunning Wedding Hairstyle Ideas for Every Type of Bride


7 months ago 348

Key Takeaways

  • Match your bridal hairstyle to your wedding’s setting and season, like romantic curls for a ballroom or an updo for summer heat.
  • Use accessories like pearls, floral pins, or headbands to elevate your hairstyle and complement your wedding-day look.
  • Let your personal style shine, whether it’s a sleek pixie cut, natural curls, or a voluminous ponytail with face-framing pieces.

If you're currently in the midst of the wedding-planning process, you've likely spent a fair amount of time selecting your ensembles for the occasion—from your chic dress for the rehearsal dinner to the gown you'll wear as you say "I do" to your partner. However, in addition to these gorgeous outfits, there's another key element of your look you'll want to decide on before your big day: your bridal hairstyle. And just like the clothes you wear, the style you select for your hair will be unique to you and your vision.

However, regardless of whether you spend hours working on maintaining the perfect curls on a daily basis, or you never give more than a second thought to your hair, finding the right bridal hairstyle can be a challenging feat, as there are so many different options to consider. To start, focus on the feel and aesthetic of your event. For example, if you're hosting a glamorous black-tie soirée, dramatic (and romantic) curls may be fitting for the occasion. However, if you're tying the knot on the beach, you may want laid-back waves. The date of your nuptials may also be a factor in your decision. While there's so much to love about a summer wedding, you may face some heat and humidity, especially if your celebration is outdoors. As a result, you may want to opt for an updo to ensure your hair stays out of your face during these sweat-inducing months.

Need some more inspiration for your bridal hairstyle? Here, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite ideas from real brides. Read on for 55 stunning hairstyles to consider for your own big day.

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A Bouncy Blowout

Photo by Flora & Fauna

Silky smooth, effortlessly bouncy, and soft to the touch, a blowout is a beautiful option for any type of bride. While your hairstylist can use this heating technique to create any type of style, we love the curled edges that this bride rocked on her big day in the Berkshires. Sweep your strands to the side for a luxurious look.

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A Slightly Messy Bun

Photo by Benjamin Smith

This high, messy bun is the ultimate "quiet luxury" hairstyle for contemporary brides. Effortless, chic, and stylish, this updo is one to emulate at any type of ceremony—from a summer Napa Valley celebration to a snowy winter affair.

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A Delicate Feat

Photo by JENNIFER DARLING

A low bun with face-framing pieces is a romantic look for any affair, and that's true whether you’re tying the knot at a vineyard or by the beach. This bride's low chignon at her Maine nuptials was kept clean, polished, and classic—a beauty look that matched her romantic wedding dress. To provide some structure and opulence, consider topping it off with a crystal headpiece.

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Polished Pearls

Photo by Alicia Mink Photography

Pearls are always a timeless accessory, and they aren’t just reserved for your wedding-day jewelry. At her regal wedding in California, this bride exuded drama and elegance in a sleek and sophisticated chignon, pairing it with a pearl-studded headband. 

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A Trendy Top Knot

Photo by Phillip Van Nostrand

Not only does a top knot look chic, but it’s also a practical updo for warm-weather weddings where sweat is the enemy of a polished style. This bride went with a high updo for her bridal hairstyle at her soirée in New York City, embracing her natural texture without the use of styling tools.

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A Blunt Bob

Photo by Chi-Chi Ari

If you have short hair, you don’t have to conceal your length with hair extensions. This bride, who tied the knot during a modern celebration in Newport, Rhode Island, is proof that your everyday hairstyle can look just as stunning on the big day. With a sleek side part and brushed-out waves, her look was decidedly chic yet understated.

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A Fishtail Braid

Photo by Brett Seay

Looking for a unique bridal hairstyle? A fishtail braid, as this bride wore on her special day in North Carolina, is a fun and whimsical option that emphasizes texture. It's a look that'll keep your hair off of your neck and out of your face, which is ideal for withstanding the summer heat. 

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Silken Simplicity

Photo by Lisa Poggi

To show off your neckline or the back of your dress, settle on a silky updo. This bride's simple and sleek chignon, which she chose for her intimate wedding in Tuscany, let her lace choker and low back be the stars of the show. Note that if she had she decided to wear her hair down, the flowing style likely would have overshadowed these gorgeous details.

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A Twisted Bun

Photo by Jessica Mangia

While an updo is always elegant, add some visual intrigue by incorporating small braids across the base of your head. This bride donned a voluminous bun with twisted strands, which perfectly complemented her garden wedding in a historic Italian castle.

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A High Ponytail

Photo by Jana Williams

Pulling your hair back in a sweeping ponytail that sits on the crown of your head is the perfect balance between effortless and polished. To generate some edge, twist a few strands in loose waves, add face-framing pieces, and throw the pony over your shoulder. If you have a stunning neckline, like the one on this bride's gown—which she chose for her wedding along the Eastern Shore—this is a great bridal hairstyle to consider.

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A Fresh Accompaniment

Photo by Alice Vicente

There's nothing more romantic than adding a sprig of fresh flowers to your hair on your wedding day. We love how this bride added pink blooms that matched the floral design on her strapless gown to her hair for her wedding in Lisbon. Although this bridal hairstyle works well for just about any aesthetic, it’s an especially good choice for a garden-inspired springtime celebration.

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A Textured Lob

Photo by Franklyn K Photography

Instead of manufacturing pin-straight strands or bouncy waves, let your signature style shine. For her wedding in Paris, this bride rocked her natural curls and accented them with a Swarovski crystal clip for an additional ounce of glamour.

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A Halo of Blooms

Photo by Grace Gatto Photography

Since flowers are typically an integral component at weddings, why not wear an arrangement on top of your head? Flower crowns, like the one this bride wore during her Colombia wedding, are a natural fit for tropical functions, bohemian bashes, or beachside services. Pro tip: Use the same blooms as those in your bridal bouquet, ceremony installations, and reception centerpieces for a cohesive look.

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A Half-Up Style

Photo by Vinuthna Garidipuri

Instead of fully wearing your hair down, add layers with a half-up bridal hairstyle. For this bride's California nuptials, she first had her hair styled in barreling waves before her stylist clipped a portion of her hair back. An added bonus: This pulled-back look will call attention to beautiful statement earrings.

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Cascading Waves

Photo by Hannah Baldwin Photography

Wondering how to style long hair? Wispy curls that cascade down your back and fall past your shoulders, like this bride donned for her maximalist disco wedding, will do the trick. Consider this bridal hairstyle for bohemian nuptials since the effortless curls will match the free-spirited aesthetic.

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A Decorated Braid

Photo by Edward Winter for READYLUCK

If you want your long hair out of your face on your big day, opt for a single French braid, which will highlight your length and thickness. For her New York wedding, this bride made her voluminous braid even more special by adding in fragrant jasmine flowers. As a nod to her South Asian heritage, the intricate style was equally symbolic and beautiful.

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Jaw-Dropping Curls

Photo by Natura Collective

These striking waves brought all of the glitz and glamour to this bride's look for her rustic-chic wedding in New York. Instead of opting for a side part, she embraced her middle part, putting a fresh twist on a classic style. To keep your hair in place, remember to add a protective coat of hairspray, especially if the weather is hot and humid.

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Floaty Waves

Photo by Kelly Brown

A center part and a blunt, mid-length cut are the epitome of an ethereal dream. We love how this bride's hair mimicked that of her floaty lace dress. A look like this is always on trend, whether you’re getting married in a lakeside fête, ballroom celebration, or at a Los Angeles estate.

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A Chic Headband

Photo by Hana Gonzalez Photography

Switch up the classic wedding veil with a modern and trendy alternative: a white headband. This stunning bride wore a thick padded band across the crown of her head, which framed her face and brought a touch of sophistication to the updo she rocked for her tropical fête in Jamaica. She completed her dreamy monochromatic look with an all-white bouquet of orchids, white statement earrings, and a white corset gown.

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A Voluminous Ponytail

Photo by Elizabeth Austin Photography

A voluminous ponytail is a quintessential style for those seeking a hairstyle that's both dramatic and pared-back. Draw on inspiration from this bride who styled her updo with face-framing pieces for an elegant touch.

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A Throwback Look

Photo by Liz Fogarty Photography

Whether you’re hosting a vintage-inspired soirée or you simply want to channel your favorite look from a past decade, consider revamping your bob with tight curls thrown over to the side. You’ll create a look that’s both textured and playful. For the finishing touch, add a bold red lip to fit the retro vibe. 

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A Crystal Halo

Photo by Melina Wallisch Photography 

Upgrade your low bun with a sparkly add-on; with a sequined piece, you'll illuminate an interwoven chignon. This accessory is the perfect addition for brides looking for a romantic—yet glamorous—look.

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A Shiny Finish

Photo by Tess & Julia

Who doesn’t want to bring a radiant sheen to their hair? This bride's slightly wavy, super shiny strands complemented the sleek fabric on her silk wedding dress, which she donned for her New York City nuptials. A few coats of daring red lipstick and shoulder-length earrings will create a similarly contemporary-chic look.

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A Deep Side Part

Photo by Rossini Photography

Calling all romantic brides: A deep side part and tumbling curls will elicit a dreamy feel at your wedding, as this bride proved at her Old Hollywood wedding in Rome, emitting a classic yet vintage look. If you’re wearing a full skirt and tying the knot in a ballroom, this style will suit your aesthetic.

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A Braided Chignon

Photo by Tracy Burch

A low bun is beautiful on its own, but adding a braid into the mix really ups the ante. This bride increased the visual appeal of her big-day hairstyle for her wedding in Malibu by twisting a strand into her chignon and then decorating the piece with pearl accents.

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Glam Factor

Photo by Lisa Poggi

Structured curls with ample amounts of shine and bounce had this bride looking like a real-life mermaid at her celebration in Tuscany. If your aesthetic or personal style leans more glamorous, this may be the perfect look for you.

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A Feathered Flair

Courtesy of Sidney Bensimon

One of the best places you can look to for hair inspiration is your wedding dress. For her fall wedding in New York, this bride integrated a key aspect of her playful ostrich-feather gown into her hair by sporting an accessory that matched the unique textures, bringing a touch of flair to a simple updo.

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A Tousled Ponytail

Photo by Mallory Dawn

A daring look for any type of bride, a high ponytail with crimped waves combines a classic style with unique elements. Increase the drama by adding volume to the crown of your head and rocking side pieces, like this bride did at her Coachella Valley wedding.

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A Loc'd Updo

Photo by  JOSHUA BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

What's better than a perfectly styled updo? A high bun adorned with an eclectic mix of pearls. We truly love how this bride arranged her locs into a style that effortlessly complimented her bridal suit and the setting of her micro wedding.

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A Relaxed Updo

Photo by Larissa Cleveland

While this bridal hairstyle nails the “messy bun” look with tousled strands, it also looks timeless and refined. The top knot makes the strapless sweetheart neckline and pearl drop earrings—which this bride wore to her outdoor wedding in California—the focal point. 

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Pin-Straight Hair

Photo by Lacie Hansen Photography

Sophisticated updos and billowing curls are popular options for brides, but a straightened style is just as romantic. Consider pinning a few pieces back with a sequined accessory, like this bride did during her wedding in Guatemala. If your big day is taking place in a humid climate, use hairspray to seal off your look. 

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A Fabulous Fishtail

Photo by Kaylee Chelsea Photography

Fishtail braids can be so refreshingly unexpected in comparison to their traditional French and Dutch counterparts. For her California wedding, this bride decorated her sweet style with pastel roses and greenery that hugged the side of her head.

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A Crisp Middle Part

Photo by 515 PHOTO CO.

While side parts get a lot of attention when it comes to wedding-day hair, middle parts are just as popular in the bridal beauty space. Follow this bride's lead and sport your part in the middle to create a contemporary and sleek look.

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A Sequined Headband

Photo by Larisa Shorina

Add some pizzazz to your bridal hairstyle with a beaded headband. This double band engulfed in crystals is the best way to hold Old Hollywood-style curls into place, which is what this bride did on her wedding day in Brooklyn. If you’re a vintage or glamorous bride, you’ll be drawn to this look.

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Classic Waves

Photo by Brandon Lata Photography

You don’t need a lot of volume or eye-catching accessories to make your hairstyle feel wedding-worthy. At her island wedding in South Carolina, this glowing bride exemplified a timeless style with a center part and soft waves that draped over her shoulders. Traditional brides will appreciate this classic look.

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A Beachy Bun

Photo by Katie Ruther

Gathered as a low-slung braid, this chignon has an undone vibe that befits the style of this bride's sandy Tulum nuptials. With dimensional, caramel highlights and tons of strategic flyaways, the bride nailed the effortless beach-goddess look.

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A Soft Touch

Photo by Stephania Campos

Who needs a distinguished part when you can fully showcase that bridal glow instead? For her Houston wedding, this bride chose a combed-back soft style that cascaded into gentle curls at the bottom. The swept-back look showcased the bride's décolletage and beaming smile.

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Curls Swept to the Side

Photo by Claire Morris Photography

Featuring a dramatic side part, this bride stunned in soft waves at her wedding in Lake Como. By pulling back just one side of hair, she allowed the other side to embrace all of the volume and curls. 

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Au Naturel

Photo by Alex Tome Photography

A relaxed, late-summer fête calls for an unfussy hairstyle that speaks to the informality of the season. At her wedding in Portugal, this bride's natural hair texture needed no extra additions to shine. Her bold earrings and a laid-back wrap dress made for a stunning pairing.

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A Smooth Chignon

Photo by Laura Gordon Photography

Combing back your locks into a shiny chignon at the nape of your neck is timeless and versatile. We love a floral hairpin as the final touch for a garden wedding, but this style also brings a sophisticated look to winter nuptials.

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A Black Bow

Photo by Gideon Photography

While white is a quintessentially bridal color, work black into your bridal hairstyle for a daring edge. The juxtaposition here is powerful: The dark hue provides a stark contrast when paired with the ethereal tulle sleeves and delicate floral embroidery, which this bride donned at her art-inspired wedding in Mexico.

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Side-Swept Looks

Photo by Andre Brown

A bridal hairstyle parted to the side is always elegant and romantic. These side-swept curls and dramatic side part created a swirl of luscious locks that gave Old Hollywood vibes. This style is perfect for those who'd like a super glam look.

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A Natural Pony

Courtesy of Kelly Giarrocco

A voluminous pony is the epitome of chic. For her Mexico City wedding, this bride proved to be just that with her gorgeous, textured updo that called attention to her structured bodice.

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Long Lengths

Photo by  SILENT CAPTURE

Have thick, long locks? Take advantage of them by sporting tousled waves that fall down your back. This romantic hairstyle will complete a tulle or floral-appliquéd gown at a swanky ballroom or lush garden venue.

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Fashionable Fringe

Photo by Norman & Blake

There's nothing quite like an ultra-glossy bob to evoke a fashion-forward persona. The full fringe matched the soft drama on this wedding dress, which showcased a composed look. 

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Long Layers

Photo by Tamara Gruner Photography

For a romantic look, opt for a waterfall of cascading curls. Go for big-barrel waves and brush through your hair for an even more effortless look. Long locks parted to the side will look especially alluring with a billowing strapless ball gown.

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A Retro Crop

Photo by FunkyTown Photography

Lengthy locks aren't always needed for a captivating bridal hairstyle. A delicate finger-waved crop evokes a retro appeal that's a stunning choice for a vintage theme. A short cut will accentuate an exposed neckline and dangling earrings.

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A Silky Chignon

Photo by Leila Brewster

A smooth, voluptuous low bun is classic yet chic. This bridal hairstyle will bring a sophisticated edge to a city wedding and highlight an off-the-shoulder neckline and low back.

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Layered Waves

Photo by Melissa Marshall

A center part with draped waves is a gorgeous choice for bohemian, beachy nuptials. We love this laid-back look for destination weddings in Tulum or Cabo to match the natural environment and chic ambiance.

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Wispy Strands

Photo by Rachel Havel

Perfectly loose, voluminous pieces parted down the middle are effortless and timeless for any bridal hairstyle. Complement the pared-back look with natural makeup, complete with a luminous complexion. 

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A Bleached Blonde Blowout

Photo by Roey Yohai Studios

Bright blonde hair—whether it’s natural or dyed—brimming with bouncy waves is an elevated choice for a special celebration. The layered look with strands twisted in different directions created depth and dimension for this bride.

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Floral Jewels

Photo by Mashaida Co.

Natural curls swept up in an elegant updo are even more striking when decorated with floral hair pins, as this bride selected for her intimate New Orleans wedding. Scatter the embellished hair accessories throughout your waves for a glimpse of shimmer.

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An Embellished Plait

Photo by O'Malley Photographers

Increase the romance factor of a braided hairstyle by adding floral pins. Nestle these accessories into a loosely plaited look for a touch of whimsy and dimension.

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