34 Updo Hairstyles for Weddings: Elegant Options for Brides, Bridesmaids, and Guests
When it comes to weddings, every detail counts, but perhaps none more so than the bride’s hairstyle, which often remains a central focus throughout the event. With 2024 just around the corner, the trends are leaning towards sophisticated updos that combine elegance with personal flair. In this article, we’ll explore 34 stunning updo hairstyles perfect for weddings, each tailored to different tastes and needs, from the bride to the bridesmaid, and even the guest.
Soft Knotless Ponytail
For a simple, yet chic bridesmaid or guest simple hairstyle, the soft knotless ponytail is a versatile option. It’s easy enough to style, making it perfect for those last-minute wedding preparations. The style suits all face shapes and brings attention to the eyes, especially striking for those with darker eye colors.
This ponytail is achieved by pulling hair back smoothly and securing it at the base of the neck with a clear elastic band. Use a smoothing serum to tame any flyaways and give your hair a sleek, glossy finish.
The Classic Chignon for Short Hair
Not just for those with long tresses, the classic chignon is also a fantastic choice for short hair. This simple and elegant bun sits at the nape of the neck and is perfect for a sophisticated, understated bridal look.
It’s especially suitable for round and square face shapes and works well with any eye color.
Styling a chignon involves twisting the hair into a low bun and securing it with pins. For maintenance, a strong hold hairspray will ensure the style stays put throughout the day.
Bohemian Rhapsody Twist
This hairstyle is for the bride who wants to add a boho-chic touch to her wedding attire. Ideal for curly hair or knotless braids, it looks particularly enchanting on triangular or diamond face shapes and those with hazel eyes.
To achieve this look, twist sections of your hair and pin them back to create a soft, undone bun at the back. Accentuate with floral accessories for that extra touch of whimsy. Use a curl-enhancing cream to keep the curls bouncy and vibrant.
The Regal Half-Up, Half-Down
A half-up, half-down hairstyle offers the best of both worlds and is perfect for the bride or bridesmaid looking for a hairstyle that’s both functional and beautiful. This style works well for all face shapes and is particularly flattering for those with oval faces and any eye color.
Secure the top half of your hair with decorative pins and let the rest cascade down your back. Spritz with a light-hold hairspray to maintain the natural movement of your locks.
Vintage Glamour Waves
Channel the golden age of Hollywood with this glamorous hairstyle, perfect for a wedding with a vintage theme. The deep waves are best suited for medium to long hair and look stunning on square and oval face shapes, particularly with light eye colors.
Use a large-barrel curling iron to create soft waves, then brush them out gently for a more natural wave. A shine spray will help enhance the luster of your hair throughout the event.
The Modern Top Knot
A top knot isn’t just for casual days—it can be styled to look incredibly chic and sophisticated for a wedding. This hairstyle is best suited for angular face shapes and makes a bold statement on someone with bold eye makeup.
To create a polished top knot, pull your hair up to the crown of your head and secure it with a band. Twist the hair around the base and pin it in place. A strong-hold gel will keep everything neat and tidy.
The Twisted Halo
This heavenly hairstyle is ideal for the ethereal bride. Best for those with long hair or knotless braids, it suits round and heart-shaped faces beautifully, enhancing any light eye color.
Twist two sections of your hair from either side of your head and secure them at the back with pins. Allow some strands to flow freely for a soft, romantic feel. Use a texturizing spray to add volume and grip to your locks.
Sleek and Smooth Low Bun
For a polished and refined look, the sleek and smooth low bun is a fantastic choice for any bride or bridesmaid. It’s particularly flattering for elongated face shapes and striking eye colors.
Smooth your hair back into a tight ponytail at the base of your neck, then twist into a bun and secure. Use a high-gloss serum to give your hair a sleek finish.
Playful Pixie Pin-Up
Don’t think your pixie cut can’t be styled for a wedding! This playful pin-up adds texture and volume, making it perfect for petite face shapes and vibrant eye colors.
Style with a pomade to add texture, and use decorative pins to add a touch of glamour. A light misting of hairspray will help keep everything in place.
The Waterfall Braid Updo
The waterfall braid updo is a dreamy, intricate choice perfect for outdoor or garden weddings. This hairstyle is particularly flattering for those with long hair and enhances the appearance of those with light brown or blonde hair.
Start with a waterfall braid at the crown and continue around the head. The rest of the hair is then styled into a soft, low bun at the back. A light hairspray will help maintain the structure without weighing down the hair.
The Low Twisted Rose Bun
For a simple yet cute look, the low twisted rose bun offers a charming twist on a classic bun. This style is particularly easy to achieve and suits all face shapes, making it a versatile choice for any wedding participant.
Twist sections of your hair into a flat bun that resembles a rose, pinning each twist in place. A light mist of hairspray will ensure the style holds throughout the day.
The Fishtail Bun
This stylish fishtail bun is an innovative twist on traditional braided hairstyles, adding a modern flair that’s ideal for contemporary weddings. It’s an excellent style for bridesmaids and works well with oval and heart-shaped faces.
Create a fishtail braid from the top of your head and wrap it into a bun at the nape. Secure with pins and apply a smoothing cream to keep it sleek and in place.
The Grecian Goddess
Channel ancient elegance with the Grecian goddess updo, characterized by its soft, flowing lines and gentle draping around the face. This style suits those with curly or wavy hair and highlights striking features, particularly on square face shapes.
Use golden hair accessories to pin back sections of the hair, allowing curls to cascade softly around the shoulders. A curl-defining cream will enhance the texture.
The Pearl-Encrusted Updo
Elevate your wedding hairstyle with pearls for a luxurious, opulent touch. The pearl-encrusted updo is perfect for evening weddings and complements those with darker hair colors.
Style your hair in a smooth bun or a sophisticated twist, embedding small pearls throughout the hairdo. Use a strong hold gel to ensure the pearls stay in place without shifting.
The French Twist with a Modern Twist
Reinvent the classic French twist by adding a modern element such as a bold accessory or an unusual parting. This style is exceptionally flattering for longer face shapes and suits brides looking for a timeless yet contemporary look.
Secure the twist with chic hairpins or a statement hairpiece. A shine-enhancing hairspray will add the perfect finishing touch.
The Ribbon-Woven Chignon
Incorporate ribbons into your chignon for a playful, personalized touch. This style is great for adding color to match the wedding theme and is particularly cute for young bridesmaids.
Weave a ribbon through your low bun, tying it into a bow at the base. Secure with bobby pins and spritz with hairspray to keep everything neat and tidy.
The Sculpted Afro Updo
For natural hair, the sculpted afro updo celebrates texture with a beautifully sculpted silhouette. It’s particularly striking for bride or guests with afro-textured hair, looking to make a bold statement.
Use curl-defining products and pins to sculpt the hair upwards and backwards. Integrate a headband or scarf for a splash of color and additional hold.
The Side-Swept Vintage Waves
Bring some old-school glamour to your wedding with side-swept vintage waves, ideal for themed weddings or as a nod to classic Hollywood. This style works well with medium to long hair and enhances an elegant neck.
Set your hair in large rollers, then brush out the curls into smooth waves. Sweep them to one side and secure with a vintage clip or comb.
The Whimsical Butterfly Braid
The Whimsical Butterfly Braid is a fairy-tale-inspired hairstyle perfect for adding a magical touch to any wedding day look. Ideal for brides and bridesmaids with medium to long hair, this style enhances natural beauty and works well with round or heart-shaped faces.
To create this enchanting style, form a loose braid along the crown and incorporate small, decorative butterfly clips throughout the braid. A flexible-hold hairspray will help maintain the shape while allowing the butterflies to seem as if they’re fluttering through your hair.
The Minimalist Sleek Ponytail
For a modern, minimalist look, opt for a sleek ponytail wrapped in leather or metallic accents. This chic and simple style is perfect for urban, contemporary weddings and suits all face shapes, particularly highlighting angular features.
Pull your hair back into a high ponytail, wrapping the base with a leather strap or a metallic cuff. Use a pomade to smooth down the hair for a sleek, glossy finish.
The Elegant Loop Updo
The Elegant Loop Updo offers a sophisticated and structured look, perfect for formal weddings. It’s particularly flattering for individuals with short to medium hair and suits all face shapes, especially those with prominent cheekbones.
Form loops with sections of your hair at the back of your head, pinning each securely. This intricate pattern gives the appearance of a complex weave, which can be enhanced with subtle hair accessories like pearls or crystals for a touch of elegance.
The Retro Pompadour
A nod to the vintage glam of the 1950s, the Retro Pompadour is not just for men. Women can rock this bold, voluminous style, making it a standout choice for the bride or guest looking to make a statement. This style works best on those with oval and square face shapes.
Tease the front section of your hair to create height and smoothly comb back over a hair roll or padding to secure the classic pompadour shape. A high-hold gel or pomade will ensure the style stays pristine throughout the day.
The Twinkling Starfish Pin-Up
Ideal for beach weddings, the Twinkling Starfish Pin-Up incorporates marine-themed accessories to create a unique and thematic hairstyle. This updo is suitable for those with long hair, particularly enhancing soft, wavy textures and complementing oval and heart-shaped faces.
Style your hair in a loose updo at the back, securing it with pins. Intersperse small starfish pins or clips throughout the updo, making sure to distribute them evenly for a balanced, aesthetically pleasing look. Use a light sea-salt spray to maintain a natural, beachy texture.
The Blooming Rose Updo
The Blooming Rose Updo is a romantic and intricate hairstyle perfect for a spring or garden wedding. This style is particularly captivating on brides with medium to long hair and suits almost any face shape, particularly those with softer features.
Create small rose-like buns by twisting sections of your hair and coiling them into bun shapes, securing each ‘rose’ with pins. Tuck real or silk flowers between the buns for a fresh, floral look. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to ensure the style holds throughout the event.
Whether you’re the bride, a bridesmaid, or a guest, choosing the right updo can enhance your overall look and ensure you feel beautiful on this special day. We hope these 34 hairstyle ideas inspire you to find your perfect wedding day look. Feel free to share your thoughts and personal hairstyle choices in the comments below—let’s celebrate everyone’s unique style together!
