📋 Get the Wedding Quick Start Guide!

The Top Wedding Hairstyles for Brides on the Big Day

When you shop via links on our site, we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. Learn more.

After choosing your dream wedding dress, it’s time to start planning your wedding hairstyle. Check out our top wedding hairstyles for brides.

BSBsquarelogo

After choosing your dream wedding dress, it’s time to start planning your wedding hairstyle. Your coif can complement your dress, accessories, your makeup, and even the wedding venue. Of course, you’ll want to consider your hair type, among other factors, to land on a look that you love. Is your hair type straight, wavy, or tightly coiled? Is it long, short, or in-between? Perhaps you need to consider how many pins you’ll use for the style’s staying power. The weather and climate on your special day can also influence your decision.

There is a lot to consider, but if you’re overwhelmed by the sheer volume of these choices, use these wedding hairstyles as inspiration. 

All Down

Brides going for a beachy theme or a more laid-back vibe often choose to wear their tresses all down, but this style isn’t necessarily reserved for a low-key wedding. Adding some curls or sparkly accessories can elevate an all-down look. 

To make your curls last throughout the day, try spritzing some dry shampoo before you get started, or look for a texturizing spray and use it before you add curls. Once you’ve finished, set the curls using a strong hairspray. 

If you have frizzy hair and you’re getting married outside in a humid location, it may be easier to opt for an updo. Updos can also hold up better against the wind. Go with some practice runs with your wedding hair before your big day, so you know how long it’ll take to style and how it reacts in various weather. 

Half-Up, Half-Down

The half-up, half-down look pairs well with strapless dresses and other formal styles. It’s also a great option when you want to highlight your elegant hair accessories. This style doesn’t require many pins and isn’t as tight as a full updo. 

Opting for a half-up, half-down style lets you be creative with your hair. You can twist the tops of your hair and pin them in the middle. Accentuate this look with a unique wedding headpiece like a decorative comb, or you can go over the top with French or Dutch braids. To create a fuller appearance, gently pull at the plaits to widen them. 

As with the all-down style, a half-up, half-down style holds better when you use texturizing spray. The look can pop even more by back-combing your hair at the crown and joining the two sides right below where you’ve added volume. Consider taking the look to the next level by adding curls throughout. 

Updo

Perhaps you’re picturing a stunning updo for your wedding. Updos can make it easier to attach a veil and other hair accessories. This option also lets you showcase beautiful wedding jewelry, including necklaces and earrings. Updos may be more weatherproof than other styles, particularly if you use a strong hairspray and a lot of pins. 

If you have medium-length or long hair, you can do different updos for your wedding. Depending on your comfort level, you can stick with a simple style like a French twist or a semi-messy top knot. If you’re eyeing something more complicated, this may be the time to call in a professional for help. 

Remember that updos usually require many pins, so removing them on your wedding night can take quite a bit of time. Additionally, if you don’t like having your hair pulled tightly, this ‘do might make you feel uncomfortable on your big day. 

Braids

French braids and fishtail braids are common in half-up, half-down styles, but you can also incorporate them into updos or create a look around one elegant plait. This style is very versatile, as you can make it as tight or loose as you want with accessories for pizzazz. 

Think about creating a crown effect by wrapping a braid around your head. Pull the loops of your braid to make them appear fuller and add some accessories, like a sparkly barrette or a floral headpiece. 

Some brides may want to try knotless box braids as a great, painless option to look radiant on the big day without sacrificing comfort. You can put them into an updo with a tiara or create a stunning half-up, half-down look. 

Extensions

Adding extensions to your natural hair gives you more versatility. If you have thinner hair, extensions make it easier to achieve different styles that require volume. If you have short hair, extensions let you pull off updos and half-up, half-down styles that require length. 

Depending on the texture of your hair, you may need to hide them in your wedding style. If you have fine hair, people may see the tops of the extensions connecting to your hair unless they’re woven into the style. Make sure you choose a color that blends in with your natural hair. For this option, you probably need a professional to apply and style extensions to get the look you’ve envisioned. 

If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, keep the weather in mind before you get extensions. If it’s windy, you could end up fixing your hair all day to hide the extensions. 

Short Hair

You can easily style your short hair for your wedding, whether you’re wearing a bob, a pixie, or something in-between. These short styles are perfect for modern and understated looks or to make a bold statement. For a shoulder-length bob, a half-up, half-down style is easiest to achieve and maintain for the big day. But a talented hairstylist can use some bobby pins to give you a chic and sophisticated updo. 

If you choose to go natural, add some texture or volume and maybe showcase some accessories. You may wish to kick it up to formal with a braided headband. 

Stay Inspired for Your Wedding

Your wedding will be one of the most memorable days of your life, and you may have already decided on the hairstyle you want to go with. However, don’t worry if you’re unsure from the get-go what style will work best with your dress, theme, or personality. With an abundance of choices, it’s OK to try different ideas during test runs to see what fits your comfort and preference. Take a look at our collection of wedding hairstyle examples with “how-to” instructions on Pinterest for more inspiration!


BSBsquarelogo

The Budget Savvy Bride is the #1 Online Wedding Planning Resource for couples who want to plan a beautiful wedding on a budget they can actually afford. Check out our best-selling book on Amazon, The Budget-Savvy Wedding Planner & Organizer!