62 Wedding Hairstyles Created by Working Bridal Stylists
Your wedding hairstyle has a long day ahead of it. It needs to survive the ceremony, the hugs, the photos and hours of dancing, and it has to work with your neckline, your veil and the hair you actually have. That is why every look in this list comes from a working bridal stylist, shown on real hair and credited to the person who created it.
We picked 62 that are clear enough to copy, from polished low buns and soft chignons to half up half down waves, ponytails, braids and a wavy bob. Brides, bridesmaids and wedding guests will all find options here. Under each photo you will see what the style is, who it suits, and one tip to share with your stylist before the big day.
62 The Best Updos, Buns and Half Up Half Down Hairstyles for a Wedding
1. Classic Low Chignon
Hair is swept back with gentle volume at the crown and rolled into a soft chignon at the nape, with one loose piece left to frame the face. It shows off a low or open back beautifully, so it is a strong pick for beaded and strappy gowns.
2. Romantic Half-Up Curls
Want length and drama without hair falling in your face? The top section is twisted back and pinned under a floral comb while big brushed curls tumble down the back. Curtain bangs and a few gold threads make it feel soft and special.
3. Glam Wave Ponytail
A ponytail can be every bit as bridal as an updo. This one sits at mid-height with lifted roots and deep, brushed-out waves through the tail. Ask your stylist to set the waves with clips first so the ridges stay sharp all day.
4. Pull-Through Braid
Best for long, thick hair or anyone adding extensions. Sections are looped through each other to build a chunky braid that looks full without being tight, then dotted with tiny flower pins. Pair it with an off-shoulder dress so the whole length shows.
5. Hollywood Waves with Veil
A centre part and glossy brushed waves keep the hair down and simple, so the pearl headband and veil do the talking. Most veils sit on a comb, which means you can take yours off for the reception and the look still feels finished.
6. Crossover Half-Up Waves
Two smooth side sections cross over at the back of the head and tuck away, leaving no visible pins. Soft glam waves fall below. It suits structured gowns with statement sleeves, since the clean top balances all that volume.
7. Soft Bun with Curtain Bangs
If you usually wear bangs, keep them. Here the fringe is curled away from the face while the rest is gathered into a loose, airy bun at the nape. The wispy pieces soften a strong jawline and photograph well in profile.
7. Boho Fishtail Half-Up
Made for outdoor and woodland ceremonies. A loose fishtail braid holds the top half, a skinny braid hangs through crimped waves, and a small dried flower comb sits to one side. Dried flowers will not wilt, so the style lasts from morning photos to the last dance.
8. Fresh Flower Chignon
Simple shape, big impact. The low rolled chignon is kept plain so a cluster of fresh white blooms can sit along one side. Ask your florist for hardy flowers such as gypsophila and pin them in just before you leave.
9. Wavy Bob with Baby’s Breath
Short hair needs very little to look wedding-ready. Loose waves add movement to a bob, a small braid crosses the back, and sprigs of baby’s breath are tucked along it. A good option if your hair is too short for an updo.
10. Floral Vine Bubble Braid
Start with two side braids that meet at the back, then tie the middle section into soft bubbles down the centre. A flower vine hides the joins. The rest stays in long waves, giving you the feel of hair down with the security of a braid.
11. Rope Twist Chignon
Twisted sections sweep along the side of the head and wrap into a smooth bun at the nape. Highlights make every twist stand out, so this is lovely on blonde or balayage hair. Two or three pearl pins are all the decoration it needs.
12. Flower Crown Waves
Hair is left in loose natural waves with a middle part, and a crown of bright fresh flowers sits just behind the hairline. It suits garden, festival and summer weddings. Choose blooms that echo your bouquet so the two feel connected.
13. Wildflower Bubble Braid
Something blue, worked right into the hair. Twists and a bubble braid run down the centre, thin plaits hang at the sides, and tiny blue blossoms with baby’s breath are scattered throughout. Relaxed and playful, it fits coastal and garden settings.
14. Side-Swept Low Bun
Soft waves are drawn loosely to the back and pinned into a low bun, with long pieces left free around the face. Nothing is pulled tight, which makes it comfortable for a long day. Statement earrings finish it off.
15. High Curly Ponytail
Bridesmaids and guests, this one is for you. A high ponytail lifts the face, and defined curls give the tail plenty of bounce. Leave your curtain bangs out and wrap a strand of hair around the base to hide the elastic.
16. Fishtail Bubble Half-Up
Three textures in one style: a fishtail braid across the back, a bubble braid dropping down the middle, and crimped beachy waves underneath. Small white blossoms mark each section. It works best on long hair with highlights.
17. Pearl Sprig Chignon
Neat enough for a formal ceremony yet soft enough for a garden party. The hair is twisted low at the nape and finished with two beaded sprigs and a sheer fabric flower. An off-shoulder neckline shows the shape at its best.
18. Cascading Twists with Blossoms
Instead of one twist, several are stacked down the back so the half-up section flows into the curls. White flower pins sit at each join. Very long hair or clip-in extensions give the fullest result.
19. Polished Low Bun
For the bride who loves a clean finish. Hair is smoothed back with a little height at the crown and wrapped into a tidy round bun. One fine strand is left out at the front to keep it from looking severe.
20. Fishtail Half-Up with Pearl Vine
A wide fishtail braid wraps the back of the head like a band, with a pearl vine laid along it. Below, deep waves run down the back. Use a texturising spray before braiding so the plait looks thick.
21. Side-Swept Hollywood Waves
Old-school glamour in its simplest form. One side is pinned flat behind the ear and the rest is brushed into a single glossy wave over the shoulder. It pairs well with high lace necklines and bold earrings.
22. Braided Bun with Crystal Sprigs
Braided strands are coiled into a low bun, and three crystal sprigs are spaced across the back of the head rather than clustered together. Loose waves at the front soften the face. The spread-out sparkle catches light from every angle.
23 Half-Up Curls with Floral Comb
Tight, springy curls give this half-up plenty of body, which helps fine hair look fuller. The two front sections twist back and meet under a flower comb. Curls set the night before tend to hold longer than same-day ones.
24 French Twist with Pearl Pin
The classic French twist gets a modern update with a loose swirl at the top and curled pieces at the front. A single pearl pin is tucked into the fold. It is a smart choice for low-back dresses.
25. Rope Twist Half-Up
Two sections are twisted like rope and pinned together at the back, then dotted with small beaded flowers. Brushed waves keep the look soft. Warm copper and strawberry tones really glow in this style.
26. Woven Bun with Pearls
Look closely and you will see the bun is woven, with strands crossing over one another like a basket. Pearl pins are pushed into the gaps. It is a secure style, which makes it ideal if you are getting ready early.
27. High Half-Up Ponytail
Lifted at the crown and wrapped at the base, this half ponytail adds height while the rest of the hair falls in bouncy waves. A soft fringe frames the face. It is a fun pick for a reception outfit change.
28. Braided Half-Up with Pearl Drops
Chunky braids form a crown across the back, topped with a leaf and flower vine. Single pearls are then pinned down the centre of the curls like a string of drops. Choose it if you want detail from every angle.
29. High Twisted Bun
A go-to for wedding guests and mothers of the bride. Hair is twisted up into a loose bun on the crown, and fine wisps are pulled out at the neck. It keeps you cool on the dance floor and suits one-shoulder dresses.
30. Sleek Half-Up with Blossom Comb
Here the top is combed completely smooth before the sides fold together at the back. A white blossom comb covers the join. Uniform waves below give a calm, elegant feel that suits minimalist gowns.
31. Twisted Bun with Pearl Pins
Sections are twisted and tucked into a low bun, with pearls scattered at different heights. A few curls are left loose at the nape for softness. Blonde hair with darker roots shows the twist pattern clearly.
32. Half-Up with Dried Flower Comb
A pop of colour can lift an all-white look. A twisted braid band holds the top, and a comb of rust and red dried flowers sits above it. Long spiral curls complete the style, which is lovely for autumn weddings.
33. Textured French Twist
This twist is brushed up loosely and left with visible texture rather than a hard, shell-like finish. Two long front pieces fall past the jaw. Wear it with a halter or high neck so the neckline stays clear.
34. Voluminous Half-Up Twist
Backcombing at the crown gives this half-up its height. The sides twist together at the back, and thick waves fall down the back. If your hair is fine, a few clip-in wefts will help you get the same fullness.
35. Side Braid Low Bun
A thick braid follows the hairline and feeds into a bun set slightly to one side. Sprigs of fresh white flowers are tucked beside it. Wispy fringe pieces keep it from feeling too formal.
36. Twisted Half-Up with Flower Comb
Dark hair makes white accessories stand out. Two rope twists meet at the back under a comb of white blossoms and pearls, and smooth waves fall below. A single curled strand is left out by the ear.
37. Loose Twisted Updo
Big twists are piled high and pinned loosely, with curly pieces left to fall at the neck. The relaxed finish suits bridesmaids, and it looks great above a halter or bow-back dress.
38. Sculpted Knot Half-Up
A modern, minimal take. The crown is combed sleek and the top section is rolled into one glossy loop that melts into soft waves. No accessories are needed, so it works well with a strapless dress and simple jewellery.
39. Knotted Bun with Floral Vine
A wide vine of white flowers and pearls curves across the back of the head, sitting just above a knotted low bun. If you are not wearing a veil, this gives you a similar focal point.
40. Crown Braid Curls
Two braids start at the temples and join at the back to form a half crown. Tight ringlets fall underneath. It is sweet, simple and easy to copy at home with a curling wand.
41. Rosette High Bun
Curls are pinned in overlapping swirls to create a rose-shaped bun high on the head. A fringe and a few spirals are left out around the face. Lighter ends make the swirl pattern easier to see.
42. Bouncy Blowout Half-Up
Not every bride wants curls. This half-up uses a smooth blow-dry with flicked ends and one neat twist at the back. It is quick to do and suits medium to long hair.
43. Sleek Knotted Bun
Hair is smoothed back and tied into a knot low on the neck. Highlights give the knot depth. It is one of the easier buns to do yourself, needing only a few pins and some smoothing cream.
44. Mermaid Curls Half-Up
Very long curls are the star here. The top is gathered into a small twist and decorated with a fine beaded vine, leaving ringlets to fall far down the back. Extensions are the usual way to get this length.
45. Garden Bun with Floral Comb
A loose side twist leads into a round low bun, with a comb of white flowers and pearls placed above it. Curly tendrils are left around the ears. Warm copper hair looks beautiful in natural light with this style.
46. Twisted Half-Up with Pearls
Tiny pearl pins are dotted along a twisted band at the back of the head. Underneath, loose curls in mixed brown and caramel shades fall freely. It is a pretty match for ruffled or off-shoulder dresses.
47. Textured Updo with Crystal Leaves
Soft rolls of hair are pinned low and wide across the nape. Three crystal leaf pins sit along the top edge like a small tiara at the back. Leave a few strands loose so it does not look stiff.
48. Sleek Crossover with Pearl Pin
Smooth sides cross at the back and are held with one pearl pin. The lengths are waved from the mid-point down. Clean and understated, it pairs nicely with long-sleeve and button-back gowns.
49. Messy Updo with Flower Pins
This updo is meant to look a little undone. Curls are pinned loosely at the back and small white flower pins are scattered through them. Long tendrils around the face add a romantic touch.
50. Minimal Crossover Half-Up
Few styles are simpler than this. Two sections are pulled back flat and crossed, and the rest is left in soft, shiny waves. It suits satin slip dresses and takes only minutes to do.
51. Undone Low Chignon
Loosely gathered at the nape, this chignon has a soft, lived-in texture. Wavy strands are pulled out at the front and sides. It is a relaxed choice for registry office and small weddings.
52. Beach Wave Half-Up
A thick rope twist wraps across the back and is tucked in on one side. The waves are loose and slightly tousled, more beach than ballroom. It suits bridal showers and seaside ceremonies.
53. Messy High Bun with Pearls
Curls are pinned high on the crown in a loose bun, with pearl pins tucked between them. Wavy fringe pieces fall on both sides. Pearls show up especially well against dark hair.
54. Copper Waves Half-Up
Two braided twists cross at the back and are decorated with fine pearl sprigs. Brushed-out waves give the lengths a soft, fluffy finish. Rich copper colour makes the whole style feel warm.
55. Curled Bun with Floral Vine
Pinned curls form a loose bun at the nape, and long ringlets are left hanging beneath it. A large flower and pearl vine arches over the top. It is a good pick if you want an updo that still shows your curls.
56. Top Knot Half-Up
The top section is rolled into a small rose-shaped knot on the crown. Everything else is curled into defined waves down the back. Highlights add definition to darker hair.
57. Soft Twisted Chignon
Twists are wrapped loosely into a chignon just above the neckline. Wavy pieces are left free at the front and nape. It works for brides and guests alike and suits most necklines.
58. Half-Up Curls with Crystal Vine
A slim crystal vine is pinned across a small twist at the back. Loose chestnut curls spill down from there. It pairs well with an illusion lace back.
59. Centered Knot Bun
Seen from behind, this bun sits right in the middle of the nape and is tied in a neat knot. The hair is brushed smooth with no loose pieces. It suits deep V-back dresses.
60. Half-Up Twist with Flower Pin
A single white flower pin marks the spot where the twists meet. Long curls keep plenty of movement. Easy to wear and easy to redo if it loosens.
61. Messy Low Bun
Hair is loosely wrapped and pinned at the nape with ends left sticking out on purpose. The crown is kept smooth for contrast. A quick option for bridesmaids doing their own hair.
62. Daisy Bun
Fresh daisies are tucked into a tousled low bun. A side fringe and loose strands frame the face. It has a sweet, summery feel for outdoor weddings.