For many brides, finding the right hairstyle is right up there with finding the right dress and the perfect makeup look, and we completely understand why. Most brides dream of their wedding day their whole lives! With pictures and video ensuring your memories from your special night live on forever, we’re here to help you make sure your hair is everything you want it to be (and more).
If you have short hair and feel limited for hairstyle looks, then you’ll need top picks for wedding hairstyles for short hair. If you have medium hair then you need the best-suited wedding hairstyles for medium length hair. For you ladies with long hair, there are so many wedding hairstyles for long hair to choose from. Lastly, if you have thin hair then you’ll need to get creative with wedding hairstyles that can give your naturally thin hair some oomph. Overall, you’ll need a hairstyle tailored for your specific hair type, so you can put your best hair forward on your wedding day.
If you’re a guest at an upcoming wedding, then you’re likely also wondering what you should do with your hair for the occasion. You need the perfect hairstyle that is going to look great, without upstaging the bride.
Don’t fret. If your big day is coming up or you’re a guest at a wedding, we have you covered with easy wedding hairstyles based on your hair type. Here comes the bride!
Contents
- Wedding hairstyles for thin hair
- DOUGHNUT BUN
- SWEET BRAID
- FRONT BRAIDED UPDO
- CROWN TWIST
- CRIMPED WAVES
- Wedding hairstyles for long hair
- BRUSHED-OUT WAVES
- DEEP SIDE PART WITH BARRETTE
- HALF-UP WITH FLOWERS
- LOOSE BRAID
- Wedding hairstyles for short hair
- SWEPT-BACK
- FINGER WAVES
- CRYSTAL HEADBAND
- FLOWER CROWN
- DEEP SIDE PART WITH WAVES
- FRONT BRAID AND TEXTURED WAVES
- 10 Wedding Hair Tips and Tricks Every Bride Must Know
- Picking the right wedding hairstyle
- WHAT’S YOUR DRESS LIKE?
- WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE?
- WHAT’S YOUR HAIR LENGTH, VOLUME AND TEXTURE?
- VEIL OR NO VEIL?
- 2. Do a trial run ahead of time
- 3. Bring visual references to your hairstylist…but not too many!
- 4. Should you do your own hair for your wedding?
- 4. Do NOT get a haircut right before your wedding.
- 6. Be true to the real you
- 7. Change up your look for the reception
- 8. Prep your hair accordingly the day before
- 9. Pack an emergency wedding hair kit
- 10. Shop around for the perfect hairstylist to match your vision
Wedding hairstyles for thin hair
Here are our top picks for wedding hairstyles for thin hair:
DOUGHNUT BUN
This is a classy look on any bride. Plus if you use a bun maker, this will automatically give you the full bun look you’re looking for. After you create a high ponytail, place the bun maker around the elastic of the ponytail. Then roll the bun maker down to the base of the ponytail to create a full bun. Secure it with some pins, so you can dance the night away like the Dancing Queen that you are. If you don’t have a bun maker, hair extensions work just as well.
SWEET BRAID
The mermaid braid is the envy of all, especially when its wearer has long, thick hair. For those of you with thin hair, don’t worry! You can still achieve this look by using a set of hair extensions to boost your natural hair. For a wedding look, just braid your hair and accessorize it with floral clips or a pretty barrette. This requires limited styling and so we love it for our roundup of easy wedding hairstyles.
FRONT BRAIDED UPDO
This unique style gives the appearance of fuller hair. Start by creating a medium braid and wrap it over the top of your head. Secure the braid with a clip. Then choose an updo of your choice to secure the rest of your hair in the back. The result is a beautiful look that makes the updo look even more romantic. What’s sweeter than a romantic hairstyle that you can fall in love with every time you look at your wedding pictures?
CROWN TWIST
Why not consider a crown twist for your big day? This no-fuss look gives you just the right amount of drama. The best part about twisting your hair is that it automatically gives it a fuller look. If you need some extra help with volume then consider adding a set of hair extensions. Once you have the ideal length and thickness, simply gather a few inches of hair at the front of your head and twist it to the back, securing it with a pretty barrette or bold floral clip.
CRIMPED WAVES
If you have thin hair then styling your hair with curls lifts the hair shaft and almost always does the trick. Tease your hair at the crown to give it some extra lift as well. Lastly, add a birdcage veil for a little bit of extra drama (Carrie Bradshaw would be proud).
Wedding hairstyles for long hair
Here are our top picks for wedding hairstyles for long hair. If these ideas aren’t quite your style there are plenty more hairstyles to consider.
BRUSHED-OUT WAVES
Hello, Hollywood glam! This look exudes class and is gorgeous on all brides. We had to include this on our list of easy wedding hairstyles. The waves can be achieved with a large barrel curling iron or even velcro hair rollers, the next step is simply brushing out the curls. This creates a soft, effortless wave pattern. If you need some extra help with length or volume on your big day, use hair extensions to give your hair some oomph—like our favorite hair stylist Ruslan Nureev did with these blonde balayage clip-in extensions.
DEEP SIDE PART WITH BARRETTE
Start this hairstyle with long, voluminous hair. If you don’t have this naturally use a set of hair extensions. To achieve this elegant hairstyle start by gathering your hair to one side, then use the back of your comb to create a deep side part. Clip a barrette to the opposite side of your head from where you gathered it. Barrettes are on-trend, and there’s a reason—they make almost any look a little bit prettier. Choose one that is embellished and sparkly for your big day. This hairstyle is super feminine because it highlights your collarbone and shoulders.
HALF-UP WITH FLOWERS
This hairstyle is perfect for the laid back bride since it doesn’t require a huge fuss (or a lot of bobby pins). This look is certainly on the list for easy wedding hairstyles because of how low maintenance it is. Firstly, use a curling iron to create some loose curls throughout your hair. Then section your hair in half and use a clip to secure the top layer.
To complete the look, add a few sprigs of baby’s breath to cover the clip. Who doesn’t want to look like an ethereal forest fairy on their wedding day? To level up, this hairstyle try this.
LOOSE BRAID
What’s more boho than a braid…especially a loose one? Start with curled hair, braid it in one large braid at the back of your head, and then tug at the braid to create an undone look. Make sure to leave a few hairs at the front to frame your face. By adding a few flowers to the base of the braid it looks even more boho-chic.
Wedding hairstyles for short hair
Here are our top picks for wedding hairstyles for short hair:
SWEPT-BACK
Short hair can be super elegant, especially with this swept-back look. As far as easy wedding hairstyles go, this look is definitely easy to achieve. Simply brush your hair back with a spritz of hairspray and secure it with a sparkly clip. Another benefit of this hairstyle is how low maintenance it is, you’ll barely have to worry about it throughout the night.
FINGER WAVES
Another one to add to our list of easy wedding hairstyles is this feminine look. For ladies with a pixie cut already, finger waves can be a fabulous hairstyle for your wedding day. To achieve this hairstyle, use a curling iron with a smaller width to curl small sections of your pixie. Add some shine serum to give it that extra boost and that’s it, you’re ready to walk down the aisle!
CRYSTAL HEADBAND
No matter how short your hair is, a crystal headband can elevate your look. The headband is like a halo making you look like an angel on your big day (especially in a white dress). Just place your headband on your head and tame the rest of your hair underneath. Low-key brides rejoice! This one was a no brainer for easy wedding hairstyles since hairstyling is limited for this look. It’s all about the accessories.
FLOWER CROWN
Short hair can still be versatile. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. The perfect accessory to a short style is a flower crown! Visit a local florist to choose a beautiful flower crown to wear on your big day #flowerpower.
DEEP SIDE PART WITH WAVES
If you have a short bob this look is super chic for your big day. It also makes our list of easy wedding hairstyles because of how simple the look is to achieve. Use a curling iron to create loose waves then create a deep side part. Finish the look with a sparkly barrette.
FRONT BRAID AND TEXTURED WAVES
This sweet look is even sweeter with baby breath. Start by using a curling iron to create soft waves through your hair. Gather a small section and braid it, clip it back and tuck a sprig of baby breath.
These waves will make you feel like the gorgeous guest that you are! The look starts with a simple side part, then use a curling iron to curl your hair from mid-shaft. Ensure you curl your hair inwardly near the ends. Use a setting spray to keep the look intact all night long!
On your big day, be sure to choose the best hairstyle for your hair type. For ladies with thin hair, the goal is to make your hair look thick and voluminous. Usually adding a set of hair extensions will make a big difference and give you more hairstyle options. Otherwise, there are wedding hairstyles for thin hair that will also help to boost fullness. For ladies with Rapunzel hair, our picks of wedding hairstyles for long hair will do the trick. For those with hair that is not too long or not too short, try one of our picks for wedding hairstyles for medium length hair. If you have short hair and feel you don’t have a lot of hairstyle options, we rounded up the top wedding hairstyles for short hair. For guests going to weddings, the best wedding hairstyles for guests are usually ones that are simple to achieve but still make a statement.
We hope we’ve helped you get one step closer to your perfect day with our picks for easy wedding hairstyles. And they lived happily ever after.
10 Wedding Hair Tips and Tricks Every Bride Must Know
While planning your wedding day down to the last detail before ever meeting your future beau may be going a step overboard (Monica Geller’s wedding binder, anyone?) it’s important to begin planning not only the event itself, but also, your wedding look with lots of time to spare before the big day.
Picking the right wedding hairstyle
Do you want to have your hair up in an updo? Wear it down in soft waves? Maybe a half-up braided hairstyle? Wedding hair options are endless! Before you get too overwhelmed, take a deep breath and consider a few key factors first:
WHAT’S YOUR DRESS LIKE?
Your hair shouldn’t be competing with your dress—it should complement it. If your dress is simple, it’s safe to go with a more dramatic hairstyle. If your dress is an extravagant ball gown full of embellishment and sparkly details, consider a more subtle yet elegant updo. If your dress has a gorgeous, open-back design, choose a side ponytail or braid to show it off. Basically, it’s important to choose a hairstyle that matches your dress and personal style.
WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE?
If your wedding takes place inside or during cooler climates, it’s safe to go for those gorgeous cascading curls or any other hairstyle of your choice. But if you’re getting married in a hot, humid climate, for instance, consider an updo, so you won’t need to worry about frizzy hair sticking to your back, or your curls falling out. An experienced stylist can help ensure your hairstyle holds up by using Luxy Hair extensions as they are much more resilient to heat and humidity and hold curl better than your natural hair.
Elanna McGowan @ellepearls is wearing Seamless Dirty Blonde Luxy Hair extensions. Photographed by Emily Michelson @emily_michelson.
WHAT’S YOUR HAIR LENGTH, VOLUME AND TEXTURE?
It’s easy to fall in love with an intricate Pinterest hairstyle, only to find out that your hair isn’t long or thick enough to pull it off. In this case, consider only looking for hairstyles that can be done on shorter hair. Otherwise, thankfully, you can wear hair extensions to achieve the hairstyle of your dreams.
Also, it’s important to keep in mind that the texture of your hair plays a part in the type of wedding hairstyle that will carry throughout the day, as well as hair accessories you may wear. “Heavy hair combs aren’t ideal for fine hair,” says Heather, so consider a small jeweled hairpin or soft vine to add to your hairstyle.
VEIL OR NO VEIL?
Will you be wearing a veil on your wedding day? If so, keep in mind that “veils smash airy updos,” Heather warns. Opt for a more sturdy wedding hairstyle like a low bun instead of a soft, wispy, loose updo to preserve your wedding hairstyle while wearing a veil.
Tanya Kloc @tanyakloc_ is wearing 120g Chestnut Brown Luxy Hair extensions. Photographed by Oksana Cherep & Taras Cherep @cherepfamilyphotography
2. Do a trial run ahead of time
Once you’ve decided on a hairstyle that you like, we can’t stress how important it is to do a trial run with your hairstylist. Only when recreating the style in real life do the little “oh no’s” come out. Is your hair long enough for it to be safely secured all day? Do you have enough hair to make the hairstyle look as voluminous and impressive as the photo you’ve seen? Does it even look good with your hair texture and face shape? It’s always better to address these last-minute surprises ahead of time, instead of stressing out the week—or even worse—the day before your wedding!
3. Bring visual references to your hairstylist…but not too many!
Providing your hairstylist with photos of exactly what you’re looking for will help avoid any miscommunications and misunderstandings. After all, everyone’s idea of the perfect soft waves or updo is completely different. Be sure, however, to narrow the visuals down to 3-5 images, as too many inspiration photos may complicate the process and cause confusion.
“The decision can be overwhelming for some! Your hairstylist can talk it out with you and usually show you an idea of what a few different styles will look like. By the end of your trial, you’re usually certain on which direction you want to go,” Brittany says.
Time to whip out that Pinterest board you’ve spent countless hours creating!
4. Should you do your own hair for your wedding?
Victoria Piecyk @tori_golightly is wearing 220g Chestnut Brown Luxy Hair extensions. Photographed by Dana Ann Photography @dana_ann_photography
If the only hairstyle you’ve perfected is a ponytail, then perhaps it’s a good idea to consider a professional hairstylist for your wedding hair. If you like playing with hair and have mastered a few techniques, you can certainly create the most beautiful wedding hairstyles all by yourself. Consult online tutorials and take some time to practice and perfect the hairstyle in the months leading up to your wedding, so you can style your hair with ease the day of. It’s also a good idea to have a close friend or family member (perhaps your maid of honor?) practice your wedding hairstyle with you, so she can lend a helping hand if needed on the big day.
Elanna McGowan @ellepearls is wearing Seamless Dirty Blonde Luxy Hair extensions. Photographed by Emily Michelson @emily_michelson.
What’s important to realize is that it is not necessary to have something over the top for your wedding day. It’s actually surprising how much hairstylists will charge to create the simplest hairstyle. Simple soft curls or half-updos are super easy and elegant. Most of the time, complicated-looking hairstyles are also surprisingly easy to recreate yourself at home.
Check out some of these beautiful hairstyles you can easily achieve yourself. From a timeless updo to a bohemian-inspired fishtail braid, to Pinterest-worthy hairstyles, we’ve got the tutorial for whatever ‘do you’re after.
If you do decide to attempt the hairstyle yourself, we recommend practicing before your big day. Be sure to wear the hairstyle somewhere for a full day where you will be moving around and dancing, to see if it will hold up (cue the hairspray!)
Victoria Piecyk @tori_golightly is wearing 220g Chestnut Brown Luxy Hair extensions. Photographed by Dana Ann Photography @dana_ann_photography
4. Do NOT get a haircut right before your wedding.
Or any other drastic hair changes or dye jobs, for that matter, as they’re just too unpredictable. Instead, Brittany advises to plan ahead and get a tiny trim a few weeks before the big day for healthy looking hair. “A lot of brides skip this step trying to get as much length to their locks but this will help with split ends, flyaways and of course blending your hair with your extensions.” Be sure to also keep your locks nourished and moisturized in the months leading up to your wedding with regular, deep treating hair masks.
If you do go down this path and find yourself in an unfortunate predicament, however, hair extensions can save the day.
Tanya Kloc @tanyakloc_ is wearing 120g Chestnut Brown Luxy Hair extensions. Photographed by Oksana Cherep & Taras Cherep @cherepfamilyphotography
6. Be true to the real you
Remember that your wedding is your day. You decide what will make you feel happy, beautiful, and comfortable. If that means wearing your hair natural or rocking the simplest hairdo, so be it. After all, beauty radiates from within. Weddings are a happy and momentous celebration, however, they can last upwards of 12 hours. If you have never worn hair extensions before, rarely wear your hair up, or find elaborate hairstyles uncomfortable or difficult to manage, your wedding day may not be the right time to try something new.
Elanna McGowan @ellepearls is wearing Seamless Dirty Blonde Luxy Hair extensions. Photographed by Emily Michelson @emily_michelson.
“A lot of the times, we end up basing our hairstyles around our dress whether it be wanting to show off the back or just to go with the wedding theme but it’s best to always choose what will make you feel the most beautiful and confident,” Brittany says. “A lot of hairstyles are quite versatile so with the right pinning or accessories it’s easy to suit a style to your dress!”
7. Change up your look for the reception
Most brides have a second, less elaborate dress for the reception, to accommodate a night of dancing and merriment. Why not do the same with your wedding hairstyle? “A second look for the reception is so fab!” Heather says. Consider having your hairstylist on site for a quick hair change or touch up in between the ceremony and reception.
Tanya Kloc @tanyakloc_ is wearing 120g Chestnut Brown Luxy Hair extensions. Photographed by Oksana Cherep & Taras Cherep @cherepfamilyphotography
8. Prep your hair accordingly the day before
Some hairstylists prefer for you to get a blowout the day before, so your hair is in the ideal state to hold a style on your wedding day If you have curly or frizzy hair, Kristina advises to have your professionally hair blowdried the day before so it is smooth and polished in preparation for styling. If your hair is naturally smooth and easy to manage, Heather, say it’s perfectly okay to shower the morning of. “You don’t have to have second day hair,” she says. “The stylist should be able to make your hair plenty prepped with products.” One thing is for sure though: “Never flat iron your hair before getting it styled,” Heather advises. Either way, ask your hairstylist how they would like you to prep your hair for the wedding during your hair trial, to avoid any hair mishaps on the big day. If you plan to wear hair extensions and have never clipped them in yourself before, it’s a good idea to see a hairstylist who has experience working with them.
9. Pack an emergency wedding hair kit
Elanna McGowan @ellepearls is wearing Seamless Dirty Blonde Luxy Hair extensions. Photographed by Emily Michelson @emily_michelson.
Inquire about the hair products your stylist is using on your wedding hairstyle, so you can purchase travel size versions to bring with you. If you cannot have your hairstylist on site for touch-ups, these extra products will be key saviors in a moment of panic. Although Brittany says there is usually no need for a hair touch up if the stylist has done their job properly, an emergency hair kit is always great to have on hand for peace of mind. Other items to pack? Bobby pins, extra hair ties, a hair brush, dry shampoo, and a travel size hairspray will always come in handy.
Tanya Kloc @tanyakloc_ is wearing 120g Chestnut Brown Luxy Hair extensions. Photographed by Oksana Cherep & Taras Cherep @cherepfamilyphotography
10. Shop around for the perfect hairstylist to match your vision
Some of us have been loyal to our hairstylists since we were in high school. Perhaps they know how to layer your hair just right or understand your hair’s texture when it comes to dyeing, to achieve that perfect balayage. Keep in mind, however, that hairstylists have their own specializations—if you’re looking for a bohemian, soft half up-do but your hairstylist is well known for glam looks, it may be in your best interest to give another stylist a try. Scout hairstylists in your area, peruse their work through Instagram, book a consultation, and don’t be afraid to branch out!
Elanna McGowan @ellepearls is wearing Seamless Dirty Blonde Luxy Hair extensions. Photographed by Emily Michelson @emily_michelson.
Have you recently gotten married and have more tips to share with upcoming brides? Are you newly engaged and in the process of planning your wedding? Did you already pick out your wedding hairstyle but have more questions on how to achieve the wedding hair of your dreams? Reach out to us in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you!
