Doing a bridal party is a different job from doing one bride. Five or six people, several hair types, different dress necklines, and every one of them in the photos from the first look to the last dance. Updos make that easier because they hold. The styles I’m asked for now are softer and more personal than the stiff matching buns of years past: low buns, chignons, braided shapes, twisted knots and textured pony updos. Below are twenty of them, with notes on which hair each one suits and what I’d watch for when the group doesn’t all have the same texture.
Giving a Mixed Bridal Party One Shared Thread
Brides often ask me to give every bridesmaid the same updo. It rarely works. A sleek bun that looks sharp on thick, straight hair looks thin on fine hair, and a bridesmaid with a short bob simply can’t wear a crown braid. What makes a group look coordinated in photos is consistency, not sameness.
I pick one or two things that every bridesmaid shares and let the rest adapt:
- Placement: all buns at the nape, or all on the same side.
- Finish: all polished, or all softly textured.
- Accessory: the same pearl pins or matching combs in every style.
- Face framing: the same number of loose pieces at the front.
Then each bridesmaid wears the version that works for her hair. Curly hair stays curly, short hair gets a faux chignon, and long hair can have the braided version. From the back of the ceremony, the group looks unified.
1. Low Bun Bridesmaid Updo
If I had to pick one updo for an entire bridal party, it would be this. A low bun at the nape works with strapless, square, halter and off-the-shoulder necklines, so mismatched dresses aren’t a problem. I add a little lift at the crown and leave two soft pieces at the front; without them it can look tight in photos. It stays neat through hugs, outdoor wind and dancing. Pearl pins or a slim comb are optional. Straight, wavy and lightly curled hair all hold it.
2. Textured Low Bun Bridesmaid Updo
Curled first, loosened at the crown and pinned into a full bun with movement, this is the coordinated look that doesn’t feel copied. Highlights and balayage show up nicely because the texture separates the tones. It’s also my usual answer for a bridesmaid with fine hair, since curling and pinning in sections makes the bun look bigger than her hair really is. Finish with a flexible spray; a crunchy finish looks dated and feels unpleasant by evening. It pairs well with chiffon dresses and garden weddings.
3. Sleek Low Bun Bridesmaid Updo
Smoothed back with a center or deep side part, the sleek low bun suits satin dresses, minimal jewelry and formal venues. Faces are fully visible, so makeup and earrings carry the look. It’s all about polish, not volume, which means good prep: a smoothing cream at the hairline, strong but touchable hold, and a final mist of shine spray. Coarse or very curly hair can go sleek too, but it takes longer, so schedule those bridesmaids earlier in the morning.
4. Classic Chignon Bridesmaid Updo
More formal than a casual bun, softer than a ballerina bun, the classic chignon lands right in the middle. The hair is gathered low and rolled or tucked near the nape. Medium hair manages it because it doesn’t need much length to look full. I keep the front soft with a side part or a little lift. Bridesmaids are photographed from the side and back during the ceremony more than anyone except the couple, and the chignon is one of the best shapes from both angles.
5. Messy Bun Bridesmaid Updo
Rushed is the risk. A messy bun bridesmaid updo has to look intentional, so I curl the hair first, then pin in soft sections so the bun has balance from every side. Loose tendrils by the cheeks soften it. It suits outdoor and destination weddings and bridesmaids who dislike polished hair. Fine or medium-density hair gains body from it. Hidden pins and a flexible spray keep it touchable but secure until the end of the night.
6. Braided Low Bun Bridesmaid Updo
A braid can start at the crown, wrap the side or blend into the bun at the nape, and each placement gives a different look from the same base. Beyond looking good, the braid catches short layers that would otherwise poke out of a plain bun. I loosen the braid gently after pinning so it doesn’t look tight. Rustic, garden and boho weddings suit it most. Small pins or delicate florals finish it if the wedding style calls for them.
7. Side Bun Bridesmaid Updo
Most updos are about the back view; a side bun shows from the front. Sitting low beside the neck, it suits one-shoulder dresses and statement earrings. It can be sleek, curly, braided or lightly undone. In a lineup, I’d put all side buns on the same side so the group looks consistent in the wide shot. Keep it balanced and not too large, or it can pull the head to one side. A few loose pieces at the hairline soften the finish.
8. Twisted Bun Bridesmaid Updo
Instead of pulling everything into one bun, sections are twisted back and pinned together, giving soft movement and a fuller result. Bridesmaids with layered cuts do well here because each twist captures shorter pieces. More volume at the crown makes it airy; less makes it polished. Medium and long hair with subtle highlights shows the twists best. It’s dressy enough for a formal wedding and relaxed enough for an outdoor one.
9. French Twist Bridesmaid Updo
Smooth, lifted and tucked vertically, a French twist lengthens the neck and suits black-tie weddings and dresses with high necklines or open backs. Modern versions are softer than the old-fashioned shape, with a little volume and a couple of loose pieces if wanted. Freshly washed hair is too slippery for it, so I use texture spray for grip. Medium to long hair is needed. A decorative comb on one side keeps it from looking plain.
10. Curly Bridesmaid Updo
The aim with curls is to shape them, not hide them. Curls pinned into a low or mid-height updo with volume at the crown and sides look full and expressive. Pinned up, they also cope better with humidity than curls worn down. I define the pattern with curl cream and a light gel, then place pins carefully so I don’t break up the curls. A few face-framing curls soften the look. If the rest of the party is wearing sleek styles, this is a good example of matching the shape rather than the texture.
11. High Bun Bridesmaid Updo
Hair completely off the shoulders, height on top: a high bun suits long dresses and high necklines and keeps the neck cool in summer. The extra height can balance a round or petite face. For a wedding, it should feel secure but not severe, so I add a light wave before pinning and soften the hairline. Smooth or slightly textured both work. It’s comfortable for bridesmaids who’ll be busy all day with bouquets, trains and guests.
12. Ballerina Bun Bridesmaid Updo
A round bun at or just below the crown suits satin, crepe and structured dresses and matching-dress parties. Flyaways need smoothing, but a little softness stops it from looking harsh. I’d ask for gentle volume at the front or a slightly relaxed part. It’s a clean choice for formal ceremonies and city weddings. Bridesmaids with headaches from tight styles should have it placed a little lower and pinned without too much tension.
13. Loose Updo Bridesmaid Hair
Soft, pinned up, with visible movement and a few relaxed pieces around the face: this is dressed-up hair that still feels comfortable. It looks good in candid photos because it moves naturally. Curling first for texture is essential on medium and long hair. The real work is the hidden structure; even though it looks airy, the pins underneath carry the weight. It suits garden, beach and barn venues and soft neutral dresses.
14. Half Updo Bridesmaid Hair
Some bridesmaids want hair down; a half updo gives them that with some structure. The top is pinned, twisted or braided back while the rest falls in waves or curls. It works for shoulder-length to long hair and blends well when the party has different lengths. A small braid, pearl pins or a soft twist makes it feel wedding-ready. The loose part needs to be well set, since it’s the first thing to drop on a warm day.
15. Low Ponytail Bridesmaid Updo
Not a bun, but it gives the same controlled feeling while showing length. The ponytail can be smooth, wavy or wrapped with a strand of hair to hide the elastic. It suits modern dresses, clean makeup and statement earrings. I add soft bends to the length and some crown volume. It’s comfortable and easy to refresh: if it slips, a bridesmaid can redo it herself in the bathroom in two minutes, which makes it a practical choice for long receptions.
16. Bubble Ponytail Bridesmaid Updo
Sectioned with hidden elastics into rounded bubbles down the length, a bubble ponytail bridesmaid updo leans stylish and playful. For bridesmaids I keep it soft and polished rather than overly trendy. Wrap each elastic with hair or use clear bands. Long hair shows it off best. It handles wind and humidity better than loose waves, which makes it useful for outdoor receptions.
17. Fishtail Braid Bridesmaid Updo
A fishtail braid can be wrapped into a bun, swept to the side or blended through the crown before being pinned low. Highlighted or dimensional hair suits it because the braid shows every tone. Boho, rustic, garden and coastal weddings fit it best. I pull it apart gently once pinned for fullness. For fine hair, light backcombing and texture spray build shape before braiding, or the fishtail looks thin.
18. Crown Braid Bridesmaid Updo
Wrapped around the head, a crown braid frames the face from front, side and back. It’s practical for outdoor weddings because it controls flyaways and shorter layers. Polished or slightly undone, depending on the dress. Medium to long hair works, and extensions add fullness if needed. I keep the braid loose enough to look current rather than tight and schoolgirlish. Small floral pins or pearls finish it.
19. Claw Clip Bridesmaid Updo
A claw clip bridesmaid updo can look elegant when it’s styled with intention. This isn’t the everyday twist. I curl or smooth the hair first, twist it upward and secure it with a refined clip in pearl, gold, silver or tortoiseshell. The front gets a soft part and a few loose pieces. It suits relaxed weddings, courthouse ceremonies and brunch celebrations, and medium hair that can’t hold a large bun. The clip has to be strong enough for the hair; test it at a trial, because a weak spring will slide by the speeches.
20. Short Hair Bridesmaid Updo
Short hair can still be pinned up. The trick is creating the impression of an updo with twists, pins and waves. I twist the sides back and pin them low, then add a little lift at the crown for balance. For bob-length hair, small pinned sections can form a faux chignon. Lobs, bobs and shoulder-length cuts all manage it. Pearl pins or a slim comb make it more formal, and it keeps hair off the face while staying soft.
Running the Morning With Five or Six Updos Booked
Most bridesmaid updos take somewhere between 30 and 60 minutes each, depending on the style and the hair. With one stylist, five bridesmaids can easily fill four hours before the bride sits down. That’s why larger parties often book a second stylist.
I usually start with the most complex style or the thickest hair, since those take longest and settle well while everyone else is done. Short and simple styles go last. The bride goes near the end so her hair is freshest for the ceremony. Ask your stylist for a written schedule a week ahead, and share it in the group chat so nobody arrives late with wet hair.
Night-Before Prep Each Bridesmaid Can Handle
- Wash the night before, not the morning of. Second-day hair holds pins much better.
- Dry it fully and smooth it; damp hair adds an hour to the morning.
- Skip heavy conditioner or oils at the roots.
- Wear a button-up shirt to the appointment so nothing goes over the finished hair.
- Bring any accessories, and mention clip-ins in advance.
Curly hair is the exception to the first rule. If a bridesmaid normally styles curls on wash day, let her follow her own routine and tell the stylist what she uses.
Still Pinned at the Last Song
A bridesmaid updo has to be comfortable and secure for the whole day. Low buns and chignons are reliable, while textured buns, braids, pony updos and twists add personality. Sleek styles fit modern venues; loose and curly updos suit gardens and beaches. Think about the neckline, length, texture, weather and how much each bridesmaid likes hair near her face. The goal is hair that’s still in place through the ceremony, dinner and dancing, without anyone pulling pins out by dessert.
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