On a wedding morning I’m rarely styling just the bride. There are bridesmaids with fine hair and thick hair, a mother of the bride who wants something classic, and a flower girl who won’t sit still. Wedding hair right now leans toward soft texture and personality over stiff, identical updos, which makes my job easier: each person can wear something that suits her hair while the group still looks connected. These 25 styles work for brides, bridesmaids and guests, and I’ve added notes on how each one is built and whose hair it suits.
Six Bridesmaids, Six Hair Types, One Photo
Asking every bridesmaid to wear the same updo rarely works. One has thick waist-length hair, another has a pixie, another has fine hair that won’t hold a curl. Instead of forcing identical styles, I connect the group with one or two shared elements and let the rest suit each person.
- Same height: all updos low, or all at the crown, so the line of heads looks even from behind.
- Same accessory: matching pearl pins, a small flower from the bouquet, or the same clip.
- Same direction: side sweeps and side parts all going the same way.
- Same finish: everyone polished, or everyone softly textured, rather than a mix.
I ask bridesmaids with short hair to tell me early, so the plan includes them from the start rather than leaving them as the exception.
1. Half Up Half Down Wedding Hairstyle
If I had to pick one style that suits nearly every bridesmaid, it’s this. The crown is pinned back, the rest falls in curls or waves, and it works on long and medium hair. It’s one of the most requested wedding party looks because it adapts so easily: a thin-haired bridesmaid gets a little backcombing at the crown, a thick-haired one gets the section split into two so it doesn’t bulge. Pearl pins or a small clip at the join hide the pins.
2. Low Bun Wedding Updo
Low buns hold up well through hugging and dancing because there’s no height to collapse. I place it at the nape, with a center part for a modern look or a soft side part if the face is longer. Leaving a couple of face-framing pieces loose softens it for bridesmaids who feel exposed with everything pulled back. Pearls or a few fresh flowers tuck in at the side.
3. Sleek Ballerina Bun
Very popular right now, the ballerina bun is all about smoothness. Center part, every strand brushed back, a bun pinned high on the crown. It suits strong cheekbones and statement earrings. I’d warn bridesmaids with fine hair at the hairline: the tight pull shows any thin spots, so I sometimes soften the front a touch. It’s quick, which helps when there are several people to get through.
4. Boho Braided Wedding Hairstyle
Boho braids look loose, but a braid that’s too loose at the start falls apart by the reception. I braid firmly, pin it, then gently tease the edges wider. French braids and chunky fishtails both work on long, thick hair. In summer heat, braids actually hold up better than curls because there’s no shape to drop. Tiny flowers slide between the loops easily.
5. Classic Chignon Updo
A chignon is a twisted, sculpted bun at the nape, and it’s one of the most reliable styles for black-tie weddings. I twist the lengths, wrap them into shape, and pin along the folds rather than through the middle so the pins disappear. It flatters most face shapes and keeps the neckline clear. For a picture-perfect wedding party style, I sometimes do each bridesmaid’s chignon at the same height so the backs line up in group photos.
6. Hollywood Waves
Hollywood waves are polished S-shaped curls worn down with lots of shine. They take longer than most party styles because each curl is set and cooled before brushing, so I’d book extra time for anyone wearing them. Medium to long hair suits them best. They don’t love humidity; for an outdoor summer wedding, I’d suggest pinning the waves to one side so they keep their shape longer. Bold lips are the natural match.
7. Woven Braided Ponytail
This ponytail has small sections of hair woven across the length in a criss-cross pattern. It looks intricate from behind, which matters because guests see the back of the bridal party for most of the ceremony. Long, thick hair works best; the weave needs enough hair to show. I secure each cross with a small clear elastic, so it stays secure through hours of dancing.
8. Loose Curls With Soft Volume
Loose curls worn down suit almost any dress and are easy to wear for someone who doesn’t like updos. I curl in medium sections, let them cool, then brush through lightly so they sit as waves rather than ringlets. They drop faster than pinned styles, so a mini hairspray in the bridesmaid’s bag helps. Pinning one side back adds polish and keeps hair out of the face during speeches.
9. Twisted Crown Updo
A twisted crown runs twisted sections around the head like a halo. I twist from each side and meet them at the back, pinning each twist to the one before it. Medium to long hair suits it. It keeps hair off the face all day, which is welcome at outdoor weddings, and a few small blooms tuck between the twists. Wispy pieces left at the hairline stop it looking too tight.
10. Sleek Low Ponytail
The low ponytail is simple and still looks finished. I smooth the hair back with a little serum, tie it at the nape with two elastics for security, then wrap a strand around the base and pin it under. The part decides the mood: center feels modern, side feels softer. Very short layers won’t reach the ponytail, so I pin them back or let them frame the face.
11. Fishtail Braid Updo
A fishtail wrapped into an updo gives bridesmaids texture without the bulk of a big bun. I braid it fairly tight, pull the edges to widen it, then coil and pin it at the back. Long, thick hair suits it. A few small flowers or pins add detail. It holds well through dancing, since the braid itself does most of the structural work.
12. Soft Waves With Side Part
A deep side part adds drama to soft waves. I set the part with a comb before curling so the hair falls naturally to one side, then curl away from the face on the heavier side. It flatters most face shapes and is a good choice for guests who want some glamour without a full updo. A sparkly pin on the deeper side catches the light. Medium to long hair works.
13. Braided Half Up Style
Here the top section is braided back and the rest is left loose in waves. I usually do two thin braids from each temple and pin them together at the back. Thin braids suit fine hair; chunkier ones suit thick hair. It frames the face and shows off length. Outdoor and boho weddings fit it, and tiny flowers along the braids add a fresh touch.
14. Elegant French Twist
A French twist folds the hair into a vertical roll at the back of the head. It’s a strong choice for mothers of the bride and anyone at a formal wedding who wants a classic style. I backcomb lightly for grip and pin along the seam. It suits medium to long hair, and a pearl pin or comb at the top finishes it. A few soft pieces at the front keep it from looking severe.
15. Flower Adorned Updo
Fresh flowers turn a simple bun into something special. I build the updo first, then add flowers at the end, matching them to the bouquet or the bridesmaids’ posies. Sturdy blooms like spray roses and wax flowers last better than delicate ones. Ask the florist for a few extra stems with the stems taped, so they’re ready to pin.
16. Slicked Back Half Ponytail
The slicked-back half ponytail pulls the top section back tight and glossy, while the rest stays loose in waves. I use a small amount of gel on the top section only, so the lengths stay soft. It suits modern, minimal weddings and strong features. Keep the front smooth and the ponytail high enough to look deliberate. It holds well from ceremony to reception.
17. Messy Bun With Face Framing Pieces
A messy bun looks relaxed but needs a secure foundation. I pin a small, firm bun first, then pull pieces loose around it and curl the face-framing strands separately. It suits flowing boho dresses and outdoor parties. Pearl pins can dress it up. It’s also forgiving: if a piece falls during dancing, it just adds to the look.
18. Curly Hair Updo
Curly hair holds an updo naturally, so I work with the texture rather than straightening it. I start with moisturized, defined curls, gather them loosely, and pin sections into a full, rounded shape. A few curls left loose frame the face. A sparkling clip or fresh flowers add flair. It suits formal and relaxed weddings alike.
19. Pearl Accessorized Hairstyle
Pearls are one of the easiest ways to tie a bridal party together. I scatter small pearl pins through waves, buns or braids, matching the pearl tone across the group. They work on any hair color, though ivory pearls can look yellow against very light blonde, so white may suit better there. Any length can wear pearl-accessorized hair, and matching the pins to the bride’s jewelry keeps the whole party coordinated.
20. Side Swept Curls
Side-swept curls cascade over one shoulder and leave the other side clean for an earring. I pin the back sections toward the chosen side with crossed pins hidden under the curls. For a group, have every bridesmaid sweep to the same side so the line of the party looks intentional in photos. Medium to long hair works.
21. Braided Bun
A braided bun wraps braids into a rounded, textured shape. I braid two or three sections, then coil and pin them together at the back. Long, thick hair suits it best; finer hair may need a small padding bun underneath. It works for boho and formal weddings alike, and small flowers or pearl pins add detail. It holds firmly through a long day.
22. Tousled Beach Waves
Beach waves are soft and easy, and the best way I know to do them is with a flat iron, twisting and pulling the hair through to create bends rather than curls. A salt or texture spray adds grip. Medium and long hair works, and it suits beach and outdoor weddings. Fine hair loses this wave quickly in sea air, so I add a light hold spray at the roots.
23. Vintage Inspired Updo
A vintage updo uses soft rolls, waves and pins to create a retro shape. Pin curls set the night before, or a curling iron on the day, give the base. It suits formal and classic weddings, and a vintage comb completes it. Medium to long hair works best. For a romantic, old-fashioned wedding party style, I’d pair it with a classic red lip.
24. Twisted Low Ponytail
A simple twist turns a plain ponytail into something detailed. I tie a low ponytail, flip it through a gap above the elastic, and repeat down the length, pulling each section gently wider. Smooth the top for a clean finish. It works on medium to long hair and suits bridesmaids and guests. The twisted low ponytail stays secure through the whole celebration.
25. Floral Crown Hairstyle
A floral crown sits around the head and pairs with loose waves or braids. I pin it at the temples and behind the ears, using the hair underneath for grip. Fresh or fabric blooms both work; fabric lasts longer in heat, fresh smells and looks better up close. Keep the rest of the hair soft. It suits outdoor and garden weddings and is a sweet option for flower girls.
How Many Heads Fit Into One Morning
Timing is where wedding party hair goes wrong most often. A simple ponytail or half-up style takes me around 30 to 45 minutes; a detailed updo can take an hour or more. Bridal hair usually needs longer, plus time for the veil.
I schedule the people with the longest-lasting styles first, so updos go before loose curls, and I save the bride for near the end, though not last, so there’s a buffer if anything runs over. Ask your stylist whether they bring an assistant for larger parties. Anyone with very long or thick hair should arrive with it washed and fully dried the day before, since second-day hair holds pins better than freshly washed hair.
If you’re styling your own hair
Guests and bridesmaids doing their own hair should practise the exact style at least once before the wedding, with the same products. Simpler styles like a low bun or loose waves are far safer to do alone than braids or Hollywood waves.
Pack a few bobby pins that match your hair color, a travel hairspray and a small comb in your bag. Most problems I see at receptions are a single fallen section that two pins would have fixed in a minute, so having them on hand saves the evening’s photos.
Give the Whole Party One Shared Detail
A good wedding party hairstyle suits the person wearing it and looks connected to everyone else. Sleek buns, romantic braids and soft waves can all sit in the same group photo if they share one detail, like the same pearl pins, the same side sweep or the same flower. Choose something that suits your hair, your dress and how long you’ll be on your feet, and test it before the day if you can.
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