A wedding party is rarely a set of matching heads of hair. One bridesmaid has a fine bob, another has waist-length curls, someone just had layers cut, and they all need to look like they belong together while lasting through photos, dinner and dancing. The 25 wedding party hairstyles below are the ones I reach for most when I’m styling a bridal party, with notes on how each is built, which hair it suits and where it tends to let people down by the end of the night.
Six Bridesmaids, Six Hair Types: One Look for Everyone
When a bride tells me she wants all her bridesmaids in the same updo, the first thing I check is their hair. A low bun that looks full on thick hair looks tiny on a fine bob, and a sleek style is a fight for anyone with natural curls. Instead of one identical style, I build a theme and adapt it.
- Pick one shared element: hair up, a low placement, one side part or the same accessory.
- Fine hair gets a padded bun or extra texture, so it doesn’t look smaller than the rest.
- Curly and coily hair keeps its pattern; the bun or half-up shape is built from the curls as they are.
- Short hair follows the theme with pinned-back waves or a sleek tuck behind the ears and the shared accessory.
In group photos, the eye picks up the shared element far more than the exact style, so the group still looks coordinated. And everyone feels like herself, which shows on faces.
1. Low Bun Updo for Wedding Party
If I had to put an entire bridal party in one style, it would be the low bun. It sits at the nape, stays clear of high necks and open backs alike, and it holds through anything. Smooth it for a black-tie wedding or loosen it and pull a few tendrils out for a garden one. On fine hair I tuck a small padding inside so the bun isn’t tiny. A pearl pin or small floral clip finishes it.
2. Half Up Half Down Wedding Hairstyle
Half up, half down pins the top section back and leaves the rest falling in soft curls or waves. It works on straight, wavy and curly hair, which is exactly why it’s such a common bridesmaid choice. A small braid or twist across the top looks more finished than a plain clip. The down section loosens over the hours, so set the curls slightly tighter than the finished look you want.
3. High Ponytail for Wedding Guest
A high ponytail lifts the face and looks sharp with bold makeup. It’s tied right at the crown, then a strand is wrapped round the elastic and pinned underneath. Add waves to the length or leave it straight. It keeps the neck cool, which matters in a summer marquee. The one thing to check: on long, heavy hair, a high pony pulls at the scalp, and by hour five some people get a headache, so I’ll often tie it a little lower.
4. Loose Beach Waves for Wedding Party
Beach waves are made by wrapping sections around a wand, alternating direction, and leaving the last inch straight. Run fingers through, not a brush. They suit outdoor ceremonies and summer weddings, and they’re flattering on medium to long hair of any colour. Of every style here, this is the one that changes most in sea air or humidity, so bring a clip to pin one side back later.
5. Braided Updo for Wedding
Braided updos give texture and grip at the same time. A Dutch braid, fishtail or simple three-strand braid wrapped into a low bun all work. Because the braids hold the hair, they need far fewer pins than a smooth updo, and they last the whole day. On fine hair I pull the braid edges out to make them look fuller. Small flowers or pearl pins between the braids add detail for a boho or rustic wedding.
6. Sleek Ballerina Bun for Wedding
A ballerina bun is pulled tight and smooth into a neat bun high on the head. It’s the strictest style here: every strand has to be smoothed with gel or a firm cream, and the bun needs to be perfectly round. It shows off the neck and suits high-neck or off-shoulder dresses at a black-tie wedding. It does not move all night. It also doesn’t forgive a hairline that’s uneven or thin at the temples.
7. Curly Half Updo for Wedding Party
A curly half updo lets natural curls and coils stay as they are, with only the top section gathered and pinned. Define the curls while damp with cream or mousse, let them dry completely and don’t brush them. Pin with large U-pins that slide in without disturbing the curl pattern. A decorative comb or a few small flowers at the pinned section is all it needs.
8. Side Swept Curls for Wedding Guest
Side-swept curls gather all the hair over one shoulder in soft, defined waves. To stop the curls drifting back to the centre, I pin the hair flat along the back of the head first with a row of crossed bobby pins. Then the curls are swept over and pinned on the other side. It suits strapless dresses and dangly earrings, and it needs medium to long hair with plenty of curl. Finish with shine spray rather than a stiff hairspray.
9. Messy Bun Updo for Wedding
A messy bun can be low or high, and it’s the style I’d suggest to a bridesmaid who wants to do her own hair. Texture spray or dry shampoo first, then gather, twist and pin. Pull pieces loose only after it’s secure. It works on most hair types, even a lob if you add a couple of extra pins. A small floral pin makes it festive enough for a boho or outdoor wedding.
10. Boho Braided Half Up for Wedding Party
The boho braided half up combines thin braids and twists across the crown with loose, tousled waves below. Fresh flowers, pearl chains or ribbon for extra boho charm can be woven into the braids. It suits medium and long hair of most textures. Very silky hair can let the small braids slip, so a little texture spray on the braiding sections first helps them stay.
11. Chignon Updo for Wedding Guest
The chignon coils the hair into a smooth, rounded shape at the back of the head. It’s French in origin and it’s the most classic formal updo there is. Keep it sleek or add soft waves through it. A jewelled pin or a thin crystal vine tucked along one side gives it some light. It holds all evening and is a safe choice for bridesmaids who rarely wear their hair up.
12. Twisted Updo for Wedding Party
Twisted updos give detail without braiding skills. Sections of hair are twisted and pinned up one at a time, building a textured shape at the back. Each twist holds itself, so the style is secure and forgiving if one slips. It suits medium to long hair of most textures. A few pearl pins or a sparkly clip placed between twists catch the light.
13. Pinned Back Waves for Short Hair
Short hair can look polished at weddings without trying to fake an updo. Pinned-back waves suit bobs and lobs: curl the hair into soft waves, then pin one or both sides back above the ears. A decorative clip or small comb hides the pins. It keeps hair off your face for the whole party and shows off your features. For a bridal party with a mix of lengths, this is a good way to include short-haired bridesmaids in a shared half-up theme.
14. Fishtail Braid for Wedding Guest
A fishtail braid is a woven, herringbone pattern made from two sections, so it’s simpler than it looks. Worn as a side braid over one shoulder, it’s a natural fit for boho and rustic weddings. Loosen the edges gently for a softer, fuller look. It works best on medium to long hair with some texture; very slippery hair tends to escape the tiny sections. Small flowers or pearl pins along the braid add detail.
15. Low Side Bun for Wedding Party
A low side bun sits just behind one ear, which shows off a statement earring on the other side. It suits off-shoulder and one-shoulder dresses especially well, worn on the bare side. Keep it smooth for a formal event or loosen it for a relaxed one. Because the weight is off-centre, I anchor it with pins pointed toward the middle of the head.
16. Bubble Ponytail for Wedding Guest
A bubble ponytail is made by tying small elastics down the length of a ponytail and pulling each section wider. It’s playful and works best on long, thick hair, where the bubbles are full. Clear elastics or ones that match your hair colour look neater than dark ones. Pull the bubbles out gently, a little at a time, so they stay even. A ribbon at the top finishes it.
17. Romantic Updo With Flowers for Wedding
Flowers in an updo tie your hair to the wedding palette. Ask the bride’s florist for a few extra stems from the main order so the colours match. Hardy blooms like spray roses, waxflower and baby’s breath last much longer out of water than soft ones. They go into a bun or twisted updo after hairspray, since spray browns petals. Faux flowers are a good backup for a hot summer day.
18. Sleek Straight Hair for Wedding Party
Sleek straight hair is simple but it shows everything, so it depends on good prep. Work through small sections with a flat iron and heat protectant, and finish with a little shine serum on the lengths. Part in the middle for a modern look or to the side for a softer one. It pairs with sleek dresses and minimalist jewellery. In humid weather it can puff up quickly, so it’s best for indoor venues.
19. Crown Braid for Wedding Guest
A crown braid wraps all the way around the head like a band. It’s one of the most practical styles for an outdoor summer wedding because it keeps everything off the face and neck. Leave the rest of the hair down or tuck it into the braid. It works on medium to long hair; on shorter hair, two braids from each side pinned at the back give a similar effect. Small flowers along the braid finish it.
20. Textured Low Ponytail for Wedding Party
A textured low ponytail is tied loosely at the nape with waves through the length. Unlike a sleek pony, it’s meant to look a little undone, which makes it forgiving over a long day. Wrap a strand around the base to hide the elastic and leave a few face-framing pieces loose. It suits both formal and casual outfits, and a ribbon or clip at the base adds detail.
21. Vintage Finger Waves for Wedding Guest
Vintage finger waves are sculpted S-shaped waves set close to the head with a strong-hold gel. They’re best on short to medium hair, like bobs, where the waves show clearly. They take time to set and they need to dry fully before the clips come out. Once set, they hold for hours. They suit vintage-themed or black-tie weddings with bold lipstick and statement earrings.
22. Half Up Top Knot for Wedding Party
The half up top knot is trendy and cute, and it’s quick. Gather the top section into a small knot or bun at the crown and leave the rest down, straight, wavy or curly. It adds height and keeps hair off your face. It suits relaxed weddings and younger bridesmaids, and it’s one of the easiest styles here to do yourself.
23. Curly Updo for Wedding Guest
A curly updo gathers curls and coils into a soft, full bun or pinned shape without straightening them first. Define the curls while damp, let them dry fully, then gather loosely with large pins. The volume does the work, so the style needs very little decoration; a single jewelled pin or flower is enough. It’s a comfortable, secure option for curly and coily hair.
24. Waterfall Braid for Wedding Party
A waterfall braid is a French braid where one strand is dropped at each crossover, so loose sections fall through like water. It looks delicate and romantic, and suits spring and summer weddings. Wear it across the crown or to one side. It needs medium to long hair with some wave to hold, and it’s more fragile than a regular braid, so I secure the end with a small elastic hidden under the hair.
25. Accessorized Sleek Bun for Wedding Party
Accessories turn a simple sleek bun into something festive. Pearl pins, crystal vines or jewelled combs are added to a clean low or high bun, depending on the dress. Place the accessories after the bun is fully secure, angling each pin into the bun so it doesn’t slide out. It suits formal gowns and statement earrings, and it’s an easy way for a whole bridal party to coordinate with one shared accessory.
An Hour-by-Hour Plan for the Bridesmaids’ Chair
The bridal party’s hair is usually done before the bride’s, so the bride’s is the freshest for the ceremony. Updos usually take a stylist between 30 and 45 minutes per person, and down styles a little less. A party of five can easily need three hours, which is why schedules slip so often.
- Arrive with clean, completely dry hair, washed the night before, with no oil or heavy conditioner.
- Wear a button-up shirt, so you can change into your dress without pulling it over your hair.
- Cover your face with a tissue or your hand while the final hairspray goes on, so it doesn’t settle on finished makeup.
- Leave a buffer of 20 to 30 minutes at the end for the bride’s veil and any small fixes.
Bridesmaids with the most structured styles, like finger waves or a ballerina bun, should go first, since those last longest. Loose waves can go later, so they’re fresher when photos start.
If a bridesmaid is doing her own hair, she should still be ready by the time the photographer arrives for the getting-ready shots. Half-finished hair in the background of the bride’s photos is the one thing everyone notices later.
The Dress Decides More Than You Think
For bridesmaids, the hairstyle usually follows the dress the bride chose, more than personal taste. A high neck wants an updo, a one-shoulder dress wants a side bun or side curls, and a strapless dress works with almost anything. Think about comfort too, since you’ll be standing in photos and dancing for hours. Agree on one shared detail with the rest of the party, practise once before the day, and you’ll be ready for the next wedding you attend.
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