I always ask a mother of the bride two things before we talk styles: what she’s wearing, and how she normally wears her hair. The answers rule out more options than any photo. Short, long, fine or thick, there’s a version of each look below that will work, but it has to fit your dress, your texture and a day that runs from early hair appointments to the last dance. These are the styles I’d suggest, with what each one asks of you and of your stylist.
Color and Cut Appointments, Counted Back From the Wedding
The timing of your salon visits affects how your hair looks in photos as much as the style itself.
- Color about one to two weeks before. Fresh color can look a little flat or harsh at first, and a short gap lets it settle.
- Toner or gloss a few days before, especially for gray, blonde or highlighted hair, to keep the tone fresh.
- Cut two to three weeks before, so the ends don’t look blunt in close-ups.
- Avoid smoothing treatments like keratin in the weeks before. They make hair slippery and hard to curl or pin.
If you’re unsure about a new color, try it well before the wedding. A big change close to the date leaves no time to fix it.
Gray coverage is the one exception to waiting. If roots show quickly, book the touch-up within a week of the date, because regrowth along a part is easy to see in overhead photos of the front row.
1. Low Bun for Mother of the Bride
There’s a reason the low bun is among the most requested mother of the bride looks: it stays put. I build it on a small elastic base, wrap the length around and pin it into the base, so hugs and dancing don’t shift it. It shows your jawline and earrings clearly. Sleek suits a ballroom; a few loosened pieces suit a garden. Very short layers at the nape are the one thing that can poke out, so I smooth them with a little gel.
2. Soft Curls for Mother of the Bride
Loose curls are where I have to manage expectations most. Hair that’s straight and fine by nature will drop them, sometimes by the time the ceremony ends, unless they’re set properly. I use a large barrel, pin each curl while it cools and brush out only at the end. A light flexible spray helps; heavy spray just makes them crunchy. Indoors or out, they soften the face.
3. Half-Up Half-Down for Mother of the Bride
Half-up works for medium to long hair and shows off length while keeping hair off your face. I prefer the top section twisted or braided rather than just clipped, because a twist grips better and won’t slide down the back of your head. Keep the curls below slightly loose so it feels current. A delicate clip or small floral pin covers the join. It suits relaxed and formal weddings.
4. Sleek Chignon for Mother of the Bride
A sleek chignon is formal and secure. The hair is twisted into a low knot and pinned along the twist, so it holds through emotional moments without flyaways. Fine hair needs a little texture first so the twist has grip; thick hair needs extra pins underneath. A touch of shine serum adds gloss. It shows your neckline and drop earrings well, and it suits traditional ceremonies and evening receptions.
5. Curly Bob for Mother of the Bride
A curly bob is low-maintenance and full of personality. I’d define the curls with a cream on damp hair and diffuse or air dry, then scrunch for volume. Avoid touching the curls once they’re dry, or they’ll frizz. It suits naturally curly or wavy hair best. A small sparkly clip near the ear adds a festive touch. It stays tidy all day, which helps on a long schedule.
6. Crown Braid for Mother of the Bride
A crown braid follows your hairline and wraps around the head, pinned flat every few inches. It needs enough length to reach around; shorter hair can use two braids instead. It keeps hair completely off your face, which is a relief in summer heat. A few wispy pieces at the temples soften it. Tiny flowers tucked in suit garden and outdoor weddings.
7. Vintage Finger Waves for Mother of the Bride
Finger waves are a set technique, not just curls. These sculpted S-shaped waves are molded into wet hair with gel, held with clips and left to dry before the clips come out. That takes time and real skill, so ask your stylist whether they’ve done them before. Short to medium hair suits them best. A red lip and classic earrings finish the look for vintage or black-tie weddings.
8. Textured Updo for Mother of the Bride
A textured updo is relaxed but still secure. I add texture spray, gather the hair loosely and pin from underneath so the softness is only on the surface. Fine hair looks fuller with this approach. A few tendrils soften the front. Pearl pins add a small detail. It suits formal and rustic weddings and holds well through the day.
9. Pixie Cut for Mother of the Bride
A pixie needs the least work on the day. I add a little paste to define the layers and lift the crown, then a light hold spray. Trim it about a week before so it doesn’t look freshly cut. A small jeweled clip adds a wedding touch. It highlights your eyes and cheekbones and stays exactly as styled all day.
10. Glam Waves for Mother of the Bride
Glam waves are the polished version of curls worn down. Every curl is wound in the same direction, set and cooled, then brushed into continuous waves with a boar-bristle brush. A shine spray adds gloss. It works best on shoulder-length or longer hair with some density. Humidity loosens the waves faster, so it’s best for indoor and evening weddings.
11. French Twist for Mother of the Bride
The French twist is a vertical roll that I lock with interlocking pins along the seam, which is why it holds so well all day. It needs medium to long hair; short layers can stick out of the roll. A decorative comb or a row of pearl pins adds a detail without taking over. It shows your neckline and earrings. Traditional and black-tie weddings suit it.
12. Loose Side-Swept Curls for Mother of the Bride
Swept to one side, curls draw attention to your face and the earring on the open side. I pin the back discreetly toward the swept side, since that’s where hair escapes when you turn. Curls are set and cooled before brushing. It works for indoor and outdoor weddings. Think about which side faces the couple during the ceremony.
13. Braided Updo for Mother of the Bride
Braids add grip, so a braided updo is one of the most secure styles. I braid, pancake slightly and pin the braids into the updo. It keeps hair off the face and suits outdoor and garden weddings. A few loose tendrils soften it. Small flowers or pearl pins add detail. Medium to long hair is needed.
14. Smooth Blowout for Mother of the Bride
A good blowout looks polished without looking styled. I blow-dry with a round brush for lift at the root and bounce at the ends, then set the ends in rollers while you do makeup. Shine spray adds gloss. Blowouts slowly lose volume through the day, especially in humidity, so I’d carry a small brush. It suits medium to long hair.
15. Low Ponytail for Mother of the Bride
A low ponytail looks dressed up for formal occasions when the crown has some lift and the elastic is hidden. I wrap a strand of hair around the base and pin it underneath. It works on straight or softly waved hair. A decorative pin adds a small detail. It’s comfortable and secure.
16. Voluminous Curls for Short Hair
Short hair takes curl well, since there’s little weight pulling it down. I use a small iron, curl in alternating directions, then tousle gently with my fingers. It frames the face and adds volume. A jeweled clip near the temple adds a festive accent. These curls usually hold all day, which isn’t always true of longer hair.
17. Twisted Half-Updo for Mother of the Bride
Twists pinned back at the crown keep hair off your face while the length stays down. I twist each side and cross-pin them where they meet, which holds better than a single pin. Curls below are set firmly. A few loose strands at the temples soften it. Pearl pins finish it. Formal and outdoor weddings both suit it.
18. Classic Updo With Curls
Pinned curls in an updo look soft but are very secure, because each curl is pinned individually. I set the curls first, let them cool, then pin them into a shape at the back. It suits formal weddings and evening receptions. Decorative pins or a comb add detail. It holds all day.
19. Bob With Soft Waves
Waves in a bob add movement without much length. I use a flat iron to put soft bends through the hair, leaving the ends straight so it looks modern rather than curly. A light shine spray finishes it. It’s low-maintenance and stays tidy. It suits modern and traditional weddings. Trim the bob a week or so before.
20. Floral Accented Updo for Mother of the Bride
Flowers in an updo need to be sturdy. I’d choose spray roses, waxflower or silk flowers rather than delicate fresh blooms that wilt against warm hair. Small blooms that match the bridal palette look intentional. The floral accented updo itself must be secure, since flowers add weight. A few tendrils soften the front. It suits outdoor, spring and boho weddings.
21. Sleek Straight Hair for Mother of the Bride
Straight hair worn down needs healthy ends. I flat iron in small sections with heat protectant and finish with a light serum. Tucking one side behind your ear shows an earring. It suits contemporary and formal weddings. Humidity can bring frizz back, so I’d have a small anti-frizz product in your bag.
22. Romantic Bun With Tendrils
A soft bun with tendrils is comfortable and pretty. I place the bun low or at mid-height depending on your neckline and pin it firmly at the base. Tendrils are curled separately and released just before photos so they don’t go limp. Pearl pins add a delicate touch. It suits formal and outdoor weddings.
23. Curtain Bangs With Waves
Curtain bangs with waves are modern and flatter most face shapes. I style the fringe with a round brush, sweeping it to each side, then add waves through the length. If you don’t have bangs now, cut them a few weeks before so they’ve settled. A light shine spray finishes it. Medium to long hair suits it.
24. Elegant Updo for Fine Hair
Fine hair needs volume built in before it goes up. I add texture spray at the roots, tease lightly at the crown and use small, matching bobby pins that grip without showing. A padding or hidden clip-in can add fullness. Tendrils soften the front. Pearl pins add a subtle detail. Done this way, fine hair looks fuller and holds well.
25. Side Bun for Mother of the Bride
A side bun sits over one shoulder and shows the earring on the other side. I pin the base firmly off-center, since side buns tend to slide down. A few tendrils soften the face. A decorative comb or flowers add detail. It suits formal and outdoor weddings. Check which side you’ll stand on in photos.
Complementing the Bride Without Copying Her
Your hair will stand beside the bride’s in many photos. It should feel connected but distinct.
The easiest way to coordinate is through accessories rather than the style itself. A comb in the same metal as the bride’s jewelry, or a single bloom from the bridal party flowers, links you to her without making you look like a second bride.
- Avoid the exact same style as the bride. A slightly different shape keeps the focus on her.
- Skip white flowers or veil-like accessories, which can read as bridal.
- Match the level of formality. If she’s in a sleek updo, a very loose boho style can look out of place.
- Ask her what she’d like. Many brides are happy to share their stylist’s ideas.
Do You Wear Glasses?
Glasses change how hair sits around the ears. Bring them to your trial. Arms tucked over hair push it out at the sides; tucked under, they can loosen pins. Updos and styles with hair behind the ears work best. Have a quick photo taken with and without your glasses, and decide whether you’ll wear them during the ceremony. Frames with thick arms can dent soft curls at the temples, so I leave a little more volume there.
Anti-glare lenses and flash
Lenses can reflect the photographer’s flash. An anti-reflective coating helps, and tilting the frames slightly downward in posed shots reduces glare. Neither affects your hair, but it’s worth sorting out before you’re in front of the camera.
Pick the Dress First, Then the Hair
The right mother of the bride hairstyle starts with your dress. Its neckline, fabric and formality narrow the choice quickly. Then think about comfort and how the style will hold through a long day of hugs, heat and dancing. Book a trial, wear the style for a few hours, and decide. Once it’s settled, you can focus on the day and your daughter.
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