Soft curls are the request I hear most at trials, and the one most likely to disappoint by evening if they’re done like everyday curls. A wedding curl has to survive a veil, hugs, a warm room and ten hours of moving around, then still look soft in the last photo. The trick is to build a firmer curl than you want and relax it, never the reverse. Below are the curled styles I do most, from half-up and side-swept to chignons and short bobs, with notes on how each holds up and who it suits.
Setting Curls So They Last Until the Last Song
Most soft curls that drop by dinner were never set properly in the morning. A curl holds its shape as it cools, not while it’s hot, so how the hair is treated in those first minutes decides how it looks hours later.
What I ask you to do the day before
Wash the night before, or the morning before if your hair gets oily quickly. Squeaky-clean hair is slippery and curls slide out of it. Skip conditioner on the roots and any heavy oils or serums.
What happens in my chair
- Heat protectant first, then a light mousse or root spray on damp or dry hair for grip.
- Smaller sections than you’d use at home, so heat reaches every strand.
- Each curl pinned up in a loop while it cools, ideally for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Only then a brush-out, a light hairspray and a few pieces pulled loose.
It takes longer than curling at home, but it’s what stops the curls from relaxing into straight hair by the speeches.
1. Half Up Half Down Soft Curls Wedding Hair
Half-up is popular because it solves two problems at once: hair stays off the face, and length still shows. I curl everything with a 1.25-inch barrel, let the curls cool, then gather the top section and anchor it with crossed bobby pins before any pearl clip goes in. The clip is decoration; the pins do the holding. A veil slides in just under that anchor, and it stays put through the ceremony and the first dance.
2. Soft Curls Low Bun Wedding Hair
A low bun with loose curled tendrils is the style I’d suggest to a bride who wants curls but hates hair on her neck. I curl first so the bun itself has texture, then gather it at the nape and pin it in sections rather than wrapping it into one tight coil. The face-framing pieces are cut from the front hairline, no more than two on each side; more than that and they get in the way of eating. It sits neatly under a cathedral veil, and a pearl pin or small bloom is plenty.
3. Brushed Out Soft Curls Wedding Hair
Brushing out curls is how you get that fluffy, airy texture, and the timing matters. I only brush once the curls have fully cooled, ideally after pinning them up while they set. Brush hot curls and they fall straight. A wide paddle brush or fingers break each ringlet into a soft wave. It’s forgiving, since it doesn’t rely on perfect definition, but it does need volume to start, so I’d add root mousse on fine hair. Garden ceremonies and flower crowns suit it well.
4. Soft Curls Side Swept Wedding Hair
Side-swept curls look old-Hollywood, and they live or die on the hidden pins. I curl the hair away from the face, then cross-pin the opposite side flat behind the ear so the weight can’t slide back. Everything drapes over one shoulder. One-shoulder and off-the-shoulder gowns pair naturally with this. I’d warn against it if you have very heavy, long hair and a long day ahead, because all that weight on one side pulls, and some brides get a headache by the reception. A comb on the pinned side covers the pins.
5. Soft Curls Half Up With Braid Wedding Hair
A small braid adds detail to curls without the formality of an updo. I braid across the crown or down one side, pin it at the back, then pancake it gently with my fingers so it looks soft rather than tight. Curls flow below. I’d do the braid before curling the ends, so the curls aren’t crushed by the braiding. Tuck in tiny flowers or baby’s breath along the braid; the plaits grip stems better than loose hair does.
6. Soft Curls Chignon Wedding Hair
A curled chignon is my go-to when a bride wants something secure that still looks soft. I curl the whole head, then twist and pin the curls into a low, textured knot, leaving one or two face-framing pieces free. Because every section is pinned individually, it doesn’t move during dancing, and I’ve rarely seen one need a touch-up. It suits ballgowns and sleek modern dresses equally well. A crystal pin or a fresh bloom tucked into the side of the knot finishes it.
7. Soft Curls With Veil Wedding Hair
Curls and a veil are the classic combination, and placement is the part most people get wrong. A veil comb needs something to grip, so I always create a small pinned anchor under the crown, usually a half-up section or a tucked twist, and slide the comb in there. Wear the rest down. After the ceremony the veil comes out and the curls underneath are still intact, which is why I always pin the anchor before I touch the curling iron to the lengths. Two looks in one day, with no restyle needed.
8. Soft Curls Ponytail Wedding Hair
A curled ponytail is cooler than hair worn down in warm weather. I tease the base lightly so it doesn’t look flat at the crown, secure it with a clear elastic, then wrap a section of hair around the elastic and pin it underneath. Low or mid-height both work. I leave soft face-framing curls at the front. Be aware that a ponytail can pull at the scalp after many hours, so I set it slightly looser than you’d wear one to the gym. A decorative clip or small flowers at the base finish it.
9. Soft Curls Updo Wedding Hair
This updo uses curls as its building blocks: each curl is pinned up individually into a loose arrangement, rather than smoothed into a sleek shape. That’s what gives it volume and softness. I leave a few tendrils near the face. Updos are the most secure option on this list, so they suit long receptions and dancing, and they show off statement earrings and higher necklines. Tiaras, combs and flowers all sit well in them because there are plenty of pins to anchor to.
10. Soft Curls Flower Crown Wedding Hair
A flower crown sits best on curled hair worn down, since the curls give the crown something to rest on. I attach it with bobby pins through the base on both sides and at the back; a crown that’s simply placed on top slides with every movement. Fresh flowers wilt by the evening in heat, so for summer I’d suggest a mix with dried or preserved blooms. Match the crown to the bouquet for an outdoor or festival-style wedding.
11. Soft Curls Tiara Wedding Hair
Tiaras need a stable base, and soft curls alone don’t give one. I tease and pin a small section at the crown first, set the tiara into it, then curl the rest so it frames the face. A tiara tilting forward is the most common thing I fix at receptions, and it’s always because it was perched on loose hair. Updos and down styles both work. For ballrooms and formal venues, add a veil tucked behind the tiara for extra drama.
12. Soft Curls Face Framing Wedding Hair
Face-framing curls flatter most faces because they soften the jawline and cheekbones. I twist the front sections back loosely and pin them at the crown, then curl the face-framing pieces away from the face, which opens it up in photos. Curling them towards the face looks pretty in the mirror but hides your eyes in side shots. It works with half-up styles and updos alike, giving structure with soft movement at the front.
13. Soft Curls Boho Wedding Hair
Boho curls should look lived-in rather than set. I curl in alternating directions so the waves don’t line up, then tousle them with a texture spray instead of brushing. Small braids, twists or wildflowers add to the look. Worn down or loosely half-up, it suits beaches, woodland and outdoor ceremonies. On very fine hair this style can go flat by mid-afternoon, so I’d consider a few clip-in pieces for body.
14. Soft Curls Vintage Wedding Hair
Vintage curls start as tight, defined waves set with a smaller barrel or pin curls, then brushed out into a smooth, rolling shape. That set is the difference between true vintage waves and ordinary curls. Think finger waves and glamorous 1940s-style curls. I pin one side back for an asymmetrical line. Retro lace gowns, pearls and a birdcage veil or jewelled comb fit naturally. It needs a firm-hold product, so it’s less soft to the touch than other styles here.
15. Soft Curls Short Hair Wedding Hair
Short hair holds curls well because there’s less weight pulling them down. I use a small barrel, around 1 inch, on a bob or lob, then tousle for volume. One side pinned back with a clip adds a touch of polish. The thing to watch is the length at the nape: very short back sections can’t hold a curl and look frizzy, so I sometimes just smooth those. Delicate pins and floral clips scale nicely to short hair.
16. Soft Curls Long Hair Wedding Hair
Long hair worn down is the most romantic option and the hardest to keep curled. Length is weight, and weight pulls curls straight within hours. I use a large barrel, pin each curl while it cools, and use more texture spray than usual. A deep side part gives extra glamour. Veils, tiaras and crowns all pair with it. If your hair falls past the middle of your back, I’d consider a half-up version instead, since it keeps some of the weight off.
17. Soft Curls Pinned Back Wedding Hair
Pinning back the sides keeps hair out of your face while the curls flow freely behind. I sweep each side back and cross-pin it flat, then add pearl or crystal pins over the top to match your jewellery. It shows off earrings and works with veils and tiaras. It’s one of the more comfortable styles here, because nothing pulls at the scalp; the weight sits mostly at the back.
18. Soft Curls Messy Bun Wedding Hair
A messy bun takes more care than it looks. I curl first, gather the hair loosely, pin it in sections, then pull out tendrils at the face and neck. The undone texture hides imperfections, which makes it forgiving over a long day. Boho, garden and casual weddings suit it. I’d add small flowers or a delicate pin. On fine hair, I’ll often add a clip-in piece inside the bun so it doesn’t look thin.
19. Soft Curls With Hair Accessories Wedding Hair
Accessories personalise soft curls, but they need pins to anchor to. I curl the hair first, then add pearl pins, crystal combs or jewelled clips at points where I’ve already set a few crossed bobby pins underneath. Fresh flowers or baby’s breath work too. Worn down or half-up, the curls frame the pieces. Choose accessories that match your gown and jewellery, and I’d avoid too many in one look; two placements usually look intentional.
20. Soft Curls Crown Braid Wedding Hair
A crown braid frames the face like a halo with curls below. I braid a section around the crown and pin it, then curl the remaining length into soft waves. The braid also anchors flowers well. It works for boho and fairytale weddings. On thinner hair the braid can look narrow, so I sometimes braid in a matching hair extension for thickness, which nobody notices in photos.
21. Soft Curls Deep Side Part Wedding Hair
A deep side part creates volume at the crown and an elegant sweep across the forehead. I set the part while the hair is damp, because switching parts on dry hair leaves the roots standing up. Then I curl the lengths and brush them into one direction. Worn down or swept to one side, it suits classic glamour and most face shapes. Statement earrings complete it.
22. Soft Curls Bridesmaid Wedding Hair
Soft curls are the easiest way to give a bridal party a matching look without forcing identical styles. I curl each bridesmaid’s hair the same way, then let them choose down or half-up depending on their hair and dress. It’s a practical choice for bridesmaids with different lengths. I keep their curls slightly less polished than the bride’s so she still stands out. Small matching accessories tie the group together.
23. Soft Curls Half Up Top Knot Wedding Hair
A half-up top knot gives curls a modern twist. I gather the top section into a small knot, pin it, and let the curls flow below. The knot should sit at or just behind the crown; lower and it looks like a regular half-up. It keeps hair off your face and suits boho and contemporary weddings. A delicate pin or tiny flowers around the knot finish it, and it’s very comfortable to wear for hours.
24. Soft Curls With Headband Wedding Hair
A headband sits across the crown and keeps curls out of your face. I curl first, place the headband, then secure it from behind with small pins at each end so it doesn’t creep backward. Pearl, crystal and floral designs all suit it. Boho and vintage-inspired weddings pair naturally with this. Because the headband sits on top, I keep the curls loose and soft; tight curls look busy next to a beaded band.
25. Soft Curls Loose Waves Wedding Hair
Loose waves are the softest take on curls, made with a large barrel and loosened with fingers. Worn down, they suit beach, garden and casual weddings, and they pair easily with veils and floral accessories. They are also the first style to drop in humidity, so I’d consider this one only if your hair holds a curl naturally or your venue is air-conditioned. Otherwise, choose a half-up version for extra security.
How Fine, Thick and Natural Curls Each Behave
Every style above can be done on most hair, but the approach changes completely with texture, and I plan the trial around it.
Fine hair
It takes a curl quickly and drops it just as fast. I use more product at the roots, smaller barrels, and often a few clip-ins for body. Half-up and pinned styles hold better than everything worn down.
Thick or coarse hair
It holds a curl for ages, but it takes longer to heat through, so sections must be thin. Heavy hair is also hot on the neck, which is why I often suggest a low bun or chignon for summer weddings.
Naturally curly or coily hair
I rarely straighten and re-curl it. Defining your own curl pattern with a gel or cream and a diffuser keeps it healthier, and natural curls often hold their shape longer than anything I could make with an iron. Moving into humid air, they’ll expand, so plan for a bit more volume than at the trial.
Whatever your texture, bring a few bobby pins and a mini hairspray to the reception. Ten seconds of re-pinning usually fixes anything that’s moved.
Ask for a Set, Not Just a Curl
Soft curls are less about the iron and more about the set: the right barrel for your hair, cooling time, pins in the right place. That’s what keeps them soft and in place for the whole day. Pick a style that fits your hair length and texture, then personalise it with a veil, tiara or a few pins. And book a trial, because that’s when I find out how your hair actually holds a curl.
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