Hair for the people around the bride has a harder job than most people realize. A bridesmaid’s style has to survive hugging, bending over a train and a long night of dancing; a mother of the bride’s has to look right in a receiving line and in every family portrait. Below are 25 wedding party hairstyles I’d actually put in a chair, from sleek low buns to braids and soft waves, with notes on which hair types hold each one and where they tend to fail. Use them to brief your stylist, or to pick something you can manage yourself.
Your Role at the Wedding Changes Which Style Makes Sense
The bride’s hair has to look good. Everyone else’s has to look good while working. Before picking from the list, think about what your day actually involves, because that decides more than your face shape does.
Bridesmaids
You’ll be bending to fix a train, holding a bouquet, carrying bags and probably dancing first. I steer bridesmaids toward low, pinned styles or braids that are anchored on a base, and away from loose curls on fine hair. If all the bridesmaids are styled by one person on the morning, simpler shapes also keep the schedule on time; an intricate braid adds real minutes per person.
Mothers of the bride and groom
You’ll be photographed from every angle, including the back during the ceremony, and you’ll hug a lot of people. A French twist, a chignon or a polished blowout usually suits best. If your hair is shorter or thinner, tell your stylist early; a soft half-up or a low twist with a small padding piece often works better than forcing an updo.
Guests doing their own hair
Pick something you’ve done before. A sleek low ponytail, a textured low pony or a simple half-up is far more reliable than a first attempt at a fishtail on the morning of. And avoid anything that could be mistaken for bridal, like a veil-style comb or a full floral crown, unless the couple has asked for it.
1. Low Twisted Chignon
If I had to pick one style for a whole bridal party, it would be this. The hair is twisted and rolled into a smooth knot at the nape, and because the weight sits low and is pinned against the head, it barely moves from the ceremony to the last song. I anchor it with crossed bobby pins into a small base ponytail or braid, which is what stops it sagging by evening. It suits most face shapes and medium to long hair, and a single pearl pin is about all it needs. Very short or heavily layered hair struggles to tuck in neatly.
2. Messy Low Bun
A messy bun is harder to do well than a neat one. The texture has to be built with a curling iron and a dry texture spray first, then pinned loosely enough to look undone but firmly enough that it doesn’t actually fall apart. I leave a few face-framing pieces, curled separately so they don’t hang limp. It sits right at backyard and garden weddings and takes floral pins or a crown easily. Wavy and textured hair types do half my work for me here; very silky straight hair needs much more prep to hold the texture.
3. Sleek Ballerina Bun
The sleek ballerina bun is all about the surface: a crisp center part, hair brushed back with no bumps, and a high, tight knot. It shows off cheekbones and statement earrings, which is why I suggest it for city weddings and formal receptions. The prep matters most. I blow-dry the hair completely smooth first, then use a small amount of gel or a smoothing balm and a boar bristle brush. Fine or thin hair can borrow volume from a padded donut or clip-in pieces. It’s unforgiving on anyone who dislikes their hairline or ears on show.
4. Half-Up Half-Down Waves
Half-up, half-down keeps hair out of the face while leaving length on show, and it’s the request I get most from bridesmaids. The top section is pinned back and the rest falls in soft waves. The weak point is the waves themselves: on fine or very straight hair they can drop flat by the reception, so I curl with a smaller barrel than the finished look needs and let the curls cool fully before brushing out. It suits almost any venue and medium to long hair. Crystal pins or a small comb hide where the top section is anchored.
5. Fishtail Braid Updo
A fishtail is woven from two sections rather than three, which gives a finer, more intricate texture than a standard braid. Pinned into an updo it holds very well, since each crossing grips the next. I like it for outdoor and boho weddings, where small flowers, pearl chains or ribbon can be tucked into the weave. Thick and long hair braids most easily; on fine hair I pancake the braid, gently pulling the edges wider, to make it look fuller. It takes longer than most styles here, so build it into the morning timeline.
6. Soft Hollywood Waves
Hollywood waves are the old-school glamour look: big, polished waves with a deep side part or a clean center part, brushed into one smooth sweep. I set them with a large-barrel iron or hot rollers, pin each curl to cool, then brush them out with a boar bristle brush so they join into a single wave pattern. It suits formal and evening weddings and works best on medium to long hair that holds curl. Pair it with statement earrings and a bold lip. In humid outdoor heat it will soften, so I’d save this for indoor venues.
7. Braided Crown Updo
A braided crown wraps around the head like a halo and keeps every strand off the face and neck, which makes it a good call for hot summer weddings. I usually start two Dutch braids behind the ears and pin them across the top, hiding the ends underneath. Loose and pulled out looks romantic; tight looks neat and more formal. Fresh flowers can be tucked in, though they should be hardy stems that won’t wilt in an hour. It needs long hair, and fine hair can look sparse without some pancaking or a clip-in braid.
8. Sleek Low Ponytail
The low ponytail is the easiest style here to get wrong, because there’s nowhere to hide. Hair is smoothed back and tied at the nape, and I wrap a small section around the elastic and pin it underneath to hide it. Any bumps or flyaways show at the crown, so I blow-dry smooth first and use a little balm or gel. It suits modern and formal weddings and lets the dress and jewelry lead. Straight or smoothed hair is easiest; very curly hair can do a sleek version but takes much longer.
9. Tousled Top Knot
The tousled top knot sits high and loose and lifts the hair right off the neck, so it’s one of the coolest options for a summer dance floor. The texture comes from curling first and adding dry texture spray, then pinning the knot so it looks relaxed but doesn’t wobble. A few pieces left loose at the front soften it. Long, thick hair and textured layers carry it best. I’d skip it with a high-necked dress or a fascinator, both of which compete with a high bun.
10. Romantic Curls Half-Up
Curls cascading below a pinned-back crown section is the softest half-up on this list. I twist the top pieces back rather than just clipping them, which gives a little detail and holds better. Bouncy curls need structure, so I set them with a medium barrel and spray each section lightly before curling, not just after. It suits spring and summer, gardens and vineyards, and medium to long hair. A hair vine or a few fresh blooms can be added. On fine hair, expect the curls to loosen gradually over the day.
11. Dutch Braid Bun
A Dutch braid bun uses an inverted braid, where the strands cross under rather than over, so the braid stands out on the surface. It leads into a low or mid bun and stays put remarkably well, because the braid acts as an anchor for the pins. I like it for rustic and outdoor weddings. Thick or long hair braids most easily. Small flowers or pearl pins sit neatly in the braid’s gaps, and it’s a style I’d happily recommend to a bridesmaid who dreads her hair falling down.
12. Side-Swept Waves
All the hair falls over one shoulder in loose waves, which shows off earrings and an open neckline and adds a bit of drama. The hidden work is at the back: I pin a few crossed bobby pins behind the ear on the far side to stop the hair sliding back to the center, which it always wants to do. It suits formal weddings and evening receptions and medium to long hair that holds curl. If you’re wearing a one-shoulder dress, put the hair on the open side.
13. Bubble Braid Ponytail
A bubble braid ponytail is a ponytail sectioned with small clear elastics, each section gently pulled out into a rounded bubble. It’s fun and modern, and pretty secure, since each elastic holds its own section. I suit it to younger bridesmaids and less traditional weddings. Long hair is needed for a good number of bubbles, and ribbon or pearl strands can be wrapped through it. The bubbles flatten if pressed against a chair back for hours, so keep a comb nearby for a quick refresh.
14. Loose Braided Half-Up
The top section is braided loosely and pinned back, while the rest flows below. It’s the relaxed sister of the curled half-up, and I prefer it on hair that won’t hold a strong curl, since a braid keeps its shape even if the waves fall. It’s an easy choice for garden weddings and outdoor ceremonies. Dainty pins or a few small flowers finish it, and medium to long hair works. I gently pull the braid edges wider once it’s pinned so it doesn’t look tight.
15. Classic French Twist
The French twist is a vertical roll at the back of the head, and it’s still the style I’d suggest to a mother of the bride who wants to look polished all day. Smooth hair is gathered, twisted upward and pinned into the seam. The secret is a line of crossed pins along a hidden base at the back, so the roll has something to grip; without it, a twist on heavy hair unravels. It suits formal and traditional weddings and medium to long hair. A decorative comb or pearl pins dress it up.
16. Boho Waves With Floral Pins
Loose, tousled waves with small flowers scattered through them are about as relaxed as wedding hair gets. I’d use fresh flowers only if the florist can wire them and they’re added late, since loose blooms wilt and fall within a few hours in heat; silk ones avoid the worry. It suits vineyard, garden and bohemian weddings and medium to long wavy hair. If your hair is naturally wavy, I’ll enhance your own pattern rather than replace it, which holds better than curling over it.
17. Sleek Middle-Part Bun
A middle-part bun is sleek, symmetrical and low, and it relies entirely on a precise part. I part with the tail of a comb, check it straight down the nose in the mirror, then smooth the hair back into a low bun with a little shine serum. It’s an editorial, modern look for city weddings and formal receptions, and it highlights cheekbones and earrings. Straight or smoothed hair of any length works. A middle part is less forgiving for some face shapes, so try it before committing.
18. Twisted Side Updo
Loose twists gathered to one side and pinned low near the ear give a soft, asymmetrical updo. Each twist adds texture, and pinning them in overlapping layers keeps the side bun stable through hugs. It’s one of my favorites for garden weddings, and it shows off earrings on the open side. Soft tendrils can be left around the face. Medium to long hair works; on shoulder-length hair I use more, smaller twists. Florals or pearl pins can be tucked between them.
19. Voluminous Blowout
A blowout looks simple but gets a lot of attention: full, glossy hair with lift at the root and movement at the ends. I work in sections with a round brush and a volumizing mousse at the root, then finish with a cool shot to lock each section’s shape. It’s for anyone who prefers hair down at a formal event. It works on medium to long hair with some body. The honest caveat: humidity and a hot dance floor flatten a blowout faster than any updo, so it’s a better choice indoors than at a beach.
20. Pinned-Back Curls With Pearls
Soft curls partially pinned back with pearl pins is one of the most classic party looks right now. I place the pearls along the pinned section in an uneven line, not in a perfect row, which looks more natural. Pearl pins with a bobby-pin back grip far better than ones on a smooth stick. This suits formal and classic weddings, and works for bridesmaids, mothers and guests with medium to long hair. The pearls also give a little light around the face in photos.
21. Textured Low Ponytail
Unlike the sleek version, this ponytail embraces volume and texture. I curl the length first, tease the crown slightly for height, then gather it low and leave pieces around the face. It’s a style that forgives a bit of humidity and movement, which makes it practical for outdoor and boho weddings and anyone who wants to dance. Medium to long hair with natural movement suits it best. Wrap a section around the elastic or tie on a ribbon to finish.
22. Braided Low Bun
A braid wraps around or flows into a smooth low bun at the nape, giving texture and a secure hold. The braid can sit along one side of the head or circle the bun itself; either way it acts as a frame. It works at rustic, formal and outdoor weddings alike, and keeps hair off the neck through a long day. Thick or long hair braids most easily. Small flowers or pearl pins fit naturally into the braid, and the bun can be as neat or as loose as you like.
23. Curtain Bangs With Updo
Curtain bangs paired with an updo frame the face and soften even a fairly structured bun. The key is styling the bangs separately with a small round brush so they curve away from the face, rather than letting them hang flat. I’d pair them with a bun, a chignon or a twist depending on the dress. It’s a modern combination for contemporary weddings and gardens, flattering on most face shapes. If you’re thinking of cutting curtain bangs for the wedding, do it at least a month ahead so they have time to settle.
24. Glossy Sleek Straight Hair
Glossy, completely straight hair is a minimal look that suits modern city weddings and formal receptions, and it shows off statement earrings and a clean neckline. I flat-iron in small sections at a moderate heat with a heat protectant, then finish with a little shine serum on the mid-lengths and ends, never the roots. It works on straight hair of any length. Curly or very frizz-prone hair can be straightened, but it may revert in humidity, so I’d plan an indoor venue.
25. Floral Crown With Loose Waves
A crown of fresh flowers on loose, flowing waves is the most bohemian look here, and it suits outdoor ceremonies and relaxed weddings. Ask the florist for a crown made of sturdy blooms and greenery that tolerate being out of water; delicate flowers droop by the reception. I secure the crown with bobby pins crossed through the hair behind the ears so it doesn’t slide. Medium to long wavy hair carries it best. Keep the crown a little smaller than the bride’s if she’s wearing one too.
Showing Up to the Chair With Hair I Can Work With
Most hair problems on a wedding morning start the night before. Freshly washed, silky hair is slippery; pins slide out and curls drop. For updos and braids, I’d ask you to wash the day before and skip heavy conditioner and oils on the lengths. For a blowout or styles worn down, hair washed that morning and dried completely is usually best. Very fine hair is the exception, since it can look flat by the next day, so ask your stylist which suits yours.
- Arrive with hair fully dry. Drying wet hair eats into everyone’s time slot.
- Wear a button-up or zip-front top so you can change without pulling anything over your head.
- Bring the accessories you’ll wear, so they can be built into the style rather than added at the end.
- If you wear clip-in extensions, bring them, and say so when you book.
- Mention any sensitive scalp or past reactions to hairspray before styling starts.
A small kit for the evening helps too: a few matching bobby pins, a travel hairspray and a fine comb. Most styles only need a pin pushed back in, not a redo.
Decide on the Dress and the Venue, Then the Hair
The right wedding party hairstyle balances how it looks with what you’ll be doing all day. A sleek ballerina bun, a soft half-up or a floral crown can all work, but only if they suit your hair type, your dress and the venue. Pearl pins, soft textures and fresh flowers are popular right now; none of them matter if the style won’t last the night. Think about the neckline, the weather and how long you’ll be celebrating, then show your stylist the two or three looks you like most.
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