Most brides who ask me for an updo want one thing above all: to stop thinking about their hair once the ceremony starts. A well-built updo does that. Whether it’s a sleek ballerina bun, a braided chignon or a loose knot with a few tendrils at the cheek, the shape is locked down before you leave the chair. Below are thirty of them, with what each one asks of your hair, how it sits with a veil and where it tends to fail. Some will rule themselves out the moment you know your own texture.
Updo Height Follows Your Neckline and Veil
Before I look at inspiration photos with a bride, I ask two questions: what neckline is the dress, and is there a veil? Those answers usually decide where the updo sits, and the placement matters more than the style.
At the nape
Low buns and chignons suit high necks, lace backs and illusion necklines, because the hair stays clear of the fabric. They also sit neatly under a veil comb placed just above them, which is why I suggest this height most.
Mid-crown
Twisted and rolled updos at the back of the head work with almost any neckline. A veil can sit above or below. This is the most flexible height if you haven’t chosen your veil yet.
High on the crown
Top knots and high ballerina buns suit strapless and off-shoulder gowns that show the neck. They make veils tricky, since the comb has to go under the bun, and they put more pull on the hairline over a long day.
1. Classic Low Bun Wedding Updo
If I had to pick one updo for a bride I’d never met, it would be this. A low bun sits at the nape, where it’s least affected by a veil comb, a hug or a car headrest. I build it on a firm ponytail so the bun has an anchor, then decide on the day how sleek or loose to finish it. Pulling out a few strands softens it for a garden; leaving it glossy suits a church. A single pearl pin or a fresh bloom at the side is all it needs.
2. Messy High Bun Bridal Updo
Looking for something relaxed? A messy high bun is forgiving because nothing has to be placed precisely, and loose pieces only add to it. What people don’t see is how much texture goes in first: I curl or crimp the lengths so the bun has body, then backcomb the base lightly. Fine, silky hair collapses into a small knot without that prep. Set high on the crown it lengthens the neck, which is why it sits well with a flowing gown and minimal jewelry at a rustic venue.
3. French Twist Bridal Updo
The French twist is a fold, not a bun, and that’s both its strength and its demand. Hair is gathered smoothly to one side and tucked into a vertical roll down the back of the head, so the line has to be straight or the whole shape looks lopsided. It needs medium to long hair with enough body to hold the fold; I often lightly backcomb the underside so the roll has something to grip. Kept strict, it’s very formal. A jeweled comb tucked along the seam is the classic finish.
4. Braided Low Chignon Updo
Braids coiled into a low bun give this chignon its texture, and the braiding helps with hold too, since pins lock into woven hair instead of sliding. I tend to braid in two or three sections, depending on thickness, so the coils stay in proportion to your head. On fine hair I pancake the braids before coiling to make them look fuller. Tiny pearls or crystal pins sit neatly between the loops. It suits a classic church as well as a boho field.
5. Sleek Ballerina Bun Updo
Center part, perfectly smooth surface, bun placed high or mid-crown: the ballerina bun is one of the most requested looks I do right now. The slicked-back styling keeps every hair in place, but it also shows every bump, so I brush with a boar-bristle brush and a little gel in sections until the surface is completely flat. It works best on straight or smoothed hair; very curly hair can do it, but it takes longer and more product. Pair it with bold earrings and a structured gown.
6. Twisted Low Bun With Tendrils
Twisting the sections before they’re gathered gives this low bun more depth than a smooth one, and the twists help it hold over a long day. I leave tendrils around the face and wave them with a large barrel so they fall rather than coil. The look sits between polished and undone, and it’s comfortable to wear, which brides notice by hour eight. A sprig of baby’s breath at the side keeps it simple for a garden or beach ceremony.
7. Floral Accented Updo
Fresh flowers turn a soft bun or chignon into something that matches your bouquet. Roses and baby’s breath hold up well; delicate petals wilt fast once out of water, so ask your florist for stems prepared for hair, usually wired and taped. I place a cluster on one side when I want a clear focal point and scatter smaller pieces when the updo is busy already. Spring and summer weddings suit it, and outdoor light shows off the color best.
8. Vintage Curls Updo
Old Hollywood updos start as a full curl set. I curl each section, pin it while it cools, then brush and arrange the waves into a pinned shape so the ripple runs across the back of the head. Rushing the cooling step is the most common reason this look drops by the reception. A lace gown and a vintage venue suit it, and a birdcage veil or a sparkling comb finishes it. It reads glamorous without needing a 1920s theme.
9. Crown Braid Updo
Wrapped right around the head like a halo, a crown braid feels secure all day because its pins hide inside the plait. The rest of the hair can be tucked into a bun underneath or left down in waves. Short layers poke out of the braid, so on layered cuts I use a little wax as I braid. Fresh flowers can be woven along it. It keeps the neck clear, which is a real comfort at a summer outdoor wedding.
10. Side Swept Chignon Updo
A side-swept chignon gathers everything to one side, which shows off one shoulder or an asymmetric neckline. I always ask which side you’ll stand on at the ceremony, because the chignon should face your guests, not your partner. The pinning runs along the opposite side of the head in a hidden line. Waves or a sleek finish both work, depending on the formality, and a jeweled clip near the chignon catches the light.
11. Braided Updo With Pearls
Pearls are a bridal accessory trend that has lasted, and woven through a braided bun they give a soft glow instead of sparkle. You can use pearl strands threaded through the braids or individual pearl pins. I prefer pins on fine hair, because strands add weight that pulls the braid loose. Scatter them for a light touch or line them along a braid for structure. It suits classic and vintage weddings, and modern ones too if the pearls stay few.
12. Loose Curly Bun Updo
Curly hair doesn’t need to be straightened for an updo. This one gathers natural curls into a soft, voluminous bun and lets a few spirals fall free. I define the curls with cream or gel on damp hair and avoid brushing through once dry, since that turns curls into frizz. Large pins or a silk scrunchie hold the bun without snagging. Delicate pins or a flower add detail without hiding the texture you came to show.
13. Sleek Structured Updo
Clean lines and sharp, almost geometric shapes define this updo. Every strand has a place, which means the prep matters more than the pinning: hair needs to be fully smoothed with a blow-dry before I start shaping. It works best on straight or smoothed hair. Paired with an architectural gown and simple jewelry, it reads modern, and a gallery or urban venue suits it well. I’d skip it if your hair frizzes in humidity, because there’s no texture to hide it.
14. Half-Up Braided Updo
Can’t decide between up and down? A half-up braid secures the top section while the rest falls loose. It keeps hair off your face and shows length. Strictly it’s not an updo, so I mention honestly that the loose half takes the humidity, and on very fine hair those curls soften within hours. The braid at the crown gives the look its detail. Small flowers or a delicate clip sit right where the braids meet.
15. Twisted Updo With Veil
This updo is built around the veil from the start. Twisted sections are gathered into a shape that gives the veil comb something solid to grip, which matters with a long or heavy veil. Ask me to place the comb at the crown for height or at the nape for a softer drape, and we test both at the trial. When the veil comes off for the reception, the twists still look finished on their own. That’s the point of planning it this way.
16. Bohemian Messy Updo
Free-spirited brides tend to ask for this one. It embraces loose, undone texture with soft pieces falling around the face, and the trick is making it look intentional. I curl first, rough it up with fingers rather than a brush, and pin it loosely. Wildflowers or greenery suit it. Without enough texture, it can look like hair that fell out, so on very fine hair I use more texture spray than usual. Meadows and gardens are its natural setting.
17. Elegant Rolled Updo
Smooth sections are rolled and pinned into a graceful shape here, giving volume without the mess of curls. The rolls need to be the same width, otherwise the shape looks uneven from the back, and that’s what I check most closely. This updo holds through long celebrations, since rolled sections hold tension well. A few face-framing strands soften it, or keep it sleek for a formal event with a jeweled comb.
18. Low Knot Bun Updo
A sculptural knot tied at the nape looks clean and modern, and the knotted detail is the whole point. I literally tie two sections around each other and then pin the ends inside, so the knot holds its form on its own. It suits most necklines and simple jewelry. Keep it polished for a formal wedding, or loosen a few strands. It’s comfortable through a long day because the weight sits low and is evenly spread.
19. Romantic Updo With Curls
Soft curls are gathered and arranged here into a loose, romantic shape, with a few curls escaping around the face. Natural curls or iron-made curls both work. With iron curls I use a setting spray first and pin each curl while it cools, which makes the updo hold more volume. Delicate florals or a sparkling hairpiece suit it, and soft natural light is where it photographs best.
20. Fishtail Braid Updo
A fishtail braid looks complex, but it’s only two strands crossed back and forth, which keeps it secure. I braid it before coiling it into a bun or chignon. Loosening the braid slightly softens it, and tiny flowers or pearls can be woven in. On thinner hair the braid looks small once coiled, so I sometimes add a clip-in weft before braiding. Rustic and beach weddings suit its texture.
21. Sleek Side Part Updo
A deep side part sweeps the hair dramatically to one side before it’s gathered into a sleek bun or chignon. The part line has to be razor sharp, so I make it with the tail of a comb on damp hair and blow-dry it into position before shaping. That asymmetry flatters most faces. Keep the finish smooth and add a jeweled clip near the part for evening. It pairs well with statement earrings.
22. Textured Updo With Flowers
Here tousled, textured hair is gathered into a loose bun with flowers worked through it. Texture gives the flowers something to sit in, since smooth hair lets stems slide out. I wire every stem and pin it into the bun’s structure, not just the surface. Match the blooms to your bouquet so the look ties together. Boho, rustic and spring weddings suit it, and it moves naturally through the day.
23. Classic Bun With Headband
A jeweled or pearl headband turns a smooth bun into something regal. The bun keeps hair polished while the headband frames the face. Fit is the issue I raise most: a tight band behind the ears aches after a few hours, so wear it at home before the wedding. Crystal, pearl or floral bands each change the mood, so match it to your gown’s detail. Formal weddings suit it best.
24. Wrapped Bun Updo
Sections of hair are wrapped around a central bun in layers, which gives a smooth, sculptural shape. Each wrap is pinned at the base so it doesn’t spring loose. The layers add dimension without fuss. It works best with medium to long hair, since short layers can’t wrap fully. Keep it sleek for a formal wedding or soften it with a couple of loose strands. A delicate pin finishes it.
25. Boho Braided Crown Updo
The braided halo runs around the crown while soft, textured pieces flow below for a relaxed feel. It’s the softer, looser version of a crown braid, so I pull out more pieces than usual. Flowers or greenery woven into the braid suit outdoor and festival-style weddings. With natural makeup and a flowing gown, it reads relaxed. Thin hair benefits from a clip-in braid to make the halo look full.
26. Polished Top Knot Updo
A polished top knot sits high on the crown and lengthens the neck. It’s sleek, sculptural and modern. The weight sits high, so I build it on a secure ponytail and pin from several directions. Some brides find a high knot pulls by evening, so I’d test it at the trial for comfort. Bold earrings and modern gowns suit it, and city venues are where it looks most at home.
27. Soft Waves Updo
Gentle waves gathered into a loose shape keep hair off the face while showing movement. I wave the hair first, then pin the waves in sections so each one stays visible. A few waves escape around the face. Garden and beach weddings suit it. Delicate florals or a sparkling hairpiece add detail. In soft daylight the waves catch the light gently.
28. Twisted Halo Updo
Twisted sections are wrapped around the head here to create a crown effect without braids. Twists are quicker than braids and lie a little flatter. I pin each twist into the next, so the halo holds tightly. Leave the rest in a bun or let waves flow beneath. Delicate flowers woven in suit boho and fairytale themes. Fine hair may need a little backcombing so the twists look substantial.
29. Low Chignon With Side Braid
One section is braided along the side and swept into a low chignon at the nape, which adds texture to a smooth shape. The braid frames the face on one side, so I place it on the side guests will see most during the ceremony. Tiny pearls or flowers decorate it. It suits classic, vintage and modern weddings alike, and pairs with statement earrings.
30. Voluminous Updo With Curls
Height and fullness come from bouncy curls pinned into an elegant shape. Thick hair gives volume naturally, while finer hair may need backcombing at the crown or clip-in extensions. The more volume, the more weight, so I spread the pins evenly so no spot gets sore. Formal and ballroom weddings suit it, especially with statement jewelry. A sparkling comb or flowers finish it.
Arrive With Unwashed Hair, Mostly
Updos hold better on hair with a little grip, so I ask most brides to wash the day before, not the morning of. Freshly washed hair is slippery and lets pins slide. There are exceptions: very fine or oily hair can get limp, so wash it the evening before and skip conditioner at the roots.
- Dry your hair completely. Damp hair under an updo stays damp for hours and flattens.
- Skip oils and heavy serums the night before; they make the base slick.
- Wear a button-front top so nothing pulls over your head once your hair is done.
- Bring your headpiece, veil and any hair flowers to the appointment, not just the trial.
Getting Pins Out at the End of the Night
An updo can have dozens of pins, plus a lot of hairspray. Don’t pull it apart in a hurry. Find the pins with your fingertips and slide them out in the direction they went in. Once they’re out, work a little conditioner or oil through the lengths before brushing, starting at the ends. Backcombed areas tangle easily, so detangle slowly with a wide-tooth comb. If you’re too tired, sleep with it loosely tied in a silk scarf and deal with it in the morning.
An Updo Is Only as Good as Its Foundation
Every updo here, sleek or loose, depends on what’s underneath: a solid base, the right prep and pins in the right places. Think about your neckline, your veil and your hair’s texture, then bring two or three favorites to your trial. Wear the trial style for the rest of that day and see how it holds. That one afternoon will tell you more than any photo.
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