As a guest, you want to look put together without competing with the bride, and you usually have to manage it yourself, often in a hotel bathroom. Most of the styles below are ones I’d happily teach a guest to do at home. This collection of wedding guest hairstyles covers buns, half-up styles, ponytails, braids and waves for long layers, bobs, curls and fine hair. For each, I’ve noted how hard it is to do on your own and where it tends to fail. Try your favourite once before the wedding; the second attempt is always quicker and neater.
Ten Minutes, Thirty Minutes, or a Salon Chair
Most guests get ready on their own, so I sort these styles by how much time and practice they really need. Be honest about which group you’re in before you fall for a photo.
- About ten minutes, no practice needed: messy low bun, textured low ponytail, side braid, pinned-back waves, half-up top knot.
- Twenty to thirty minutes, one practice run: half-up waves, boho braided half up, twisted chignon, knotted bun, bubble ponytail, wavy lob.
- Worth a stylist unless you’ve done it before: Hollywood waves, French twist, rolled updo, crown braid on your own head.
Add time if your hair is very long or very thick, and double it if you’ll be getting ready in an unfamiliar hotel bathroom with poor light.
1. Messy Low Bun
The messy low bun is my first suggestion for anyone nervous about doing their own hair. It’s built to look loose, so small mistakes disappear into it. Second-day hair grips better, so skip the wash the morning of. Gather at the nape, twist loosely, pin with crossed bobby pins, then pull a few pieces out at the temples. It suits ballrooms and gardens and leaves the neck clear for earrings.
2. Half Up Half Down Waves
Half-up waves sit between up and down. The trick is to secure the top section before curling the rest, so you don’t crush your waves while pinning. A small elastic under a twist holds better than a clip alone. Curl the lengths with a wand. It suits medium to long hair and almost any season. If your waves tend to fall out, curl them tighter than you want and let them relax over the first hour.
3. Sleek High Ponytail
A sleek high pony shows the whole face, so I’d pair it with bolder makeup or earrings. Brush the hair back with a little gel or serum, secure high on the crown, then add a second elastic over the first for hold. Wrap a strand around the base. It works straight or curled. It’s sharp and modern at a city wedding, and less at home at a rustic one.
4. Romantic Side Swept Curls
Side-swept curls look glamorous, but they only stay on one side if you anchor them. Curl away from the face, brush out gently, then sweep the hair over and cross two pins behind the opposite ear, hidden under a top layer. A sweetheart neckline suits it. Shine spray makes the curls catch reception lighting. Pinning the anchor yourself at the back is fiddly, so practise with a hand mirror.
5. French Twist Updo
A French twist holds securely all day and looks grown-up without trying. Gather the hair to one side, twist it vertically up the back of the head and tuck the ends inside, then pin along the seam. Doing it on your own is harder than it looks; the pins go in from inside the fold, and that takes a couple of practice runs. It suits black-tie dress codes and leaves room for a fascinator comb.
6. Boho Braided Half Up
Two small braids joined at the crown give a half-up style more texture than a plain twist. Braid one at each side, pull them back, secure them with a small elastic and pin over it. Tug the braids gently to widen them. The rest stays in loose waves. It suits spring and summer outdoor weddings and long, wavy hair. If your hair is fine, the small braids can look thin, so braid slightly bigger sections.
7. Twisted Low Chignon
Twisting each section before pinning makes a chignon fuller and more textured. I’d twist three or four sections and coil them into a low knot, pinning each one separately. That way, if one slips, the rest still hold. It suits fine and thick hair alike. Drop earrings show well with it. Leave a few wispy strands at the front, and it fits formal and semi-formal weddings.
8. Soft Curtain Bangs With Updo
Curtain bangs soften an updo that would otherwise look severe. Blow-dry the fringe over a round brush so it parts in the centre and curves outward toward the cheekbones, then pull the rest into a loose bun or twist. Set the bangs with a light spray, since they’re the first thing to go flat in humidity. Oval and heart-shaped faces suit it well. It’s a good choice if you find slicked-back styles too harsh.
9. Fishtail Braid Half Up
A fishtail half up looks intricate but uses only two sections and thin crossing strands. Take a section from each side and weave them into a fishtail down the back of the head, leaving the rest loose underneath. Pull the braid apart gently. Long hair with natural waves suits it. Guests are often photographed from behind during the ceremony, so detail at the back of the head is worth the effort.
10. Glam Hollywood Waves
Hollywood waves depend on consistency: every curl in the same direction, all brushed out together into one continuous S-shape. Shine spray finishes it. Wear it all down or pin one side back. It suits formal evening weddings and medium to long hair. It’s the hardest style on this list to do yourself, because the brush-out needs confidence. If it’s your first time, I’d book a blow-dry bar or stylist.
11. Sleek Straight Center Part
Sleek straight hair with a sharp centre part looks modern and clean. Flat iron in thin sections until glossy, part precisely down the middle and apply a small amount of serum to the ends. It lets the outfit and accessories lead. It suits all lengths and minimalist weddings. Humidity is its weak point; I’d carry a small anti-frizz balm. Tuck the ends behind your shoulders for a neat finish.
12. Textured Low Ponytail
A textured low ponytail is one of the easiest styles here and still looks finished. Gather the hair at the nape, add soft waves through the length and pull a few pieces loose. Wrap a strand around the elastic. It suits daytime and outdoor weddings and medium to long hair, and keeps hair off the neck in warm weather. It’s also a good fallback if a more ambitious style isn’t working on the day.
13. Crown Braid Updo
A crown braid keeps every strand off the neck, which is a relief at summer and destination weddings. Braid along the hairline, then pin the braid across the top of the head and tuck the ends underneath. It needs long hair to wrap fully; shorter hair can use two braids meeting at the back. It stays put for hours. Tiny flowers along the braid are optional.
14. Low Bun With Face Framing Tendrils
A low bun with tendrils is a foolproof formal style. Smooth the hair back into a neat knot at the nape, then pull out a few pieces around the face. Keep the tendrils few and short; long ones end up in your food at dinner. It suits formal and semi-formal weddings and most hair lengths. The exposed neck makes room for statement earrings or a delicate necklace.
15. Half Up Top Knot
A half-up top knot is the most casual style here, so I’d keep it for relaxed and boho weddings. Gather the top section, twist it into a small bun at the crown and pin. The rest falls loose, waved or straight. It adds height and keeps hair out of the face. Pull a few strands loose at the front. At a formal evening wedding, it can look too casual next to the dress code.
16. Side Braid With Loose Waves
A side braid is easy to do yourself and comfortable to wear. Sweep the hair to one side, braid loosely, then pull the braid apart to make it fuller. It suits outdoor and garden weddings, long hair and off-shoulder dresses. Small flowers can be tucked into it. Pin the hair behind the opposite ear before braiding, so the braid sits neatly on your shoulder without pulling across the back.
17. Sleek Bun With Middle Part
A sleek middle-part bun takes more care than it looks. Part sharply down the centre, smooth everything back with gel or serum and twist it into a tight bun at the nape. Any bump shows, so I’d check the back with a hand mirror. It suits contemporary weddings and strong features. Smoothed properly, it works on most textures. A tight sleek bun can give some people a headache by evening, so leave it slightly looser at the base.
18. Curly Half Up With Volume
A curly half up shows off natural volume. Pull the top section of curls back and secure them, letting the rest fall in full spirals. Fluff the roots for height. I’d use large U-pins rather than bobby pins, which slip in curly hair, and refresh curls with water and curl cream before you start. It suits curly and coily hair and works at formal and casual weddings alike.
19. Twisted Updo With Pearl Pins
Pearl pins add a delicate detail to a twisted updo. Twist the hair into a soft low bun or chignon, then scatter pearl pins through it once the shape is secure. They catch the light without being flashy. It suits formal and classic weddings and medium to long hair. I’d use five to ten pins; more can make the back of the head look busy. They pair well with vintage-inspired dresses.
20. Beachy Waves With Deep Side Part
Loose, beachy waves with a deep side part look relaxed but deliberate. Curl loosely, brush out and part deeply on one side, which gives lift on the fuller side. Sea-salt spray adds texture. It suits beach and destination weddings and medium to long hair. Salt sprays can dry hair out, so I’d use a light hand on already dry or coloured hair.
21. Elegant Rolled Updo
A rolled updo is sculpted rather than twisted. Section the hair and roll each piece under, pinning each roll into a smooth shape at the back. It’s very secure and keeps hair off the neck, which helps in warm weather. It suits formal and black-tie weddings and medium to long hair, and it holds combs, fascinators and even a tiara-style band. It takes patience to do on your own, so allow extra time.
22. Bubble Ponytail
The bubble ponytail adds a playful touch. Pull the hair into a ponytail, add small elastics at even intervals down the length and gently puff out each section. I use clear elastics so the bands disappear. It suits modern and creative weddings and medium to long hair. Smooth any flyaways with serum. It’s secure and easy to do at home.
23. Low Knotted Bun
A low knotted bun uses two sections tied repeatedly, like a knot, then pinned at the nape. It looks detailed without much skill. Tuck and pin the ends underneath. It suits semi-formal and formal weddings and medium to long hair. Pull a few strands loose at the front. Very thick hair can make the knot bulky, so tie it with smaller sections and pin the extra underneath.
24. Half Up Bouffant
A half-up bouffant adds height at the crown. Tease the crown section at the roots, smooth the top layer over it, and pin it back, letting the rest fall loose. It’s a retro look that suits formal weddings. The lift lengthens round and heart-shaped faces. Finish with hairspray to hold the volume. Tease only underneath; teasing the surface leaves a frizzy finish that’s hard to smooth over.
25. Braided Bun
A braided bun starts with a braid that’s coiled into a bun at the nape and pinned securely. It suits boho, garden and formal weddings depending on the finish, and keeps hair off the neck in warm weather. Long, thick hair suits it best; shorter or fine hair makes a small bun, so I’d add a padding ring or a clip-in. Small flowers or pearl pins can go in last.
26. Pinned Back Waves
Pinned-back waves are the quickest style here. Curl the hair into loose waves, sweep one side back and secure it with crossed bobby pins, then cover them with a decorative pin or clip. The bobby pins hold; the clip decorates. It suits semi-formal and casual weddings and medium to long hair. A pretty barrette adds a finishing touch.
27. Sleek Bob With Tucked Ends
A sleek bob with tucked ends is neat and modern. Smooth the bob with a flat iron or round brush, tuck the ends slightly under and behind the ears and add a little serum for shine. It suits chin-length and shorter cuts and contemporary weddings. The tucked ends show off earrings. Part centre or side depending on your face. I’d have a trim about a week before, so the ends look fresh.
28. Floral Crown Updo
A floral crown updo places small fresh or silk flowers around a soft updo or loose bun. Pin the hair up first, then add the flowers. For fresh flowers, I’d use sturdy small blooms such as spray roses or wax flower, which last longer out of water than soft petals. Choose colours that suit your dress, and avoid white or ivory, which reads bridal. It suits garden, boho and outdoor weddings in spring and summer.
29. Twisted Side Updo
A twisted side updo gathers the hair low at one side, near the shoulder. Twist sections and pin them toward one side, building a textured gathering. It flatters the neckline and shows off statement earrings on the open side. It suits formal and semi-formal weddings and medium to long hair. Leave a few wispy pieces loose. The gathered side can feel warm against the neck, so it’s best for cooler or indoor weddings.
30. Wavy Lob With Middle Part
A wavy lob with a middle part is low-effort and easy to maintain. Curl shoulder-length hair into loose waves, part it in the centre and finish with texture spray. It suits casual and semi-formal weddings and most face shapes. At this length, ends can flip on the shoulders, so curl the bottom section away from the face. It pairs well with simple jewellery and lets your outfit lead.
Styling in a Hotel Room or the Back of a Car
Destination and out-of-town weddings mean getting ready away from your own mirror and tools. A few things I’d plan for:
- Hotel hairdryers are often weak. If your style depends on a blowout, bring your own dryer or a travel one that works on the local voltage.
- Low buns get flattened by a car headrest. If the drive is long, sit slightly forward or pin the bun when you arrive.
- Pack a small bag with pins, elastics, mini hairspray and a comb. Hotel shops rarely sell good bobby pins.
- Check the weather the evening before. A humid forecast is the moment to switch from loose waves to an updo.
Undoing an Updo Without Breaking Your Hair
After a long night, the temptation is to drag the pins out and brush. That’s how hair snaps. Remove the pins slowly, feeling for each one, then work your fingers through the hair from the ends upward. If it’s stiff with spray, a little conditioner or detangling spray on dry hair before brushing makes it much easier. Wash and condition the next morning.
Practise Once, Then Stop Worrying About It
The right guest hairstyle comes down to your hair type, the dress code and how much time and skill you have on the morning. Sleek buns, half-up waves, textured ponytails and braided crowns all appear here, and most can be done at home with a little practice. Pick two or three, try them a week before and wear your favourite for an evening to test the hold. Then on the day, you only need to repeat what you already know works.
You'll Like These Ideas:
Leave a Reply