Most guests plan the outfit for weeks and the hair the night before. An updo is the safest way to close that gap, because it copes with wind, heat and a dance floor far better than loose curls. Updos also work on more lengths and textures than people assume, from shoulder-length bobs to waist-length curls. Below are 30 wedding guest updo ideas, from sleek chignons to braided buns, for black-tie evenings and garden parties alike. Some you can do in ten minutes; a few really are stylist work, and I’ve said which is which.
Ten-Minute Buns Versus Hour-Long Sets
Before falling for a style, check whether you’ll be doing it yourself. I group these updos roughly by how much time and skill they take.
Quick enough for a hotel bathroom
The messy low bun, low twisted bun, sleek top knot, wrapped ponytail and bubble updo can all be done in ten to twenty minutes with a brush, elastics and pins.
Worth a couple of practice runs
Braided buns, crowns, half-up styles, knotted updos and side-swept buns need some braiding or pinning at the back. Practice at least twice, timed, before the day.
Book a stylist
The French twist, rolled updo, pin curls, sculpted updo and voluminous updo need precision and hands at the back of your head. Pin curls also need setting time, often overnight.
Whichever group you land in, the prep doesn’t change. Hair washed the day before holds pins better than squeaky-clean hair, and a texture spray or dry shampoo at the roots gives every pin something to bite. I’d also buy pins in your own hair color; shiny black pins in blonde hair show in every photo taken from behind.
1. Sleek Low Chignon
The low chignon is my default for a high neckline, because it sits below the collar instead of fighting it. Smooth the hair back with a little shine serum, gather it at the nape and twist it into a neat knot. I always brush the hair back with the head tilted slightly up; brushed with the chin down, the hair bunches at the nape once you lift your head. A small pearl pin is all the decoration it needs.
2. Braided Bun Updo
Braids give a bun grip and body, so this is the style I’d suggest to anyone whose buns usually slip. I braid two or three sections loosely, then wrap them around each other into a bun, pinning through the braids rather than between them. Fine hair looks noticeably fuller this way. Loosen a few face-framing pieces for softness. It suits spring and summer weddings, formal or casual.
3. Classic French Twist
Stylists have done the French twist for decades because it’s so flattering on the neck. The hair is rolled into a vertical fold and pinned along the seam, which I hide by pinning from inside the roll. Kept tight it reads very formal, and it’s right for black-tie; with a few wisps pulled out at the temples, it softens for a daytime wedding. Drop earrings complete it. Honestly, it’s difficult to do on yourself, so book a stylist or practice several times.
4. Messy Low Bun
Undone, but on purpose. I spray texture through the whole head, gather a low ponytail, twist it loosely and pin it into a soft bun, then pull tendrils at the face. The texture spray matters more than any technique, because it’s what keeps a loose bun from sliding out of clean hair. Don’t fuss over every strand. A small bloom or a delicate pin is enough for a garden or bohemian wedding.
5. Braided Crown Updo
A braided crown wraps around the head and keeps hair off the face and neck, which makes it one of the coolest styles for a summer outdoor wedding. I make two braids starting behind the ears, lift them over the top of the head and pin each end under the opposite braid. Pull the edges gently to widen the braids. Tiny flowers tucked in suit flowing dresses and bohemian themes. It needs medium to long hair.
6. High Ballet Bun
A ballet bun pulls everything up into a smooth, tight knot on the crown. I smooth each section with gel and a fine-tooth comb before tying, because bumps in the ponytail show more than anything else in a sleek style. It suits open-back dresses and high-neck gowns, and shows off the jawline, shoulders and statement earrings. The trade-off is tension: if a tight ponytail gives you a headache, set the bun slightly lower.
7. Twisted Low Updo
Twisting sections before pinning them into a loose knot near your neck gives texture and a lot of hold. I twist each section toward the face, then wrap it back, which locks the twist against the head. It suits most hair types and lengths, at formal and semi-formal weddings. Leave a few soft pieces around the face, and add a sparkling clip if you want.
8. Half-Up Half-Down Updo
If you can’t decide between up and down, this gives you both. The top section goes into a small twist or bun while the rest falls loose. I curl the lower lengths with a large barrel and set them before pinning the top, so the curls aren’t disturbed. A delicate accessory at the crown finishes it. It suits long and medium hair, and almost any setting, though on a very windy beach the loose lengths will blow across your face.
9. Low Twisted Bun
A twisted bun at the nape is understated and secure. I divide a low ponytail into two, twist each half and wrap them around each other into a knot, pinning as I go. The low placement suits hats and fascinators. Smooth the top for polish or loosen it for softness. Because the twist holds itself together, it’s comfortable for an all-day celebration and one of the easiest styles to do yourself.
10. Bohemian Braided Updo
The bohemian braided updo mixes loose braids, twists and tousled texture. Thin braids woven through give the boho detail. I braid on second-day hair if possible, because a day of natural oil gives the braids grip. Pull out a few wisps, and tuck in dried flowers or tiny blooms. It suits outdoor, garden and beach weddings, flowy dresses and long or medium hair.
11. Sleek Top Knot
Clean lines and nothing else. All the hair goes up into a smooth knot at the top of the head, highlighting your features and your neck. I smooth every strand before tying and finish with a light mist of spray on a toothbrush to lay down flyaways. It suits formal city weddings and structured gowns with bold earrings. A thin metallic pin adds a small accent.
12. Curly Updo
Defined curls gathered into a voluminous updo celebrate texture instead of fighting it. I refresh curls with water and a curl cream, then gather and pin them loosely with large U-pins, which hold without flattening. Leave a few coils around the face. It suits formal and relaxed weddings, with a sparkling clip or a fresh flower. Skip brushes entirely; brushing dry curls breaks them into frizz.
13. Side Swept Updo
Sweeping all the hair to one side into a soft bun near the shoulder creates an old-Hollywood asymmetry. I curl the hair first, then pin a row of crossed bobby pins up the back of the head so the hair has an anchor to sweep against. It suits one-shoulder gowns and statement earrings at formal and semi-formal weddings. A jeweled pin tucked in adds sparkle.
14. Pearl Embellished Updo
Pearls make any bun look dressier. The base is a sleek chignon or soft twisted bun, with pearl pins scattered through. I place the pearls in a loose pattern, never a straight line, and push them in at different depths so they look scattered rather than arranged. Keep other jewelry minimal so the pearls lead. It suits formal weddings with modern or classic dresses.
15. Rolled Updo
Sections tucked and rolled into neat folds give a structured, vintage shape. I roll each section around two fingers, slide it off and pin it flat, working from the nape upward. It’s slower than a bun, but it holds very well through long celebrations. Smooth the surface for a polished finish or soften it slightly. Add a decorative comb with a formal gown and classic jewelry. It needs medium to long hair.
16. Loose Romantic Updo
Waves and curls gathered into a relaxed pinned arrangement, with wispy strands at the face. I curl the hair with an iron first, let it cool, then pin it loosely. This is a garden-wedding style. The common failure is pinning while the curls are warm; they relax and the updo goes limp by the speeches. Tiny flowers or a delicate pin add charm on long or medium hair.
17. Twisted Crown Updo
Twisted sections wrap around the head like a soft halo. I twist from each temple toward the back, pinning as I go, and cross the ends at the nape. It keeps hair off the face for warm-weather outdoor weddings and suits flowy gowns. Pull out a few face-framing pieces. Small blooms or jeweled pins add detail on long and medium hair.
18. Sleek Wrapped Ponytail Updo
Technically a ponytail, but the wrapped base gives it an updo’s finish. Hair is gathered low or high, and a section is wrapped around the base to hide the elastic. I smooth every strand for a glossy finish and pin the wrapped end underneath. It suits structured gowns, bold jewelry and modern celebrations. A metallic cuff adds flair. A low ponytail lasts better than a high one, which tends to droop by evening.
19. Floral Accented Updo
Fresh flowers in an updo are the most wedding thing you can do with your hair. A soft bun or twist forms the base, with small blooms tucked in. Pick small flowers that complement your outfit, and avoid white, which can read as bridal. I use sturdy blooms and wire them to bobby pins so they hold, and I keep them cool until you leave. It suits spring and summer garden weddings and any hair length.
20. Vintage Pin Curl Updo
Pin curls set and brushed out into an arrangement give a screen-siren finish. I set the curls well ahead, ideally the night before, so they’re fully dry before brushing out; damp pin curls fall apart. Smooth the top and let the curls shine through the back. It suits formal and black-tie weddings, classic gowns and statement jewelry. A jeweled comb adds sparkle on medium and long hair.
21. Knotted Updo
Small sections tied into soft knots and pinned give texture without needing braiding skill. I tie each knot with two strands, pin it, and move on; it’s a handy option for someone who can’t braid. Loosen it for a softer finish. It suits formal and semi-formal weddings, most hair types and lengths, with a sparkling pin.
22. Low Bun With Face Framing Pieces
The low bun with face-framing pieces balances polish and romance. A smooth bun sits at the nape while gentle tendrils frame the face. I cut the length of those pieces in my head before I start, roughly to the cheekbone or jaw, and curl them slightly. Too long and they look like the bun is falling out. It suits hats and fascinators and nearly any wedding.
23. Braided Chignon
Braids wrapped into a low chignon add depth to a classic shape. I braid two or three sections, then coil them together into the chignon and pin. The braids grip well, which makes it reliable for all-day celebrations. Smooth the top for polish or loosen it for softness. A pearl pin is enough decoration. It suits formal and semi-formal weddings on medium and long hair.
24. Voluminous Updo
Height and fullness come from backcombing and pinning. I tease the crown in small sections with a fine comb, then smooth the top layer over it so no teasing shows. It suits black-tie weddings with formal gowns and bold jewelry, and gives balance to a strong dress. A sparkling accessory adds glamour. Detangle gently with conditioner afterward, because teased hair knots easily.
25. Twisted Side Updo
Twisted sections swept to one side meet in a low knot near the shoulder. The twists add texture. I start the twists on the side opposite the knot, so they cross the back of the head in a visible line. It suits one-shoulder and off-shoulder gowns at formal and semi-formal weddings. Leave a few pieces loose and add a jeweled clip.
26. Bubble Updo
A series of puffed sections, secured with small hidden elastics, form a column of bubbles. I use clear elastics so they disappear, then gently pull each section wider to form the bubble. It’s surprisingly quick and easy to do yourself. It suits contemporary gowns and bold jewelry at modern weddings. Smooth the top for polish. Metallic pins add flair on medium and long hair.
27. Soft Wave Updo
Waves loosely gathered into a pinned shape give movement and texture. I wave the hair with a large barrel, brush through gently, then gather it loosely and pin. It suits garden and romantic weddings. Leave a few waves at the face for softness. A delicate pin or small flower adds charm on medium and long hair.
28. Sculpted Updo
Bold, defined shapes pinned precisely give an architectural, editorial look. I use gel and smoothing cream to mold each section and pin it flat, working with a fine comb. It suits sleek, contemporary gowns and avant-garde weddings. A metallic accessory adds edge. This is stylist territory; on yourself, the precision is hard to get right at the back.
29. Twisted Bun With Braids
The twisted bun with braids mixes braided sections with a soft twisted knot. I braid portions of hair first, then twist the rest and wrap everything into a textured bun. The braids and twists together hold well for all-day wear. Pull a few pieces out at the face. A pearl or floral pin finishes it for formal and bohemian weddings, on medium and long hair.
30. Glamorous High Updo
Gathering the hair high into a full, polished arrangement gives drama for black-tie weddings. I smooth the surface while keeping volume underneath, and anchor the arrangement with pins pushed in toward the base elastic. It lengthens the neck and frames the face, with a formal gown and statement jewelry. A sparkling comb or jeweled pin adds glamour. Very fine hair may need a padding piece to get the fullness.
Wind, Rain and Humidity at an Outdoor Venue
Weather decides more updos than taste does. On a windy beach or clifftop, loose tendrils whip around and half-up styles blow across the face, so I go fully up, low and tight. In humidity, curls drop and straightened hair frizzes; a textured style that’s meant to look a little undone handles it better than anything sleek. If rain is forecast, a smooth bun is more forgiving than waves, which flatten as soon as they get damp. Check the forecast the day before and adjust.
Taking an Updo Down Without Losing Half Your Hair
Most damage to hair from a wedding happens at midnight, not during the day. Remove pins one at a time, feeling for each one, rather than dragging fingers through. Count them in if you can, so you know when you’ve found them all. Then work conditioner or a detangling spray through the ends before brushing, starting at the tips and moving up. Teased and sprayed hair should never be brushed dry. Don’t sleep in a tight updo, because the tension pulls on the hairline overnight.
Pin It Once at Home Before the Wedding Morning
A good guest updo suits your hair, the neckline, the venue and your comfort. The sleek chignon, braided crown and high updo are very different looks, but each depends on prep and good pinning. Think about your outfit and the weather when you decide, and add pearls, flowers or sparkling pins for a personal touch. With the right updo, you’ll look polished from the ceremony through the final dance.
You'll Like These Ideas:
Leave a Reply