An updo is the safest thing I can give a bridesmaid who has to stand in wind, hug forty people and dance in a hot room, and it keeps the whole party looking finished without pulling eyes from the bride. Most of the bridesmaid hair updos I’m asked for now are low buns, textured chignons, braided details, twists and natural curls. I don’t aim for identical heads in a row. I match each updo to the dress neckline, the hair’s length and texture, and how much she can tolerate pins, then keep one shared mood across the group. Below are 35 updos, with how I’d build each one and where it tends to fail.
What Actually Keeps an Updo Up Until Midnight
Most updos that collapse do so because of how they were built, not because of the product. A few things I do on every bridesmaid updo:
- Prep for grip. Texture or prep spray through the lengths, and a curl through straight hair, so pins have something to hold.
- Build on an anchor. A small hidden ponytail or a pair of crossed bobby pins where the bun will sit, so everything else has something to pin into.
- Use the right pin. Bobby pins clamp; U-shaped pins hold shape without flattening it. I use both.
- Ridged side down. The wavy side of a bobby pin grips the hair better against the scalp.
- Pin into the base, not just the hair. A pin that only catches the surface slides out by evening.
Hairspray finishes the shape but doesn’t hold the weight. If an updo only stays up because it’s sprayed stiff, it’ll start sagging as the room warms up.
1. Bridesmaid Low Chignon
A bridesmaid low chignon is the updo I trust most for formal weddings, because it looks considered from the front, the side and the back, and the back is what guests see during the ceremony. It sits at the nape, which leaves strapless, halter, square or one-shoulder necklines clear. Smooth suits black tie; pulled apart slightly suits a garden. Flat, freshly washed hair gives it nothing to grip, so I put a loose wave and prep spray through first. Pearl pins or a slim comb, or nothing at all.
2. Bridesmaid Messy Bun
The relaxed look of a messy bun takes more planning than a sleek one. I curl the hair loosely with a wand, then build the bun in small pinned sections so it holds its shape, and pull out the front pieces deliberately rather than letting whatever falls stay. Placement depends on the face and dress: low for strapless, mid-height for high necks. It suits barn, beach and outdoor weddings. Flexible hairspray, not a firm one; a stiff messy bun looks crunchy in photos.
3. Bridesmaid Braided Bun
A bridesmaid braided bun uses long hair’s length instead of hiding it, and the braid gives the pins something solid to hook into, so it often outlasts a plain bun. The braid can wrap around the bun, feed into it or run along one side. Ceremony photos are often taken from behind the bridal party, and this is one of the updos that holds up from that angle. I pancake the braid gently after pinning, not before, so it doesn’t loosen while I work. Small floral pins or pearls finish it.
4. Bridesmaid Twisted Updo
A twisted updo gives movement without the work of a braid. Sections are twisted from the temples back toward a bun or pinned shape, so the lines frame the crown. Twisting toward the face and then back gives more lift than twisting straight back, which flattens fine hair. The twists add bulk, so fine hair looks thicker. It can be smooth for a classic wedding or textured for boho. A few curled pieces at the face finish it.
5. Bridesmaid High Bun
A high bun lifts all the hair off the neck, which helps at a hot summer wedding. It also adds a little height in group photos. It’s heavy, though: on long, thick hair, a high bun can give a headache by the speeches, so I anchor it on a firm base ponytail and distribute the pins around the base rather than stacking them in one spot. Sleek and round reads formal; textured reads modern. It pairs with high necks, open backs and statement earrings. Some crown volume or a few face-framing strands keep it from looking severe.
6. Bridesmaid Sleek Bun
A sleek bun needs flawless prep, because any bump or flyaway shows. I blow-dry the hair smooth first, use a cream rather than gel, which can flake, and brush it back with a boar bristle brush before securing it. The part can be center, side or none at all. It holds up well in humidity because nothing is loose. It suits satin, crepe and structured dresses. The finish should look glossy and smooth, not crunchy; shine spray goes on from arm’s length.
7. Bridesmaid Curly Updo
A curly updo keeps the curl pattern instead of brushing it flat. Curls can be pinned into a low bun, gathered at the crown or shaped into a loose romantic updo. I pin curly hair with the pins inside the curls, where they disappear, and I never brush dry curls; I separate them with fingers if I need more volume. Curl cream and gel applied while wet hold the definition all day. A few curls left around the face or neck look natural in photos.
8. Bridesmaid Side Bun
A side bun sits off-center, which gives an updo a little personality and shows well in front-facing photos. It suits side parts, waves and asymmetrical necklines. Bridal parties stand in a line, so I put each side bun on the side facing the camera when they’re positioned. A side bun pulls weight to one side, so I hide an extra pair of crossed pins on the opposite side to balance it. Low with tendrils is romantic; sleek is formal.
9. Bridesmaid French Twist
A French twist sweeps the hair up into a vertical roll along the back of the head. It suits formal ceremonies, ballrooms and vintage dresses. It needs texture to grip; I backcomb lightly along the inside of the fold and pin through the roll with long pins, crossed. Very layered hair struggles, because short layers stick out of the seam. Best on medium to long hair. A modern version can have soft volume or a few face pieces. A decorative pin along the twist line is all it needs.
10. Bridesmaid Textured Chignon
A textured chignon is a low bun built from waved, twisted and pinned sections, so it has visible movement. It flatters highlighted and balayage hair especially, because each section shows a different tone. I pin each section separately rather than wrapping one big ponytail, which is what gives it that full, touchable shape. It sits at the nape and suits soft makeup and romantic dresses. Pinned properly, it looks loose but doesn’t move.
11. Bridesmaid Low Bun With Face Framing Pieces
Face-framing pieces soften a low bun, and they help bridesmaids who feel exposed with everything pulled back. I pull them out before I build the bun, not after, so they’re the right thickness and don’t leave a gap at the hairline. Curl or bend them based on texture. It works with middle parts, side parts and curtain bangs. The bun should be secure and the front pieces deliberate; too many pieces and it looks like it’s falling down.
12. Bridesmaid Updo With Pearl Pins
Pearl pins turn a plain bun or chignon into wedding hair without competing with the bride’s accessories. They work scattered through a low bun, along a twist or tucked into a braided updo. Pearl pins don’t hold much; I set them over a regular bobby pin so they’re hooked rather than relying on their own grip, which is weak on silky hair. A few well-placed pearls look elegant; too many look heavy. Keep the rest of the look clean.
13. Bridesmaid Updo With Flowers
Flowers in an updo tie the bridal party to the bouquets. Small blooms, baby’s breath, greenery or silk pins tuck into a bun, braid or chignon. Fresh flowers should come from the florist wired and taped, and I add them last; they’re heavy for their size and wilt in heat. Lightweight flowers stay comfortable all day. A low textured bun with a few small blooms is the easiest version for bridesmaids, especially at a spring or garden wedding.
14. Bridesmaid Crown Braid Updo
A crown braid wraps the head like a halo with the ends pinned in, and it is one of the most secure updos I know, which makes it a good outdoor choice. On long hair I use two braids that meet at the back; one braid usually tapers too thin to complete the circle. Medium hair can work with extensions for fullness. Polished or loosened, it pairs best with simple earrings and a clean neckline so the shape stands out.
15. Bridesmaid Fishtail Braid Updo
A fishtail updo has a fine woven texture that shows well in close-up photos. The fishtail can be the main feature, wrapped around a bun or blended into a loose updo. Highlighted long hair shows it off because the weave catches different tones. I braid it firmly and loosen it gently only after it’s secured, otherwise the braid unravels as I pin. Finish with a light spray so the texture stays visible.
16. Bridesmaid Dutch Braid Bun
A Dutch braid is braided under rather than over, so it sits raised on top of the hair. It can start at the hairline, run along the side or down the center before joining a bun. It works well on thick hair because it compresses volume, and it anchors the whole style for a long day. On fine hair, I’d braid it slightly looser and pancake it more to fake fullness. The bun can be low and soft or higher and structured.
17. Bridesmaid Waterfall Braid Updo
A waterfall braid drops a strand out of the braid at each pass, which creates a cascading effect across the back or side of the head, and then the rest of the hair is pinned up. It’s more delicate than a standard braid; the dropped strands need a curl through them or they look limp. It suits medium and long hair with waves or highlights, and open-back dresses. Keep accessories minimal; the braid is the detail.
18. Bridesmaid Half Crown Updo
A half crown pulls a braided or twisted section from each side and joins them at the back into a low bun or tuck. It looks like a crown braid but is lighter and more comfortable for bridesmaids who don’t like tight styling. It suits wavy, straight or curly hair. I add texture spray before styling so the side sections don’t slip out from behind the ears. It frames the crown and keeps the face soft.
19. Bridesmaid Boho Updo
A boho updo combines loose twists, small braids, undone waves and a low pinned bun. It suits outdoor, rustic and destination weddings and flowing dresses. Relaxed doesn’t mean loose: I build it on a firm base of pinned sections underneath so the airy parts on top can stay soft. Texture spray and soft curls give the shape. Small flowers or greenery add to the mood. Front pieces should be loose enough to soften the face, secure enough to last.
20. Bridesmaid Romantic Updo
A romantic updo is curled first, then loosely pinned into a bun or chignon with soft pieces around the face. Volume at the crown and sides is what makes it read romantic; a flat crown makes it look like an everyday bun. It fits almost any theme and suits chiffon, tulle, lace and satin. It’s also flexible for mixed bridal parties, as each bridesmaid can change the part, tendrils and bun position to suit her face.
21. Bridesmaid Classic Bun
A classic bun is clean and simple and coordinates a party without following a trend. It can sit low, mid-head or slightly higher depending on neckline and preference. The difference between a classic bun and a gym bun is the shape: I smooth the hair, pin the bun evenly so it’s round from every angle, and use enough pins that it doesn’t move. Plain or with pins, it’s practical for long ceremonies, windy photos and dancing.
22. Bridesmaid Wrapped Bun
A wrapped bun is built by wrapping hair around the base in smooth, visible sections, which gives it structure. The wrap can come from one side, both sides or a ponytail base. Each section needs to be smoothed with a little cream before wrapping, or the wrap looks fuzzy in photos. It suits modern weddings, formal venues and sleek dresses on straight, wavy or lightly curled hair. Shine spray and strong pins finish it.
23. Bridesmaid Knotted Updo
A bridesmaid knotted updo divides the hair into sections, twists or ties them into knot-like shapes and pins them low or mid-height. The knots create dimension and make the back look detailed. Real knots slip on silky hair, so I usually fake them with a twist and a pin, which looks identical and holds better. It suits medium to long hair with some texture. Keep the knots loose and balanced.
24. Bridesmaid Bun With Curtain Bangs
A bun with curtain bangs is a good option for bridesmaids who already wear bangs and don’t want to hide them. The bun can be low and textured, sleek or slightly high. I style the bangs with a round brush or a bend away from the face, and set them lightly; heavy spray splits bangs into strands. The bangs keep the face soft while the bun keeps the style formal.
25. Bridesmaid Updo For Short Hair
Short hair can take a pinned updo. Bob and lob lengths can be curled, twisted and pinned at the back into the shape of a low updo, with small braids or side twists holding the shorter layers. Texture spray is essential, because short hair needs grip. I use more, smaller pins on short hair, since short sections slip out of large ones. A few soft pieces near the face keep it from looking forced. Above chin length, I’d suggest a styled down look instead.
26. Bridesmaid Updo For Medium Hair
Medium hair has plenty of updo options: low buns, twisted chignons, braided updos and soft pinned styles. It holds curls well, which helps the updo keep shape. The mistake is trying to make medium hair look long, with a big bun that ends up hollow. A low textured bun is usually the easiest and creates fullness at the nape. A few pins, a soft part or gentle face-framing pieces finish it.
27. Bridesmaid Updo For Long Hair
Long hair gives enough length for braids, wraps, twists and larger buns, and the challenge is weight. A low chignon, braided bun or twisted updo carries the weight lower, which is more comfortable over a long day. I curl long hair before pinning so the sections blend. For very long hair, I split it into two or three sections and pin each separately rather than twisting it into one heavy bun that drags.
28. Bridesmaid Updo For Thin Hair
Thin hair needs volume, texture and smart placement. I curl it first, tease lightly at the crown and pin sections loosely so the updo looks fuller. Low textured buns, twisted chignons and braided accents create the impression of more hair. A small hair donut or clip-in pieces help if needed. Pulling thin hair tight shows the scalp, especially in flash photos, so I keep it soft at the crown. Heavy accessories weigh it down; use a few delicate pins.
29. Bridesmaid Updo For Thick Hair
Thick hair makes a full bun or chignon, but it can feel heavy and look bulky if not planned. Low buns, braided updos and twisted styles distribute the weight more evenly. I sometimes thin out the base by braiding the underneath section flat against the head and pinning the bun to it, which gives the pins a firm anchor. Smoothing cream and extra pins keep it controlled. Too many loose pieces look bulky, so keep the shape organized.
30. Bridesmaid Updo For Curly Hair
Curly hair works with its pattern: gathered into a low bun, shaped into a high updo or pinned softly around the crown. The curls should keep their definition, not be brushed out. Hydrating products and gel applied wet, and careful sectioning, keep frizz down. Pins placed inside the curls hide completely. In humidity, curly hair expands, so I leave a little room in the shape rather than packing it tight. Face-framing curls soften the look.
31. Bridesmaid Updo For Natural Hair
A natural hair updo can be a high puff, flat twists into a bun, pinned curls, a twisted crown or a low textured shape. It should respect the hair’s volume and texture rather than forcing a flat finish. Moisture first, then edges laid lightly with edge control so they don’t flake by evening, and secure pins. I’d avoid tension near the hairline for a long day. Cuffs, pearls or small flowers add detail, and the texture gives the updo depth from every angle.
32. Bridesmaid Updo With Side Part
A side part adds softness and shape around the face. Deep reads glamorous; gentle reads natural. From there the hair goes into a low bun, twisted chignon or side updo. It gives a little coverage near the forehead or cheekbones for bridesmaids who want it, and one side can be tucked back to show statement earrings. I set the part before curling, so the hair falls in that direction all day.
33. Bridesmaid Updo With Middle Part
A middle part frames the face evenly and makes a bun or chignon look calm and balanced. It suits sleek low buns, soft twisted updos and textured chignons, and minimal dresses or satin. For softness, I leave two slim pieces at the front curled away from the face. For polish, I smooth the front close to the head. The part must be straight; a wobbly middle part is very visible.
34. Bridesmaid Vintage Updo
A vintage updo can include soft rolls, pinned waves, a structured low bun or a tucked shape at the nape. Wet-set or pin-curled hair holds these shapes far better than hair curled with a wand, so I set the curls and let them cool fully before brushing them into shape. It suits classic venues and satin, lace or off-the-shoulder dresses. Keep it smooth and deliberate so it reads as vintage, not costume. A small comb or pearl accessory finishes it.
35. Bridesmaid Low Bun With Braid
A low bun with a braid is one of the most wearable updos, combining softness, detail and comfort. The braid can start at the side, cross the crown or wrap around the bun. It works for many lengths and textures, especially curled first. I keep the braid slightly loosened so it looks full in photos, but I pin the bun firmly underneath. It suits garden weddings, chapel ceremonies and outdoor receptions.
Check It From Behind Before She Leaves the Chair
Guests spend most of the ceremony looking at the backs of the bridal party, and a lot of processional photos are taken from behind. I always hand the bridesmaid a mirror to see the back and the profile, and I take a quick photo so she can see the shape properly. Gaps, visible pins and a lopsided bun are much easier to fix then than at the altar.
The other thing I look at from behind is how the updo sits against the dress. A high back or a big bow can push a low bun up, and a halter strap can press into the base of the pins. If I know the dress in advance, I set the bun height to clear it, which is one more reason to send the stylist a photo of the dress, not only the hair.
When an Updo Starts Slipping at the Reception
Even a well-built updo can loosen after hours of dancing. A small fix kit sorted beforehand saves a lot of panic:
- A few bobby pins in her hair color, and two or three U-pins
- A travel-size flexible hairspray
- A small mirror and a friend’s phone camera to see the back
If a section drops, don’t pull it back loose. Twist the fallen piece and pin it into the base of the bun with a pin crossing over it. A loose tendril near the face can simply be curled around a finger and left; it usually looks intentional.
One Updo Direction, Adjusted for Every Head of Hair
The right bridesmaid updo is the one that’s comfortable and secure from the first photo to the last song. Low chignons, braided buns, sleek knots, curly updos and soft romantic styles each suit different dresses, venues, seasons and hair types. If your bridal party has a mix of textures and lengths, pick a shared direction, such as low and textured, and let each person adjust the braid, part, volume or accessories. The group looks cohesive, and nobody is stuck in a style that doesn’t suit her hair.
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