Looking and feeling your best on your wedding day is absolutely essential, and finding a beautiful wedding hairstyle that suits you is key. But with so many options out there, where do you even begin? You may be asking, how do you know which wedding hairstyle is best for me? 

Between all of the buns, braids, boho waves, and elegant updos, it can seem super daunting making your choice, or even knowing where to begin! 

We’re breaking down all of the different hairstyles and how to choose the best wedding hairstyle for you based on the style & ambience of your wedding day. We feel this is an excellent place to start because you’ve likely already made those decisions and they really dictate the vibe of your wedding and encapsulate your bridal style as a whole.

What is the Best Hairstyle for a Wedding?

The best wedding hairstyle is, perhaps not shockingly, one that you love, feel comfortable in and suits your wedding day style. You want a hairstyle that flatters your face and ties your whole look together. If your dress and your venue are upscale and elegant, you’ll want a more sophisticated updo. If you’re having a garden ceremony and rocking a boho-glam lace gown, you might prefer a braided updo with a flower crown, or soft waves that frame your face.

How Do I Choose My Wedding Hairstyle?

When choosing your perfect wedding hairstyle, there are options galore so to fight through that overwhelm, we’re laying it all out for you. If you’re looking for options and getting ready to decide, here are the most important things you’ll need to consider:

1. Your Wedding Dress, Venue & Wedding Style

First and foremost, you’ll want to choose your wedding hairstyle based on your dress, wedding style and venue. This is especially helpful because you’ve likely already planned it! 

For instance, if you’re planning a grand ceremony at a castle, museum, or large, classy venue, you’ll likely want a more elegant and formal hairstyle like an updo. If you’re having a more casual outdoor wedding, you’ll probably want to skip the extravagant hairstyles in favor of pretty loose waves or a braided look.

When you scroll down below, you’ll see that we organized all of our favorite wedding hairstyles based on the wedding venue & style because it’s the most important influence on your hairstyle. 

2. Whether Or Not You’ll Have Professional Help

This is critical because if you’re not planning on having a professional hairstylist do your wedding day hair, you’ll want to make sure you’re choosing a look that you can have accomplished on your big day. That means avoiding super intricate updos and opting for a more simplistic, and still gorgeous choice if you’re planning on doing your wedding day hair yourself. You don’t want to be stressed out and trying to figure out a plan B right before your ceremony – that is not the way to start your forever!

3. Think About Your Hair Condition

Everybody has a different hair texture, and this can also play a part in what hairstyle you choose. Or at the very least, should be a consideration when it comes to choosing the products to achieve your desired look.

If you have naturally curly and/or frizzy hair, a sleek updo is going to be more difficult to achieve. You’ll want to speak to your hairstylist or do some research on how to keep those flyaways at bay. This is especially true if the wedding is in a more humid location. This Oribe anti-humidity spray is one of our favorites to have on hand for fighting frizz!

If you have thin, straight hair, a voluminous curly look is going to be very challenging. You’ll want to consider extensions or opt for a different style. This is where working with a professional does come in handy as they can help steer you towards the best solution, but with some internet research and time commitment, you’ll be able to figure out what works best for you!

No matter what you end up deciding for your hairstyle, you’ll want your hair to look and feel its very best. It’s hard to imagine your hair being done up in a special style if you’re looking at dull, lifeless strands. That’s why it’s time to start caring for your hair right now, that way it’ll be shiny and fabulous when the big day rolls around! Some great tips for improving the health of your hair are:

• Using a hair mask once or twice each month
• Leaving 2 – 3days in between hair washes (find what works for you)
• Lightly spritzing the hair with high-quality shine spray for your wedding-day hairstyle. We love Kenra shine spray, and so do it’s over 900 reviewers!

Final Thoughts…

It’s important that no matter the style you choose, and whether you’re doing your own hair or having it done professionally, that you practice or do trials ahead of time to make sure it looks good with your dress, face shape, and meets your expectations. All too often brides wing it on the day-of and this can result in tears, disappointment and frustration. Always plan ahead!

If you are getting your hair done professionally, you obviously may not be able to completely replicate the look you want. But it can be helpful to at least try to place the updo or hairstyle in the general location of your head that you’re trying to replicate to see how your hair falls and how that look frames your face.

Keep scrolling through all of our options based on venue/dress styles and pick your top 1-2 styles to start trying out for your big day! Once you’ve determined the perfect fit, search for a way to DIY it on Youtube or work with a hairstylist to make your hair dreams a reality.

ALSO CHECK OUT…

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Formal Venue

Classic & Sophisticated

Think grand ceremony and reception spaces, and a dress in a ball gown silhouette or made of romantic lace or satin. These hairstyles are perfect for a formal soiree and a bride looking to feel classy, elegant, and stunning on her big day.

1. Smooth, High Bun

Hello, cheekbones! This look draws the eye up and can help create a more angular look to the face if you have relatively defined cheekbones. It’s pretty & super sweet.

2. Low Chignon

This style is such a classic and looks good on virtually everyone. It’s smooth, classy, and undeniably elegant.

3. Curls & Flower Updos

This ultra-romantic look is perfect for brides that want to look extra feminine and add a little pizzazz to their hair. It pairs amazingly with tulle, taffeta, and lace gowns, but really any sophisticated, formal dress will do.

4. Subtle Beehive + Half Up/Half Down

Classic and super sophisticated, this half up/half down style with a slight beehive up top gives the bride lots of volume while still having a soft, classy look.

5. Textured High Bun

This bun updo has loads of volume and with soft curly tresses left around the face and a piecey, textured look throughout, this style is both romantic and incredibly sophisticated. Just imagine it with a lace mermaid, satin trumpet, or ballgown!

Elegant With an Edge

Is your wedding day elegant but with just a little edge? You have the grand space and the classic details but you want to add a twist. Lots of brides are opting to make their classic nuptials a little more modern, and adding a little spice while keeping it sophisticated. 

These pair great with elegant yet somewhat-alternative outfits like a sleek one-shoulder gown or jumpsuit.

6. Sleek, High Pony

Take a nod from Ariana Grande and rock a sleek, high pony on your special day. This look is super modern and chic.

7. Volume On Top & Pushed Back

This is a gorgeous look for women with short hair. It’s striking, sophisticated, and a total power look. 

8. Updo with a Unique Hairpiece

This twisted bun looks even more elevated with a modern and unique hairpiece.

9. Fishtail Half Up/Half Down

This killer look is undeniably unique and is for brides looking to truly stand out. Pair it with fun earrings to complete the look.

Romantic

10. Long, Flowing Curls

This hairstyle is flattering across the board and looks amazing with a strapless gown or a deep V-neck dress. A center part makes it feel more modern, while a deep side part turns up the drama.

11. Partially-Pinned Back Curls

With this half up/half down hairstyle, you’ll find curls throughout with most of the top layer pinned up and away from the face. Leave a few curls around the face for a pretty face-framing touch. This look is also great for adding little flowers, gems, a jeweled headband, crown or any other fun hair accessory you find.

12. Curly Ponytail

Situated lower than the slick, high pony, this is a more romantic take on the ponytail. Leave a few curls around the face to elevate this glam look.

13. Rose Bun Half Up/Half Down

This fabulous look is so romantic and still very unique. Elevate your braid game by adding a rose bun in the back!

Semi-Formal Venue

Beautiful Boho

A romantic outdoor ceremony with a boho vibe calls for braids, tousled waves, soft curls, and an effortless glow all boho brides seem to radiate. These looks are perfect for boho-feeling dresses with lace, long unique sleeves, off the shoulder styles, and slinky dresses that are less formal.

14. Soft Waves + Half Up Half Down

This is a hairstyle that is loved by bridesmaids because they can often do it themselves and it looks great on everyone! It’s also a beautiful look for a boho bride.

15. Braided Barrette

Similar to the previous look, this hairstyle is half up/half down but it features sweet braid cluster in the back.

16. Rapunzel Braid

This hairstyle is drop-dead gorgeous. Weave a hairpiece with gems or flowers through it to make it even more unique and romantic.

Try these bridal hair vines for the perfect Rapunzel Braid!

17. Soft Curls + Hair Piece

Similar to soft waves, this look still leaves a few curls in tact and let’s them be a little more tightly wound. Add a romantic floral hairpiece or one that’s both boho and glam like the one pictured here! We love this option: 

18. Voluminous Side Braid

Long haired ladies this stunning side braid is for you. Adding tons of volume and texture, it’s perfect for a romantic, boho look that makes a statement.

Vintage

Is your wedding vintage-chic? Then complete the look with one of these beautiful vintage-inspired hairstyles for your big day.

19. Side Pony

This beautiful side ponytail with side swept bangs with a little bit of curl to the ends is a super elegant look perfect for vintage wedding dresses.

20. Pin Curl Updo

This hairstyle is so glam, it’s the perfect dramatic statement for your special day.

Love these earrings? So do we! Here’s a few other gorgeous options…

21. Updo with a Twist

A gorgeous updo that blends vintage with modern style? This look blends the two perfectly. It’s also the perfect look to show off a vintage hairpiece!

22. Old Hollywood Curls

Looking for a more sultry wedding day look? Old Hollywood curls ooze glamour and pay homage to the original sirens who wore them.

23. Deep Part + Big Curls

Similar to Old Hollywood curls, this look is dramatic and sexy. The deep part and more tightly wound curls make it feel even more vintage, and slightly more “pinup girl.” 

24. Curly Updo with Headband

Take your look back to glamour in the 1920’s with this beautiful hairstyle. It’s perfect for showing off a glittering headband, and would look all the more amazing with a flapper-style dress outfit change for your reception.

25. Beehive + Birdcage Veil

There’s really nothing more iconically vintage than a beehive hairstyle. Up the wow-factor by adding a birdcage veil and a bold red lip!

Any Venue, Any Style

No matter the space, the dress, or the general style of the wedding, these hairstyles look good with pretty much all of them. You really can’t go wrong!

26. Side Swept + Pinned Back

Soft, romantic curls paired with a beautiful hairpiece to pin back hair on one side is so stunning and will work with any dress.

27. Soft Flowy, Waves

Romantic waves look amazing with every face shape, hair length, dress and any wedding style. Punch up the look to fit your dress + venue with jewelry and makeup that fits your style.

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