Finding the perfect wedding hairstyles can be challenging, whether you’re the bride, a bridesmaid, or a guest. This guide offers 37 unique wedding hairstyles that work for long hair, for short hair, and everything in between. From elegant updos to half up half down styles, these ideas will inspire your 2024 bridal look.
Half Up Half Down with Curls
The half up half down hairstyle is timeless, blending romantic elegance with modern charm. It’s perfect for long hair or medium length hair, allowing you to showcase natural curly locks while adding volume to the crown. This style is ideal for an outdoor fall wedding or a beach ceremony, where you can embrace the natural elements. For brides with round or oval face shapes, this style elongates the face and complements green or hazel eyes, adding an ethereal glow.
To achieve this look, gather the top half of your hair and secure it with a delicate clip or floral accessory. Soft curls can be created using a curling wand and finished with a texturizing spray to add definition. For maintenance, use a curl-enhancing mousse like DevaCurl’s SuperCream to keep the curls soft and bouncy throughout the day.
Classic Chignon Updo
The classic chignon is an elegant choice that has stood the test of time. Perfect for bride or bridesmaids, this low updo accentuates the neck and shoulders, making it ideal for formal weddings or black-tie events. Oval or heart-shaped faces will love how the chignon frames their features, and it’s a great choice for showcasing statement earrings. Pair it with a veil for a more traditional look, or keep it simple for a minimalist bridal vibe.
To create a chignon, twist the hair into a low bun at the nape of the neck. Use bobby pins and a setting spray to secure the style, ensuring it stays in place throughout the celebration. To maintain shine and smoothness, opt for a lightweight serum like Moroccanoil’s Treatment Oil, which adds moisture without weighing the hair down.
Romantic Boho Braids
Braids are a wedding favorite, offering versatility for both long hair and medium hair lengths. A loose, textured boho braid gives off a carefree yet polished look, perfect for a rustic or outdoor wedding. It works beautifully for brides with square or diamond-shaped faces, softening angular features. This style also pairs well with a lace or floral veil, adding to the romantic, ethereal feel of the wedding day.
To achieve this look, create a loose braid starting from the crown and extending down the back or side of the head. Pull a few strands loose around the face for a soft, effortless finish. For maintenance, spritz with a sea salt spray like Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray to keep the braid textured yet soft throughout the day.
Sleek Ponytail with a Veil
A sleek ponytail is a bold, modern choice that radiates confidence and sophistication. This style is especially striking for brides with long hair and works well for those with oval or heart-shaped faces. 
It pairs perfectly with a minimalistic veil or even a beaded headband for added sparkle. This look is ideal for an evening or city wedding, exuding high-fashion vibes.
To get this look, straighten your hair with a flat iron and secure it into a high ponytail. Wrap a small section of hair around the base of the ponytail to conceal the elastic. Use a shine spray, like Oribe’s Shine Light Reflecting Spray, to keep the look glossy and sleek throughout the event.
Soft Waves for Short Hair
For those with short hair, soft waves bring a touch of vintage glam to any wedding. This look is perfect for brides with bob haircuts or medium length hair, adding texture and volume to shorter strands. Brides with oval or heart-shaped faces will find this style particularly flattering, and it’s a perfect match for garden or casual weddings. Add a simple floral accessory or small pins to enhance the romantic feel.
Use a curling iron to create loose waves, and apply a light hold hairspray like Living Proof’s Flex Hairspray to keep the waves intact while allowing movement. For maintenance, consider a volumizing shampoo to add body to short hair, like Biolage Volume Bloom Shampoo.
Afro Natural Updo
For brides with natural Afro texture, a natural updo that highlights the hair’s volume and texture is a stunning choice. This style works well for black brides who want to showcase their natural curls in a formal setting. Best suited for oval or heart-shaped faces, this look adds height and drama while keeping the focus on the face. It’s a versatile option, whether you’re the bride or one of the bridesmaids.
To style, moisturize your natural hair with a curl cream like Cantu’s Coconut Curling Cream, then pin sections of hair to create height at the crown. Use an edge control gel to keep the hairline sleek and smooth. A satin scarf can be wrapped around the head overnight to maintain the shape and moisture of the updo.
Korean-Inspired Low Bun
A Korean-inspired low bun is a chic, polished option for brides who prefer minimalist styles. This hairstyle works well for medium hair or long hair, particularly for brides with oval or round face shapes. 
It’s ideal for formal weddings, particularly in fall, when the crisp air complements this refined look. Pair it with a veil or pearl hairpins for a delicate touch.
To create this look, pull the hair into a low ponytail, then twist it into a bun at the nape. Secure with bobby pins and add a lightweight hairspray for a lasting hold. Use a smoothing serum like John Frieda’s Frizz Ease to prevent flyaways and keep the bun sleek all day.
Half Up Half Down with Braids
For a bohemian touch, the half up half down style with braids adds texture and charm. This hairstyle works well for bridesmaids or a bride looking for a relaxed, romantic vibe. It’s particularly flattering on heart-shaped faces and complements brunette or black hair beautifully. Perfect for a rustic fall wedding, this style allows for a touch of elegance without being overly formal.
To style, braid small sections of the top half of the hair and secure them at the back. Leave the rest of the hair in loose curls for a soft finish. A curling wand and a texturizing spray, like Ouai’s Texturizing Hairspray, will keep the style in place while maintaining natural movement.
South Indian Bridal Braid
For a traditional touch, the South Indian bridal braid offers a strikingly beautiful option. This style works best for long hair, with intricate braids adorned with flowers or gold accessories. Oval or square-shaped faces look great with this look, and it pairs perfectly with bold makeup and traditional Indian attire. Whether you’re attending a cultural wedding or incorporating a fusion theme, this braid will turn heads.
To create this look, start by parting the hair in the center and creating a tight, neat braid. Accessorize with flowers or gold jewelry for added flair. A shine serum like Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine will add gloss and keep frizz at bay throughout the day.
Cute Bob with Floral Clips
Short-haired brides don’t need to miss out on fun wedding styles. A cute bob styled with delicate floral clips is the perfect blend of elegance and playfulness. This style is especially suitable for short hair and looks lovely for bridesmaids or casual brides. Round or square faces are particularly complemented by this style, and it pairs beautifully with bright eye makeup, such as soft blue or purple tones.
To achieve this look, lightly curl the ends of your bob using a small curling iron and secure the side with floral clips. Finish with a texturizing spray for a tousled, lived-in effect, and use a light mousse like TIGI Catwalk Curls Rock Amplifier for a soft, touchable texture.
Braided Halo with Flowers
A braided halo is a dreamy choice for brides who want to channel a bohemian or ethereal vibe on their wedding day. Ideal for long hair or medium hair, this style wraps the braids around the crown of the head, giving it a goddess-like appearance. It’s perfect for outdoor or garden weddings and suits oval or heart-shaped faces. Adding small flowers to the braid can enhance the overall romantic feel and bring a whimsical touch to your look.
To create this style, start by braiding sections of your hair and pinning them around your head to form a crown. Use bobby pins to secure the braids, and finish with a light-hold hairspray. For maintenance, use a frizz control serum like Paul Mitchell’s Super Skinny Serum to keep the braids smooth and neat throughout the day.
Curly Afro with Hair Accessories
Embrace your natural curls with a voluminous curly Afro adorned with hair accessories. This look is perfect for black women with natural curly hair and works beautifully for brides who want to showcase their texture.
It’s an ideal style for a beach or boho-themed wedding, especially if you have an oval or diamond-shaped face. Accessories like jeweled clips or delicate headbands will elevate the style and add a bit of sparkle.
To maintain this look, use a curl-defining cream like SheaMoisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie to add shine and definition to your curls. Finish with a lightweight gel to keep the curls in place without sacrificing volume.
Messy Bun with Wispy Strands
A messy bun is the ultimate balance between elegance and casual chic. It’s a perfect updo for brides who want a low-maintenance look that still feels polished. This style works well for medium hair or long hair and is particularly flattering for heart-shaped or oval faces. The wispy strands around the face add a soft, romantic touch, making it ideal for a fall or winter wedding.
To achieve the look, loosely gather the hair into a bun at the back of the head, pulling out a few strands around the face. Secure with bobby pins and finish with a flexible hold hairspray. A dry shampoo like Batiste Dry Shampoo can be used to add texture and volume to the bun, giving it that perfectly undone look.
Half Up Half Down with Fishtail Braid
For a unique twist on the traditional half up half down style, add a fishtail braid to the mix. This look is perfect for bridesmaids or the bride who wants something playful yet elegant. It works especially well for those with long hair, creating a focal point with the intricate braid while leaving the rest of the hair flowing in loose waves. Oval and round faces will find this style particularly flattering.
To create the fishtail braid, section off the top half of your hair and braid it loosely down the back. Secure the braid with a clear elastic, and use your fingers to gently tug the braid apart for a fuller, more textured look. A volumizing mousse like TIGI Bed Head Small Talk can add extra body to the waves left down.
Low Ponytail with Side Braid
A low ponytail combined with a delicate side braid is a chic option for brides who prefer a minimalist approach. This hairstyle works well for long hair or medium length hair and is a great option for formal weddings or contemporary themes. Brides with square or oval faces will appreciate how this style softens their features while maintaining a sleek, modern look.
To achieve this hairstyle, create a side braid starting at the temple and work it into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck. Finish with a shine-enhancing serum like Redken’s Diamond Oil for a sleek finish that lasts all day.
Simple Bun with Vintage Curls
For a retro-inspired wedding look, a simple bun paired with vintage curls can add a touch of old-Hollywood glam to your bridal style. This updo is perfect for short hair or medium length hair, especially for brides who want a polished, elegant look. It suits heart-shaped and oval faces, enhancing their natural features, and pairs beautifully with a veil or jeweled hair accessory.
To create this look, curl the hair using a small-barrel curling iron and pin the curls into a low bun at the nape of the neck. Use a strong-hold hairspray to keep the curls in place and consider using Kenra’s Volume Spray for a long-lasting finish.
Loose Waves with Floral Crown
For brides who prefer an effortless, bohemian style, loose waves paired with a floral crown are the perfect choice. This look is ideal for long hair and works well for outdoor, beach, or rustic weddings. It complements oval and square face shapes and is perfect for brides with light brown or brunette hair, adding softness and romance to the overall look.
To achieve this hairstyle, use a large-barrel curling wand to create loose waves, and finish with a lightweight hairspray to keep the waves bouncy. A floral crown adds the perfect finishing touch. Consider using Herbal Essences BioSoft Control Gel to maintain the texture and volume throughout the day.
Afro Puff with Braided Headband
For black brides looking for a stylish and bold wedding look, an Afro puff paired with a braided headband offers a unique twist. This hairstyle is ideal for those with natural Afro texture and works well for both casual and formal weddings. Brides with heart or round face shapes will love how this style frames their features while adding volume and texture to their look.
To create this hairstyle, start by braiding a small section of hair at the front and wrapping it around the head like a headband. Gather the rest of the hair into a high puff and secure it with a hair tie. Use SheaMoisture’s Curl and Shine Shampoo to keep your natural curls hydrated and frizz-free.
Low Twist Bun with Veil
A low twist bun paired with a veil is a sophisticated and timeless bridal look. This style works beautifully for medium hair or long hair, and is ideal for formal weddings or evening ceremonies. Brides with oval or square faces will find this style particularly flattering, and it’s a great choice for those who want to show off their veil.
To create this style, part your hair down the middle and twist each side back into a low bun. Secure with bobby pins and finish with a veil attached just above the bun. Use a lightweight hairspray like L’Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray to keep everything in place without weighing it down.
Classic Bob with Finger Waves
For brides with short hair, the classic bob styled with finger waves adds a vintage touch to the wedding day look. This hairstyle is perfect for brides with oval or heart-shaped faces, and it works well for bridesmaids too. 
Finger waves create an elegant, old-Hollywood style that pairs beautifully with beaded headbands or sparkly hairpins.
To achieve this look, use a small-barrel curling iron to create tight curls and shape them into finger waves using a fine-tooth comb and setting gel. Finish with a gloss spray like CHI’s Shine Infusion to give the waves a polished, reflective shine.
Whether you’re planning a wedding for 2024 or simply looking for inspiration for your special day, these hairstyles offer a mix of timeless elegance and modern trends. From updos to half up half down styles, there’s something here for every bride, bridesmaid, and guest. Feel free to share your thoughts and your favorite styles in the comments below, and let us know what wedding hairstyle you’ll be rocking!
