The Most Beautiful Bridal Hairstyles
Getting married soon and still looking for the right hairstyle? Let us inspire you! Here are our picks for the most beautiful hairstyles to wear on your very special day. Plus: the most important things to know when planning your bridal style
Your wedding day: it’s the day when you want to look, and feel, your beautiful best. Essentials: the right man, the right dress, the right location, and the right hairstyle! The perfect hair can make your bridal look perfect but professional bridal hairstyling can be expensive. So if you’re a dab hand at hairstyling, save money and style yourself. With the help of a friend and the right hairspray, you can do it!
Explore our gallery to discover the most beautiful wedding hairstyles, including styling tips to help you get the look:
Read on for all you need to know about bridal hairstyles – discover the most beautiful looks and tips on how to style them.
Which hairstyle suits my dress?
A loosely pinned updo that looks a little undone will suit a romantic gown featuring tulle and lace. If you’ve chosen a classic, unfussy dress, try styling your hair sleek. Wear hair down with big volume to provide a gorgeous contrast to a slimline, simple dress. Natural-looking hairstyles – think loose updos, or braided styles – are particularly beautiful when worn with romantic, elf-like dresses.
Your bridal hair: planning and practice run
Plan a haircare timeline in the lead-up to your wedding, and avoid stress on the day by doing a hair and make-up test run beforehand.
Four weeks before the wedding
Around a month before the wedding is the perfect time for a new cut or change of color. Tip: want to make a big change? Do this well in advance of the wedding, to allow time to correct a possible styling faux pas! Take your time deciding how you want to wear your hair on the big day. Tip: match your hairstyle to your dress. If you’re going to a professional hairstylist, show them a picture of the dress to ensure you achieve a consistently beautiful overall result. Make sure to book your appointment early.
Three weeks before the wedding
Made all the hard decisions? It’s time for a test-run appointment. This allows enough time to adjust and perfect the look. If you’re styling your own hair, or if a friend is styling it for you, do your DIY practice run now.
Two weeks before the wedding
Nothing is more beautiful than fresh shine in your hair. The best time to refresh your hair color (with a toner or semi-permanent) is 14 days before the wedding. Play it safe by avoiding experiments and sticking to your favorite tried and trusted shade.
One week before the wedding
Call your hairstylist to confirm your appointment for the big day. Styling yourself? Start to gather everything you’ll need: mousse, hairspray, styling wax, and styling tools.
One day before the wedding
Wash your hair the day before the ceremony so it has more grip and is easier to style. Blow hair upside down and massage in some styling mousse to create the perfect foundation for the big day. If you’re going to a professional, ask them when you should ideally wash your hair.
A perfect look for romantic brides with long hair: A goddess-like, loosely pinned-up bridal style, as seen here at Nicole Spose. All the hair is gathered together at the crown of the head. Finish this look with a filigree decorated headband or diadem to make it even more beautiful. Tip: This look is especially romantic with light waves.
An undone finish is very now, and is also suitable for an uncomplicated, modern bridal look. Try a low bun or a French twist with an undone effect. This chic look has been spotted on the likes of Meghan Markle at her recent wedding to Prince Harry. Get the look: Before creating your style, tease the roots for more body and volume. Then, once your hair is up, gently loosen your hairstyle with your fingertips, accentuating individual strands around your face with hair wax. This will give you that desirable messy finish.
One of the simplest updos ever? A deep ponytail with a center part. Models at the Marchesa show proved that this look is also great for brides. The combination of an extravagant dress with a simple ponytail makes this a standout look. Tip: It’s important that hair looks well-groomed in order to shine with this style. Give it some extra care with masks and hair oil in the lead-up to the wedding.
Clean, simple wedding dress lines are best styled with a smooth, high ponytail – as seen at Savin London. The result? A modern style for brides who don’t want to go over the top, but prefer a simple, natural look. Simple? Yes. Boring? No! Tip: Wrap a section of hair around the hair tie to create a groomed, elegant finish. Give this wedding hair style all-day hold with plenty of hair spray or hair lacquer.
The deep bun is a classic, beautiful wedding updo. Hair needs to be at least shoulder length to get this look. We particularly like it – as seen here at Tot-hom – with a center part. Your key styling aids: Bobby pins and hairspray. Tip: Accessories like a headband or a filigree diadem will fit well with this simple updo.
Braided hairstyles are in high demand this year! Perfect for brides (or bridesmaids): A braided crown. This style will work perfectly with a veil. If you want to attach it to your hair, it’s best to take it along to the hairdresser with you. They’ll help ensure your hairstyle is secure and everything’s sitting just right. Want to do your own braiding? Find step-by-step instructions here.
This trendy wedding updo is perfect for young brides. Space buns look great together with an unconventional wedding dress, as seen here at Sassi Holford. Styling the look is easy: Create a center part, divide hair into two sections and twist each section into a loose bun. Fix with a hair tie or bobby pins. For a cool, undone finish, loosen up both buns a little and style individual strands to frame your face.
Soft, loose bridal updo
A perfect look for romantic brides with long hair: A goddess-like, loosely pinned-up bridal style, as seen here at Nicole Spose. All the hair is gathered together at the crown of the head. Finish this look with a filigree decorated headband or diadem to make it even more beautiful. Tip: This look is especially romantic with light waves.
