Wedding updos are elegant, formal styles donned by brides and maids of honor when their hair is styled away from the face. Variations include a bun, chignon, French twist, and ponytail.
Annmarie is a bridal hairstylist in New York, and here are her essential tips regarding updos.
Key Things to Know First
- How to choose the perfect look?
- Pick a hairstyle that complements your dress and ensures you feel confident.
- If you don’t feel like yourself with all your hair up, opt for a half-up, half-down style.
- Are you planning to get a haircut before the event?
- When considering a chop before the wedding, consult with a professional extensively.
- Discuss what particular haircut you desire and how much length you wish to remove.
- Bonus tip:
- To maintain your cut, schedule regular trims every two months to prevent split ends and keep it healthy.
Brides and bridesmaids, feel free to draw inspiration from these images of stunning and contemporary wedding updos to prepare for the big day!
#1: Delicate Low Chignon
This look is a delicate and romantic low chignon. One of my favorite aspects of this style is the hue of the client’s hair. When searching for an updo, the individual should remain true and realistic to themselves. Details will appear less pronounced than with someone who has lighter hair if one has dark hair. Crafting bridal updos on textured hair is consistently easier, so I prefer that clients wash their hair the day prior and avoid using too much conditioner. You don’t want the hair to be overly silky as that will prolong styling time and lead to quicker disarray.
This look will suit anyone with medium-length hair. As long as the client feels at ease with hair away from their body and slightly away from their face, this updo is ideal! I like to frame the face with some strands to enhance its romantic quality.
#2: Elegant Blonde Chignon
The elegant blonde chignon is a timeless choice for wedding updos. If you’re considering this hairstyle for your big day, having your stylist nearby for touch-ups after you put on your dress can be beneficial.
#3: Elegant High Updo for the Mother of the Bride
The mother of the bride will shine with an elegant and voluminous high updo. The mother can wear her fringe down or can incorporate it into the updo style. First, set the hair with a 1 curling iron. Then, use a setting product like Tres Set by Oribe. This gives the updo style definition and longevity.
#4: Stunning Bridal Updo
A stunning bridal updo may be what you’re looking for if you desire a classic look. Sometimes less is more, and the elegance of this style enhances its beauty even further. Combining the twists, curls, and gems brings this exquisite look together.
#5: Elegant Bridal Updo
An elegant bridal updo is timeless and sophisticated for the fashionable bride. Choose a bridal hair accessory instead of a conventional veil if you prefer. This will help you achieve a striking hair design like this one. Strive for a polished bun with added volume for an enhanced dramatic effect.
#6: Stylized Mid-Height Textured Bun
This is a stylized mid-height textured bun that’s romantic and elegant. Leaving loose strands of hair adds softness around the face and volume in the heightened bun area. It’s perfect for when the bride is being photographed from all angles.
This stylized mid-height textured bun would be a great fit for a bride who loves lots of texture and has density to their natural hair. For brides with very thin hair, using extensions will help with fullness. Once the bun was completed, I used Sebastian Shaper Fierce for a stronger hold.
#7 Elegant Twisted Low Bun
This bun is a showcase of refined sophistication. The medium to long hair has been styled into a sleek, twisted bun at the nape. The radiant ash-blonde hues catch the light, highlighting the intricate twirls of the bun. This style is ideal for those desiring a polished appearance, thanks to the decorative hairpiece. While this updo exudes an air of elegance, it may demand some attention to keep those flyaways under control. It’s most effective on hair with a bit of natural texture for hold, and employing a texturizing product can provide the necessary structure.
#8: Sophisticated French Braid Updo
I adore this hairstyle! The look I created is a sophisticated upstyle French braid with a French twist. The design of the braid and the height on top are my favorite aspects of the style. I appreciate how gently the side sections flow into the French twist, making it both contemporary and graceful.
The best advice I can offer you is to prepare the hair! I used a 2-inch curling iron to achieve the essential volume. Afterward, I applied dry shampoo from Kenra on the roots and a touch into the middle section of the hair to ensure a solid grip. Next, I separated the hair into the top portion (braided segment), the sides, and the lower section (French twist). With the aid of a clear elastic band, I French braided the top portion and utilized a root-lifting powder mist (Puff Me from Design Me), pulling the braided hair out and up to create volume and structure. This hairstyle is ideal for clients with medium to medium long hair.
#9: Elegant Wedding Updo for Longer Hair
This elegant wedding updo for longer hair is more beneficial than you might expect. Having an all-up hairstyle on the big day can save you a lot of time in the dressing room and keep your hair off your neck and face throughout the evening. A pro tip for these wedding updos for longer hair — don’t forget to carry extra bobby pins on you to keep any loose strands from falling out of place.
#10: Messy Updo with Four Braids
This hairstyle is beautifully disheveled yet sophisticated, adaptable to suit any woman’s personal aesthetic! What I appreciate most about this style is its versatility for various occasions. Whether it’s a laid-back day at work, a romantic evening out, or your special day, this look is perfect! It’s an effortless style that can quickly be elevated with some accessories. If you’re looking for a hairdo that keeps you looking fabulous, keeps hair away from your face, and feels comfortable throughout the day, then this could be an ideal choice. The braids secure your hair, yet they are relaxed enough to prevent any tightness.
#11: Chic French Braid Updo with Effortless Bangs
This design showcases a wonderfully romantic braided updo that begins at the crown with a loose French braid and culminates in a beautiful bun adorned with flowers. Leave a few strands of hair loose in front to accentuate your lovely features.
#12: Intricately Textured Updo
Having difficulty choosing the ideal hairstyle for your special day? This intricately textured updo is ideal for a wedding guest or bride. Seek out a stylist specializing in wedding updos and schedule a trial run to ensure this style is perfect for you!
#13: Chic Tousled Updo
This is the perfect choice for a sophisticated and elegant look on your special day. Style your hair up to accentuate any details on your dress or to showcase your neckline. Personalizing your wedding hair up styles is essential. Feel free to experiment with pulling tendrils out and adjusting the placement of your chignon.
#14: Elegant, Soft & Refined
Show off your favorite wedding hair accessories with an elegant, soft, and refined wedding updo hairstyle. Tell your stylist more about your personality to help them create a perfect updo for you. This refined wedding updo works best on medium to long hair. Use a flower hair accessory to bring it all together.
#15: Effortless French Braid Low Bun
Consider an effortless French braid into a low bun because it’s a timeless low style for the bride who prefers to keep her hair away from the face. This style works beautifully for medium to long hair but can also adapt well on short hair with quick clip-in extensions for added length.
#16 Romantic Braided Bridal Updo
For brides dreaming of a romantic look, this braided bridal updo fuses the classic grace of braids with the gentle beauty of floral accents. Designed for long, thick hair, the detailed braid work demands both patience and expertise, culminating in a stunningly intricate style that lasts throughout the celebrations. The added length from the flowing tendrils enhances the silhouette, imparting a contemporary flair that is both trendy and picture-perfect.
#17: Elegant Low Twisted Bun Updo
Perfection doesn’t have to be complex. A soft and straightforward yet chic low bun accessorized with or without a beautiful headband would create a stunning bridal updo.
#18: Pink-Tinted Relaxed Updo
Turn your wedding day dreams into reality with this adorable hairstyle! The delightful pink with soft peach undertones gives the bun a playful and modern vibe.
#19: Sleek Low Chignon
This bridal updo hairstyle is a chic and sleek low bun or chignon. I love the crisscross detail and how shiny the hair is. It exudes sophistication! This timeless style would enhance any face shape and complement most hair types. However, a longer hair length is essential to achieve fullness in the bun.
Prep the hair with loose curls and use a texture spray at the roots for volume, then use a medium hairspray for hold while styling. Finish the look with a shine spray to tame flyaways.
#20: Effortlessly Chic Casual Updo
This is an “effortlessly chic” look in right now. You see similar looks on the runway where the hair is slightly flyaway and wispy but elegant. The look is natural, and I love the softness it can bring to a bridal look.
A dry aerosol hairspray and salt spray are highly recommended for this look. I used Aveda Air Control hairspray and Aveda’s new Texture Tonic salt and sugar spray. Most brides I have had who ask for a look like this generally have a free-flowing look or theme for their big day. Farm weddings, beach weddings, etc. This look is also very versatile for any hair type.
#21: Elegant Twisted Bun with Dimension
Look absolutely stunning with an elegant twisted bun featuring dimension. A gorgeous twisted bun is among the top updo hairstyles for weddings due to its timeless and classic charm. Showcase your dimensional color accents and be prepared for any event.
#22: Charming Updo Featuring Side Twists
Enchant everyone with shimmering golden blonde hair that catches the light at every twist and turn in this delightful bridal upstyle. If you’re seeking a stunning option to wear a wedding updo with a veil, this is the perfect choice.
#23: Elegant Twisted Low Bun with Accessories
An elegant twisted low bun with accessories is the perfect hairstyle for any wedding. The twisted method modernizes the traditional bun and creates a unique, eye-catching look. Apply a dry texture spray to add grip and volume to the hair. Then, use a small teasing brush to backcomb sections of the hair, thus forming a cushion that makes pinning easier. Not only does this technique add height and volume, but it also ensures that the bun stays in place throughout the day. Add a soft, romantic touch by allowing some loose bits of hair to fall out effortlessly around the hairline.
#24: Charming Pull-Through Braided Updo
This is a charming, effortless, pull-through braided updo. Pull-through braids offer brides a bohemian vibe with a sweet twist. If you adore boho style or enjoy braids, don’t hesitate to try a pull-through braid on your wedding day. Fine or medium hair with ample density works best for this bridal upstyle, along with a light finishing spray, small elastics, dry shampoo, a 1-inch curling iron, and a dry texture spray!
#25: Elegant Low Updo
An elegant low updo is a timeless style for a traditional bride. Its sleekness and charm will capture all attention on your wedding day. Additionally, it’s an ideal choice for any bride desiring a sophisticated lower updo appearance.
#26: Beautifully Textured Blonde Updo
A beautiful blonde boho textured updo is stunning. One of the best ways to add body and hold to an updo is to create some waves that give it enough texture for ties, pins, and clips to hold onto. Boho waves are simply looser waves and give the style a romantic feel. Remember that you can always add temporary hair pieces to give your updo more volume and length.
#27: 1960s-Inspired Double Chignon
This is a 60s-inspired double chignon. In the 1960s, ladies used hair fall extensions and wigs to help them achieve this style. This wedding updo is ideal for brides seeking a timeless appearance with a contemporary retro vibe. Hair length should be below the collarbone with medium density. This double chignon is most flattering if the bride has bangs/fringe. Hair fall extensions and wigs can be utilized for added length, volume, or both.
#28: Elevated Bun
Be a contemporary bride and enjoy a carefree-looking knot highlighted by beautiful espresso and warm brown hair color. This is known as an elevated bun and offers you that “messy yet polished” wedding updo. Such raised bun wedding updo hairstyles are for modern brides who choose to make a bold statement. Elevated buns look stunning with accessories such as a hair comb, crystal pins, pearls, or real flowers.
#29: Beehive-Inspired Hairstyle
This beehive-inspired hairstyle is the perfect choice for weddings or formal events. Regarding updos, this look is a classic yet modern style that works best for women with long blonde hair. To achieve this look, start by teasing the roots of your hair and creating a cushion for easy pinning. Use hairpins and a light hairspray to hold sections of hair in place. For an added touch of elegance, you can add hair accessories like a crystal or pearl headband. This hairstyle will keep your hair securely in place while you dance the night away. It’s the perfect choice for any special occasion.
#30 Refined Twisted Espresso Updo
This updo presents a sophisticated twist on the classic bun, with a fusion of espresso roots blending into caramel tips that enhance the depth and richness of the style. It’s designed for medium to long hair, perfect for highlighting the complexity of its twists and turns. What stands out is the interplay of color, adding a visual highlight that would complement a bride’s ensemble without overpowering it. While the style may demand a bit more time to create and could be challenging for those with finer strands, with the right products and expertise, it maintains its beauty, providing a seamless and elegant look for the big day. A hidden benefit is the color transition, which can create the illusion of volume and structure even in finer hair.
#31: Adorable Bun Updo with Face-Framing Tendrils
An adorable bun updo with face-framing tendrils is ideal for the romantic yet glamorous bride. Updo wedding hairstyles can be a daunting task to select from, but the classic bun remains a timeless updo style. Incorporating a few tendrils around the face enhances this traditional bun, giving it a flirty and contemporary vibe. Feel free to embellish with hair pieces or gems to finish off the up ‘dos.
#32: Chic Messy Updo
Contemporary wedding updos feature a loose and romantic aesthetic that blends ample texture and volume. My favorite aspect is its disheveled yet refined look. This hairstyle is excellent for anyone desiring a soft and effortless updo suitable for any special event. Volume and texture are two elements that can always be tailored. It’s particularly suited for clients with medium-long hair seeking this style.
#33: Elegant Braided Updo with Floral Accent
Showcase your stunning braided wedding updos with lovely floral touches for an even more charming appearance! This long wedding hair updo is ideal for off-shoulder dresses to beautifully frame your neck and shoulders.
#34: Stylish Short Updo Enhanced with Accessories
For a sophisticated look during a wedding, consider a stylish short updo enhanced with accessories. This hairstyle can be done with accessories to match the bride’s gown or any guest’s ensemble. The updo showcases a polished and structured appearance. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a classic and enduring style. It also works well with short hair, providing a flattering illusion of length. Avoid washing your hair the day before as your curls may not hold well. A useful tip to achieve this look is to use light hairspray to keep everything in place. Complement it with small, delicate hair accessories such as dainty hair clips, petite hair combs, or even a stylish headband.
#35: Chic and Contemporary Updo with Floral Accents
A chic contemporary updo with floral accents exudes elegance. Give your stylish bun a playful texture by creating a two-rope twist and pinning them around like a bun. Depending on your facial profile, steer clear of wedding updos that are too low or too high for bun placement. Incorporate some decorative flowers to enhance your look and complement your outfit. These are typically secured with bobby pins, or you can opt for ones attached with a clip/comb.
#36: Textured Blonde Updo
A textured updo creates a stunning, light, and airy hairstyle that can effortlessly shift from casual to elegant with just a few simple pins. These textured styles are gaining popularity as more women embrace a less polished and more natural look. To enhance volume and texture, apply a dry texture spray prior to pinning your hair and gently tousle any overly sleek areas.
#37: Crown Braid Updo for the Groom’s Mother
A crown braid updo is a wonderful choice for the groom’s mother. Consult with your hairdresser to achieve ample texture and volume before starting the braid to prevent a flat appearance. If you have bangs, your stylist can begin the braid slightly lower, then shift most of your hair to one side. This hairstyle is highly versatile, and there are many options for braid placement.
#38: Elegant Crown Braid Updo
Casual yet chic – this loosely styled hairdo appears stunning with a delicate braid that brings it all together. Allowing some soft wavy strands to escape from the low bun creates an elegant and playful look simultaneously!
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