Weddings are all about elegance, love, and unforgettable moments. One crucial element of a stunning bridal look is the hairstyle, and updos are the ultimate choice for a sophisticated vibe. From classic twists to intricate braids, the right updo can elevate your entire wedding ensemble.
Whether you’re the bride or a guest, these 15 jaw-dropping updo hairstyles will inspire you to step up your hair game. Each hairstyle combines creativity and elegance, making them perfect for any wedding setting. As you scroll through, you’ll find practical tips and tricks to achieve that stunning look. Get ready to take notes, because you’ll want to bookmark your favorites!
1. Classic Chignon

The classic chignon is a timeless choice that exudes elegance. This hairstyle typically involves twisting the hair into a low bun at the nape of the neck. What makes a chignon so appealing is its versatility; it can be dressed up with hair accessories like jeweled hair pins or kept simple for a more understated look. These pins not only add a touch of sparkle but also help secure loose strands, ensuring your updo remains polished throughout the day. Plus, it works beautifully with a variety of hair types, whether straight or curly.
To achieve the perfect chignon, start by gathering your hair into a low ponytail. Twist the ponytail until it begins to coil, and then wrap it around itself to form a bun. Secure it with bobby pins and finish with strong hold hairspray to hold everything in place and control frizz for up to 24 hours. This hairstyle radiates sophistication, making it perfect for any bride wanting to keep it classy.
– Consider incorporating some loose tendrils around your face for a soft, romantic touch.
– Pair this updo with dangling earrings to draw attention to your neckline.
– Ideal for both formal and informal weddings, the classic chignon works in any setting.
2. Braided Bun

The braided bun is a perfect blend of intricate artistry and romantic flair. This hairstyle involves creating a braid and wrapping it into a bun, resulting in a stunning look that’s eye-catching without being overly complicated.
Braided buns can be personalized in multiple ways; you might opt for a fishtail braid for something unique, or a simple three-strand braid for a classic touch. Enhancing the look with some flowers or decorative pins can elevate it even further. Consider using decorative hairpins that add an elegant touch, seamlessly fitting into a wedding theme.
To achieve this hairstyle, start by sectioning your hair into three parts. Braid each section and secure them with clear elastics. For added volume and dimension, spray some texturizing spray before braiding—this will help create a more dynamic look. Next, twist the braids around each other to form a bun and pin it into place. It’s an excellent hairstyle for outdoor weddings, as it keeps your hair secure while also looking fabulous.
To enhance the overall elegance, pairing your braided bun with a floral crown can add a romantic element, making it perfect for any bridal look. This hairstyle is especially great for those with long hair who want a romantic style that stays in place all day.
3. Twisted Half-Up

The twisted half-up style is a charming choice that balances elegance and playfulness. By letting some hair flow down while securing the top half, this hairstyle frames the face beautifully.
This look works wonderfully with waves or curls, as the texture adds depth. The twists can be simple or more elaborate, depending on the overall vibe of the wedding. To create this hairstyle, you can start by sectioning the top half of your hair and twisting it back. Secure it with a pin or elastic, such as hairpins for updos, which are strong and durable, making them perfect for keeping your style in place. Leave the bottom half loose and consider adding some curls for an extra touch of softness. A curling wand can help you achieve those beautiful beachy waves that will enhance this hairstyle’s relaxed yet polished appearance.
This hairstyle is particularly lovely for outdoor or garden weddings. You might also want to consider adding a delicate hairpiece or fresh flowers to the twists for a romantic touch. A stunning option is the decorative hairpiece, featuring crystal and pearl accents that elevate the overall look. This style is great for medium-length hair, allowing for enough volume and bounce, making it perfect for those looking for something that’s both chic and not overly formal.
4. Vintage Hollywood Waves

Channeling the glamour of old Hollywood, vintage waves are perfect for brides who want to make a statement. This hairstyle features smooth, defined waves that add a touch of vintage charm.
The key to achieving this look is in the technique; using a curling iron or hot rollers will give you those iconic glamorous waves. This style works beautifully for medium to long hair, with the waves cascading down or pinned to the side for a more polished finish.
To create it, start by curling your hair in sections, then pinning them up to cool. Once cooled, release the curls and brush them out for soft waves. Secure with hairspray and consider adding a vintage hairpiece for that extra wow factor. This style is especially great for evening weddings, as it shines beautifully under the lights.
– Think about a bold red lip to complement the waves for a truly vintage look.
– This hairstyle pairs well with a fitted gown, emphasizing that old Hollywood vibe.
– It’s a classic choice that suits a wide range of wedding styles.
5. Messy Updo

For those who want a relaxed yet stylish look, the messy updo is the way to go. This hairstyle combines an effortless vibe with chic elegance, making it perfect for bohemian weddings.
The beauty of a messy updo lies in its imperfections. Loose strands and a slightly undone look create a sense of carefree elegance. You can incorporate braids, twists, or simply pile the hair on top in a fun way.
To achieve this style, gather your hair into a loose bun at the crown of your head, allowing strands to fall naturally around your face. Use bobby pins to secure the bun without making it look too polished. Add some texturizing spray to enhance that messy, tousled effect. For a whimsical touch, consider using floral hair accessories like the WOVOWOVO flower hair clips. These artificial hibiscus clips can beautifully accentuate the playful nature of your updo, adding a pop of color and charm.
This hairstyle is not only beautiful but also practical, keeping hair off your neck while you dance the night away. A messy updo is ideal for casual or rustic-themed weddings, and it particularly enhances natural volume, making it a great option for those with textured hair.
6. Sleek High Bun

If sophistication is your mantra, the sleek high bun is where it’s at. This hairstyle screams confidence and pairs beautifully with statement earrings or a bold necklace.
The sleek high bun is all about clean lines and a polished finish, making it perfect for modern brides who want a chic, contemporary look. To achieve this, start by pulling your hair back into a high ponytail and using a smoothing serum, like Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum, to eliminate any flyaways. This serum not only tames frizz but also adds shine, ensuring your hair looks flawlessly sleek. Next, twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it tightly. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray, such as Extra Hold Hairspray, to keep everything in place throughout the night. This hairspray offers 24-hour frizz control, giving you peace of mind while you celebrate.
This hairstyle is particularly effective for evening weddings, as it creates a striking silhouette that shows off your neckline beautifully. To elevate the look, consider adding a touch of glam with hair accessories. A great option is 40 Pack Wedding Pearl Hair Pins, which can add a delicate sparkle to the top of the bun.
The sleek high bun works best on straight hair, ensuring it stays sleek and polished. Pair it with a fitted or off-the-shoulder gown to highlight this elegant hairstyle.
7. Floral Crown Updo

For a romantic and dreamy look, the floral crown updo is simply magical. This hairstyle combines a soft updo with a stunning floral crown, making it ideal for outdoor or garden weddings.
What sets this hairstyle apart is the beautiful combination of fresh flowers and elegant styling. The updo can be as simple or intricate as you like, but the real showstopper is the floral crown that sits atop the head. You can use blooms that match your bouquet or mix different colors for a whimsical effect.
To create the updo, gather the hair into a loose bun at the back or side of the head, securing with pins. Then place the floral crown around the bun or atop loose curls. This hairstyle brings a touch of nature into your wedding look, creating a soft, ethereal vibe.
To make your floral crown easy to create, consider using the Floral Crown Kit. This DIY flower crowns making kit includes everything you need to craft your own stunning floral crown, allowing you to customize it to perfectly match your wedding theme with seasonal flowers. It’s a fun and creative way to enhance your updo while providing a beautiful keepsake after the wedding.
– This style is particularly great for boho or rustic weddings, enhancing the natural ambiance.
– A floral crown can double as a beautiful keepsake after the wedding.
8. Side-Swept Updo

The side-swept updo is a fabulous choice for those looking to showcase their neck and shoulders. This hairstyle involves sweeping hair to one side, creating a beautiful flow that draws attention to your face.
You can easily achieve this look in various styles, from sleek and polished to soft and romantic. The key to this hairstyle is the volume on the side opposite the sweep, which creates dimension and interest. To start, consider using a curling iron to curl your hair for added texture. Once curled, gather it to one side and secure it with bobby pins. This pack of 250 pins ensures you’ll have plenty to work with, allowing for a secure hold no matter how you style.
For added detail, you might want to leave some face-framing pieces loose or braid a small section. To complete the look, think about incorporating a statement hairpin or comb to secure the style while adding a touch of sparkle.
This updo is great for medium to long hair, offering a variety of styling options. It’s particularly ideal for a romantic evening wedding, beautifully highlighting your neckline.
9. Low Twisted Updo

The low twisted updo is a lovely, romantic choice that feels effortlessly chic. This hairstyle features twisted sections of hair gathered at the nape of the neck, creating a low bun that is both understated and elegant.
To achieve this style, start by dividing your hair into two sections. Twist each section toward the back of your head and pin them at the nape. You can wrap the ends around to create a bun or leave them loose for a softer look. Using hairpins and hair accessories set will make it easy to secure your twisted sections in place, ensuring your updo stays put throughout the day.
Finishing with a light hairspray will help keep everything in place without looking stiff. For those with fine hair, using a texturizing spray like Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Boost can lift and volumize your hair, making it easier to create that desired fullness in your twisted sections. This updo is a delightful choice for rustic or vintage-themed weddings, adding a romantic touch.
– Incorporate small floral accents or an elegant hairpin to enhance the overall appearance.
– This hairstyle works best on textured or wavy hair, as it enhances natural volume.
– Perfect for brides who want something elegant yet not overly formal.
10. Upside Down Braid Bun

The upside down braid bun is a fun and trendy twist on traditional updos. This hairstyle involves braiding the hair upside down, leading into a bun at the back, creating a unique yet stylish look.
This style is perfect for brides who love a little flair and creativity. To start, flip your head upside down and begin braiding from the nape of your neck, securing it at the top. Once the braid is complete, wrap it into a bun and secure it with bobby pins. These SlideProof bobby pins are designed to lock in your style comfortably and pain-free, ensuring that your hair stays in place throughout the day.
Consider adding hair accessories that match your wedding colors to enhance the overall look. A great way to do this is by using a versatile hair accessories set. This Goody kit includes a variety of essential items like slide-proof claw clips and scrunchies that will complement your hairstyle perfectly.
To keep your braid and bun looking fresh and frizz-free, finishing with an extra hold hairspray can be a game changer. This hairspray offers 24-hour frizz control, helping to maintain your look even in outdoor settings, making it ideal for outdoor weddings.
The upside down braid bun is not only stylish but also practical, keeping hair secure while adding an element of surprise, and it’s perfect for adventurous brides who want to stand out.
11. Dutch Braid Updo

The Dutch braid updo is a stunning choice that combines intricate braiding with a chic bun. This hairstyle features a three-dimensional braid that pops against the scalp, making it visually striking.
To create this look, start by sectioning your hair into three parts at the back of your head. Begin a Dutch braid, which involves crossing the outer strands under the middle one rather than over. Once you reach the desired length, twist the braid into a bun and secure it with pins, like Goody slideproof bobby pins. With their high gloss finish and secure grip, these pins will help lock your style in place without causing discomfort.
The depth of the braid adds a unique element to the updo, making it perfect for brides looking for something distinctive. You can pull out small strands to create a softer look that frames the face. Pair this updo with simple earrings to allow the hairstyle to stand out. This hairstyle is ideal for medium to long hair, as it creates stunning volume.
12. Elegant Twisted Chignon

An elegant twisted chignon is a refined take on the classic chignon, bringing a touch of sophistication and style. This hairstyle incorporates twisted sections of hair, giving the traditional bun a modern twist.
Start by pulling your hair back into a low ponytail. To ensure a secure hold while you create the twists, use Goody SlideProof bobby pins to lock everything in place. Divide the ponytail into two sections, twisting each one before wrapping them around each other and securing with bobby pins. This style provides a clean, polished look while still allowing for personality through the twisted details. It’s perfect for formal weddings, allowing the bride to shine with elegance.
For added flair, consider incorporating delicate hair flowers to enhance the overall look; these can be easily attached with Goody Ouchless elastic hair ties, which are designed to work seamlessly with all hair types. This hairstyle is great for everyone and is ideal for brides looking for a timeless yet modern hairstyle.
13. Romantic Loose Braid Updo

If you love the boho aesthetic, the romantic loose braid updo is right up your alley. This hairstyle combines a loose braid with a soft updo, resulting in a whimsical and dreamy look.
To achieve this style, start by loosely braiding the front sections of your hair and pinning them back. Gathering the rest of your hair into a loose bun, allow some pieces to fall naturally. The result is a relaxed hairstyle that beautifully showcases your features while adding a touch of playfulness. This updo is particularly great for outdoor or beach weddings.
To help secure your style, consider using Goody ouchless elastic hair ties for a pain-free way to hold your hair in place without damaging it. These elastic ties are perfect for creating long-lasting braids and ponytails, making it easy to achieve that effortless, carefree look.
Enhance the boho vibe by incorporating natural elements like flowers or greenery. A lovely choice would be the BBTO flower hair clips, which add a charming touch to your updo. These floral accessories perfectly complement relaxed hairstyles and can elevate your bridal look without overwhelming it.
This loose braid updo works best on textured or wavy hair, as it allows for an effortless volume that enhances the style. It beautifully complements flowing dresses and natural wedding themes, making it a dreamy choice for your special day.
14. Spiral Curled Updo

The spiral curled updo brings an elegant and sophisticated touch to any wedding hairstyle. This style features defined spiral curls beautifully pinned up to create a stunning effect.
To achieve this look, start by using a Conair Double Ceramic 1-Inch Curling Iron to create tight curls throughout your hair. Once your curls are ready, gather them into a bun, allowing some to fall softly around your face for a romantic touch. Secure everything in place with bobby pins, which will help keep your hairstyle looking flawless throughout the event. Finally, finish with Kenra Professional Volume Spray 25 to ensure your updo remains intact, even in wind or humidity.
This hairstyle is best for medium to long hair and is perfect for formal events and evening weddings. Consider adding a jeweled hair accessory to elevate the elegance of this hairstyle. The spiral curls add volume and texture, making it an ideal choice for brides looking to showcase their curls in a romantic way.
15. Twisted Side Ponytail

For a modern twist, the twisted side ponytail is fun and chic. This hairstyle incorporates a low side ponytail that features twists and braids for added texture and style.
To create this look, start by gathering your hair to one side. Twist small sections of hair and secure them with clear hair elastics. These will hold your twists in place without being visible, ensuring a sleek finish. Finally, gather the twisted sections into a ponytail, leaving the hair flowing freely. This updo beautifully combines casual elegance, showcasing your personality perfectly. It works particularly well for outdoor or rustic weddings.
To elevate the overall look, consider adding a floral accent or a decorative hair tie. You might find decorative hair ties with pearl and crystal accents to be an excellent choice for that touch of sophistication. Meanwhile, floral accessories like the floral hair accessories can add a romantic vibe, perfect for enhancing your wedding day style.
This hairstyle is best suited for medium-length hair, allowing for enough volume and movement. It’s a unique choice for a bride wanting something different yet stylish.
Conclusion

Choosing the perfect wedding hairstyle can be a daunting task, but these 15 jaw-dropping updo styles are sure to inspire your bridal look. From classic elegance to bohemian charm, there’s something here for everyone.
Explore these styles, find the one that resonates with your personality, and get ready to turn heads on that special day. Happy hair styling!
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