80+ Wedding Hair Updo Styles

When it comes to wedding hair, an updo is a classic hairstyle option. From sleek and elegant chignons to tousled wavy boho braids, our inspiration is bursting with wedding hair updo styles for long and shorter lengths. Updo hairstyles are practical (no other style is quite as weatherproof!) as well as elegant. Wearing your hair up on your wedding day allows every show-stopping detail of your dress and accessories to be on view. Updo hairstyles also allow for much more personalisation as the updo could match your gown, face shape, and wedding theme, whether it’s bohemian, vintage, or contemporary.

80 best wedding updo hairstyles for every bride 

Why should you wear your hair up for your wedding day? 

Brides often want their wedding dress, especially the neckline and back, to be the star of the show. Updos keep the hair off the shoulders and out of the way, allowing the dress and accessories to shine. Updos also beautifully complement bridal accessories like veils, tiaras, headbands, or decorative pins. With the hair pulled up, these details become more prominent. Another reason why brides opt for an updo rather than letting their locks flow free is because the hairstyle is more durable and longer lasting. With the right products, updo hairstyles can be totally weather-proof. 

The resurgence of vintage and old Hollywood glamour hairstyles has brought classic updos like the French twist, beehive, and pin curls back into the limelight. Brides looking for a timeless or retro look should gravitate toward these iconic styles. But where do you start with inspiration? That’s where we come in. Take a look at these hairstyles…

Pinned Updos

Soft, romantic and ethereal, a pinned updo is perfect for most hair types and makes it a universally flattering wedding hairstyle. Current bridal trends lean toward a soft, romantic aesthetic, so loose, slightly tousled updos with tendrils framing the face are popular for their dreamy and effortless vibe.

Image Credits: Anneli Marinovich, Adam Crohill, Ann-Kathrin Koch Photography, Chris Barber Photography, Sarah-Jane Ethan Photography, Beans On Toast For Two, Natalie J Weddings Photography, Laura Mac Photography, The Kensington Photographer, Natalie J Weddings Photography, Rebecca Carpenter Photography.

Updos Using Hair Accessories and Headpieces 

Hair vines, combs, pins and grips, there are a wealth of hair accessories available to accentuate your wedding hair updo. For boho brides, you can’t beat a hair vine wrapped into a soft braided updo, while delicate pearl pins are great if you want to keep the look understated and elegant. Enamel flower hair pins are perfect for brides with more minimalist dresses. We love seeing a bride shake it up and swap accessories and hairstyles for the evening reception (or even a haircut!). These accessories can also serve a more functional purpose in keeping your bridal hairstyle in place or hiding any larger clips.

Flower Hair Accessories For Updo Hairstyles 

Florals and foliage are effortlessly romantic and ideal for brides and bridesmaids alike. Pin greenery into a loose chignon or weave flower heads through braids for a whimsical wedding updo. Flower crowns can be the ultimate accessory to your bridal updo. Why no chat with your florist about which flowers will go the distance and be most suitable for your wedding hairstyle? Gypsophila is a very popular choice as it doesn’t wilt and looks so timeless.

Chignons and Low Buns

For those preferring a refined updo then pinned at the nape of the neck, a low bun or chignon would be ideal. Our inspiration shows you can style this look with a side, middle or swept-back parting. Twist, roll and tuck your way to the chicest wedding updo style. Brides who desire a clean, polished aesthetic often choose chignons or low buns because they offer a sleek, neat appearance. These styles can be styled to perfection with smooth finishes or slightly tousled for a more relaxed yet refined vibe.

Braided Updos

For a more relaxed updo then braids and plaits could be for you. Braids can be incorporated into your bridal look in many different styles; tiny plaits weaved through the most elegant of updos, wrapped into neat milkmaid style plaits around the head, looser in boho braids or in a hair-up style created entirely from intricately woven braids. Also, for Black brides, we love halo braids, loc braid updos, goddess braid updos and updos using Fulani braids. 

Styling Updos with Veils 

If you’re opting for a gorgeous veil as part of your bridal style, it’s an extra consideration when it comes to planning your wedding day hair. With updos, it’s completely up to you if you want to pin your veil above, in the centre of or below your hair. If you plan to remove the veil after the ceremony, make sure it is secured in a way that can be easily detached without disrupting the updo. A comb that slides in and out or a detachable attachment is a good option for brides who want to remove their veil for the reception. If you’re keeping it in for a while securing it with bobby pins, hair slides or one of your hair accessories is a better choice. 

Ponytails

Cool, chic and elegant, there’s no doubt that pony-tailed brides are fashion-forward. Undone, volumised and edgy or sleek and classic, this wedding hairstyle can work either high or low. We love wrap-around knots and loose tousled wavy ponytails. Accessorise with hair pins, ribbons or bows or keep it sleek and minimal to match the popular clean girl aesthetic that also will highlight any statement earrings. 

Updos For Short Hairstyles 

You don’t need to have tresses like Rapunzel to have a bridal updo. In fact, most hair stylists prefer something mid-length for most updos. For brides with short hair, tight, close braids are a great choice or you could pin your longest lengths in a side-swept style or half-up-half-down style too. 

Another example of when we would recommend having an updo to avoid any unnecessary wedding stress is for a destination wedding. If your hair is prone to going a bit wild with humidity, then an updo might be the best option. Take a look at our hair and makeup guide for destination weddings for some more recommendations.