Being a bridesmaid is an honor — and looking the part is a must. From the ceremony to the dance floor, bridesmaid hairstyles should be elegant, photogenic, and easy to wear all day. Whether you’re styling your bridal party or you’re a bridesmaid yourself, the right hairstyle enhances the entire wedding aesthetic and complements your dress beautifully.
From chic buns to flowing curls and soft braids, here are 10 wedding hairstyles for bridesmaids that are timeless, versatile, and guaranteed to look stunning from “I do” to last dance.
1. Soft Low Chignon
A soft low bun at the nape is a bridesmaid favorite — classic, elegant, and easy to pair with any dress neckline or accessory.
Why it works: It’s timeless and comfortable, and it keeps hair off the face and neck during long ceremonies.
Style Tip: Leave a few curled tendrils out for softness. Add a matching pin or pearl accessory for bridal party cohesion.
2. Loose Waves with a Side Part
Soft waves are romantic, effortless, and flattering on every bridesmaid — especially for more relaxed or boho weddings.
Why it works: It suits every hair length and texture, and flows beautifully with both strapless and sleeved dresses.
Style Tip: Curl hair in alternating directions and brush out with a wide-tooth comb. Part on the side for volume and finish with light hairspray.
3. Half-Up Twisted Crown
This feminine style blends structure with softness, pulling hair off the face while leaving plenty of volume down the back.
Why it works: It keeps things tidy while adding a touch of whimsy — great for rustic, garden, or beach weddings.
Style Tip: Twist two front sections and secure at the back with a barrette or clip. Add floral accents or gold pins to match the bride’s look.
4. Braided Low Ponytail
The low ponytail gets an elegant upgrade with a braid woven in — refined yet fresh.
Why it works: It’s easy to maintain throughout the day and works well for both formal and semi-casual weddings.
Style Tip: Braid one or both sides and gather into a sleek low ponytail. Wrap a strand of hair around the elastic to polish the look.
5. Messy Bun with Volume
For the bridesmaid who loves a little drama, the voluminous messy bun is relaxed but elevated.
Why it works: It offers height and dimension, and it pairs beautifully with off-the-shoulder or V-neck dresses.
Style Tip: Tease the crown before loosely gathering hair into a bun. Let curled pieces frame the face. Accessorize with a sparkly clip if desired.
Choosing the Right Bridesmaid Hairstyle
Here’s how to help your bridal party choose their perfect hair:
- Dress neckline: Off-the-shoulder looks great with updos. High necklines pair well with buns or ponytails. Deep V or sweetheart necklines look beautiful with waves or half-up styles.
- Venue and weather: Beach or outdoor weddings call for secure styles (braids, buns). Indoors? Almost anything goes.
- Uniform vs. individual: Some brides want all bridesmaids in the same hairstyle, others allow individuality within a theme (e.g., all updos or all half-up styles).
- Hair texture and length: Adapt styles based on each bridesmaid’s hair type, or use extensions where needed for consistency.
Matching Bridesmaid Hairstyles to Dress Styles
| Dress Style | Recommended Hairstyle |
|---|---|
| Strapless or Sweetheart | Loose curls, side buns, half-up waves |
| Off-the-Shoulder | Messy bun, twisted chignon, sleek ponytail |
| High Neck or Halter | High bun, braided ponytail, crown braid |
| One-Shoulder | Side bun, side-swept curls |
| Spaghetti Strap | Loose waves, braided half-up, messy bun |
Accessories That Elevate Bridesmaid Hair
- Pearl pins or combs to subtly match the bride
- Dainty floral clips for outdoor or boho weddings
- Rhinestone or gold barrettes for evening elegance
- Matching silk bows for a playful, romantic theme
- Miniature flower crowns for nature or destination weddings
Tips for Long-Lasting Bridesmaid Hairstyles
- Start with clean, dry hair — slightly dirty hair holds styles better
- Use heat protectant and setting spray before curling or straightening
- Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to last through dancing and weather
- Bring a touch-up kit with pins, mini hairspray, and a comb
- Coordinate hair trials if you’re doing professional styling for the group
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should all bridesmaids have the same hairstyle?
A: Not necessarily! Matching hairstyles can look cohesive in photos, but allowing slight variation (like choosing from updos or half-up styles) can flatter each individual’s features and preferences.
Q: Do bridesmaids need professional hair styling?
A: It depends on your budget and the formality of the wedding. If you want polished looks and consistency, hiring a stylist is a great choice — especially for large bridal parties.
Q: How far in advance should bridesmaids do their hair on the wedding day?
A: Typically, bridesmaids begin styling 3–4 hours before the ceremony. Work backward from the ceremony time to plan your schedule.
Q: What if a bridesmaid has very short hair?
A: Embrace it! Use accessories, texture, or soft curls. Hair extensions or clip-ins are optional but not required — confidence is key.
Final Thoughts
Bridesmaid hairstyles don’t have to be complicated to be stunning. From structured updos to romantic curls, the perfect style helps each woman in your bridal party feel beautiful, confident, and ready to stand beside you on your special day.
Choose a hairstyle (or theme) that fits the wedding’s mood, your dress code, and each bridesmaid’s personality — and your entire bridal party will glow with effortless elegance.