36 Inspiring Wedding Hairstyles For Your Bridal Look

If you’re unsure what wedding hairstyle to rock on your wedding day. Don’t worry, I’ve pulled together some key bridal hair dos to give you inspiration ready for your hair trial.

Trust me when I say your hairstylist will thank you when you head into the salon with your fave bridal hair looks to test and try out. Without further ado, let’s check out those styles and at the end I’ll be answering some wedding hair frequently asked questions. Woo!

Inspirational Wedding Hairstyles

Right now, you’re probably looking for general hair ideas for your wedding. It’s a good place to begin, after all your hair type and length can really change how a hairstyle looks. It’s always best to speak to your hairdresser for advice on how a hairstyle will work with your hair type.

So do take any images of hairstyles you see online with a pinch of salt. It may not be achievable to recreate exactly a hairstyle you find on you. I just wanted to cover that to avoid any disappointment, in case you get your heart set on one exact hair look.

Photo: Mia Photography via Stylish Rustic Wedding

 

Below you’re going to discover 36 eclectic and totally unique wedding hairstyles, from real brides and inspirational wedding photoshoots. Once you’ve found a style that makes your heart sing, save it and use it to gather further research.

Then you can head off to Pinterest, Google or Instagram to find other styles of the same nature. Be sure to collate a cohesive and concise mood board of your top 5 styles to then take to your hairdresser for your trial. Or, to practice at home, if you are going for a DIY wedding hairstyle.

Ready? Let’s dive on it.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase – at no additional cost to yourself.

😍 Some Of My Fave Etsy Shops For Wedding Hair Accessories ✨

1. Choppy Bob Half Up Half Down

A super pretty way to style a choppy bob with a veil. Add a vine accessory and twist your hair around it, while adding waves for texture.

Photo: Wyldbee Photography via Industrial Derbyshire Wedding Hair: Harpers Belper

 

Very Long Wavy Style

If you have really long hair, keep it simple and curl those tresses. You could pin some up away from your face or if you don’t have the length, add hair extensions.

Photo: Saukans Photography via Taormina Wedding

 

Halo Plait

A really cool and retro style, the halo braid is beautiful. It’ll show off your features, stay put and allow your outfit to shine.

Photo: Jessica Hill Photography via Wes Anderson Wedding Ideas Hair: Hepcats

 

Bridal Flower Crown with Twist

Love the idea of a dried flower crown, but unsure how to wear your hair? A half up half down style looks really pretty.

Photo: Aurora Grey Photography via Norfolk Barn Wedding Hair: Cara Hubbard

 

Sleek Long Ponytail

A sleek ponytail is a really modern look, be sure to get those straightening irons out and use a touch of shine spray to achieve the polished look.

Photo: Lottie Topping Hair: Lauren Louise via Natural Outdoor Wedding

 

😍 Some Wedding Hair Tools To Consider ✨

 

Chic Bridal Chignon

A chignon is a classic. It’s perfectly paired with pretty hair pins or a veil and is a soft way of embracing the updo.

Photo: Megan Donati Photography Hair: Michelle Morris via December Wedding Ideas

 

Twisted Updo

For a unique style think about twists and adding a statement side comb accessory for all the pretty.

Photo: Tom Jeavons Photography via Woods Wedding Hair: SJB Hair and Makeup

 

Short & Wavy

If you have short hair, it doesn’t mean you can’t style it to perfection. Add a wave and a cute accessory, hair done.

Photo: Lex Fleming Photo via Disco Wedding Ideas Hair: Powder Blue Artistry

 

Midlength & Fresh Flowers

For midlength bridal hair, you could twist the top half up and add fresh flowers. You’ll still look like you, but with added layers of pretty.

Photo: Camilla Andrea via Thorpe Garden Wedding Hair: Katie Grey

 

Simple Twist Plait

A really simple style if you wish to show off your hair, is a sweet twisted plait. Easy to do yourself too for the perfect DIY do.

Photo: Bloom Weddings via Granary On The Common Wedding Hair: Mane Attraction Hair Salon

 

Hollywood Waves

For all the glamour, old school Hollywood waves can look incredible. Invest in specialist tongs and setting products if you want to achieve this style yourself.

Photo: Thyme Lane Photography via Rustic Christmas Wedding Hair: Kimmy Lou’s

 

Beautiful Braids

Have your hair braided for a really pretty bridal look. Chic, modern and beautiful.

Photo: Marianne Chua Photography via Chainstore Wedding Hair: Curly By Nature

 

All The Flowers Updo

More is more when it comes to wedding flowers, so pile them into your hair for a showstopping style.

Photo: Bowl Of Corks via Bridal Barn Wedding Hair: Stevensons Hair Salon

 

Crown Volume

Add volume with a touch of backcombing at the crown of your head, then add curls and pretty pearl pins.

Photo: Sam Sparks Photo Hair: Catherine Elizabeth via White Syke Fields Wedding

 

Pretty Curls

Go natural and let your curls do the talking, add in an accessory or flowers for extra impact.

Photo: Heather Winstanley Photography via Cuffley Camp Wedding

 

Princess Braid

Think rapunzel, but without the length, all the volume and flowers of course.

Photo: Kerry Ann Duffy via Greatest Showman Wedding Hair: Hero Hairstylist

 

Front Fishtail Braid

For something a little different, add a swish of a fishtail braid in front of your bridal crown.

Photo: Opperhill Photography Hair: Hair by Sophie G via Terracotta Wedding Ideas

 

Soft & Romantic

Delicate curls and soft loose tendrils make for a really romantic style.

Photo: Faye Green Photo via Church Hall Wedding Hair: zvlhairandbrows

 

Soft Front Tendrils

Pull some strands forward for a more modern, rustic wedding up hairstyle.

Photo: Opperhill Photography Hair: Hair by Sophie G via Terracotta Wedding Ideas

 

Twisted Up-Do

Twist the length of your hair into a pretty and messy style. Add flowers or a pretty accessory to finish the look.

Photo: Charly Mae Photography Hair: Faye Naomi via Tea Party Wedding

 

Simple Twist

Gather the front of your hair, and twist it around the back of your head. Secure with pins and you have the perfect DIY hairdo.

Photo: Victoria Crocker Photography via Burgundy Wedding Theme Hair: Alex Hair and Makeup

 

Fringe & Waves

If you have a fringe, style with waves and a half up half down hairstyle.

Photo: Thyme Lane Photography via Eco Garden Wedding Hair: Deb Dominic

 

Chic Ponytail

Create a modern look with a sleek style meets natural curl ponytail.

Photo: Camilla Andrea Photography via Modern Pink Wedding

 

Messy Plait

If you know someone that is handy at creating plaits, this is a simple and really pretty DIY wedding hair option. Imperfect and whimsical, especially with the added petals.

Photo: Charly Mae Photography Hair: Faye Naomi via Tea Party Wedding

 

Side Flowers

For a bit of drama add all the fresh flowers to one side of your hairstyle. Ask your florist for extra blooms to achieve this look.

Photo: Photography34 via Mowbray Wedding Hair: Andrede Villers

 

Boho Plaits

A more intricate bridal hairstyle that may need the skills of a pro hairstylist. But nonetheless, a really romantic and boho style look. Pretty meets practical.

Photo: Eloise & Mitch via Park Wedding Ideas Hair: Lynnette Chasmer Bridal Hairstylist

 

Pink Hair & Pearls

Why not add some colour to your tresses and while you are there, this season’s hottest trend… pearls!

Photo: Lauren Elliott Photography via Midweek Wedding Hair: Sarah Meredith MUA

 

Asymmetrical Plait

For a bold statement, an asymmetrical plait can look super chic. It will keep your hair out of your face and feel secure all day long.

Photo: Jade Touron Photography via Garden Wedding Reception Hair: Margie

 

Swept To The Side

If you have a bob style, add volume, an accessory and sweep your hair to the side for a special wedding day look.

Photo: Marianne Chua via Tanner Warehouse Wedding Hair: Portraits Bridal

 

Half Up Braid

If you can’t choose whether or not to have an updo, a half up half down style like this braided look may be perfect.

Photo: Kate Gray Photography via Low Key Wedding Hair: Tracey Baden

 

Relaxed & Wavy

Voluminous, pretty and laid back. This is the perfect boho beach style for mid to long hair.

Photo: Nicola Belson Photography via Minimalist Wedding Ideas Hair: Rachael Capocci

 

Tousled Crop

If you have a short do, add volume, texture and a wow factor hair accessory.

Photo: Claire McClean Photography via Cool Wedding Ideas Hair: Sarah Lawrence Hairdressing

 

Messy Updo

Perfectly imperfect, this style has volume and waves, all gathered up at the back. Be sure to leave some loose strands too.

Photo: HannaMonika Wedding Photography via Crete Wedding

 

One Side Hairdo

Pin up one side of your hair for a best of both worlds do. Show off your make up and earrings and find a gorgeous hair slide.

Photo: Whitney Lloyd Photography via Stately Home Wedding Hair: Hannah Clare Hair and MUA

 

Pigtail Plaits

For something more modern and fun, why not have pig tails, with braids?

Photo: Aurora Grey Photography via Modern Pink Wedding Ideas Hair: Boho Beauty Box

 

French Twist

A french twist is classic, retro in style and oh so chic.

Photo: Aurora Grey Photography via Modern Pink Wedding Ideas Hair: Boho Beauty Box

 

Wedding Hair – FAQ

So you’ve now found an idea for your wedding hair, but what else did you need to think about when it comes to your wedding hairstyle?

Which hairstyle is best for weddings?

There is no rule about which hairstyle is best for a wedding. It comes down to your hair type,  your personality and outfit choice. You want to feel and look like you, but enhanced and even more beautiful than you already are!

📌 Wedding hairstyle tips:

• If you have an intricate dress, scoop your hair up to show it off.
• Have short tresses? Accessorise and change the parting or texture to add vavavoom.
• Planning to hit the dancefloor and it’s set to be windy? Have an updo to keep hair off of your face.
• Want a relaxed style, wear your hair down in all its natural beauty.

Can you do your own wedding hair?

Yes, you can do your own wedding hair. I did my own wedding hairstyle (photo below) on the morning of my wedding. I simply made sure I had a lovely cut the week of, freshly washed and curled my hair with straighteners. Job done.

Me on my wedding day. Photo: Alexa Loy

 

📌 Tips for DIY wedding hair:

• Practice! Do some trials and think about investing in new products/tools to help.
• Keep it simple. You don’t want to feel stressed about getting your hair wrong or running out of time in the morning.
• Ask for a hand – if you have someone talented with tresses, rope them in to help.
• Accessorise to make your look extra special.
• Get a cut/colour the week of and ask your hairdresser for product and styling tips.

Photo: Holly Driver Photography via Fairy Wedding

 

How much do wedding hairstyles cost?

The cost of wedding hair stylists can vary wildly. Depending on location, the hairstyle you’ve chosen, having a trial, if it’s just you who is having your hair done, whether you head to a salon or the hairstylist comes to you and finally if your hairstylist is a wedding specialist.

So that being said, you can expect to spend upwards of £100 just for you to have your hair trial and hairstyle on the day to around £300+. Some stylists have packages for the whole wedding party and makeup as well. So it’s best to research and get quotes for your unique requirements.

Photo: David Christopher Photography via Destination Wedding Ibiza Hair: Elia Martine

 

When is the wedding hair trial?

It’s best to book your wedding hair trial 2-3 months before your wedding. Ideally, your hair should be around the length you expect it to be on the wedding day. It’s also best to have your outfit and hair accessories chosen, this will help you lock in your final style.

How do wedding hair trials work?

At a wedding hair trial, it’s a chance to try out your favourite styles with your chosen hairstylist for a trial run. You’ll then hopefully go away knowing what style you’d like and be ready to book your hairstylist for the big day.

Photo: Thyme Lane Photography via Island Hall Wedding Hair: Barberella Bridal

 

📌 Hair trial top tips:

• Wash your hair the night before, do not style or add additional products to your hair.
• Bring a printout or digital copy of hairstyles you like (this blog post for example can be shared on your phone/tablet).
• Take with you your accessories and share a photo of your outfit with your stylist.
• Ask a friend along if you want an extra opinion and take photos of the different styles from different angles to look back on later.
• Be sure to ask questions to your hairstylist if they crop up.

Further Reading