I’m attending three different ceremonies this summer alone, and honestly, the struggle to figure out how to style my own hair for all these events is getting so incredibly real.
Finding the absolute perfect wedding hairstyles is basically a full-time job right now.
It totally reminds me of my cousin’s big day a few years ago. I was so convinced I could do my own intricate, twisted updo just by following a quick five-minute video tutorial on my phone. Well, spoiler alert – it didn’t take five minutes. I ended up wrestling with my hair for over an hour, using about eighty bobby pins and half a can of maximum-hold hairspray. By the time I actually got to the venue, my head was throbbing from how tight everything was pulled, and it honestly just looked like a frantic bird had nested on top of my head. I literally had to sneak into the bathroom right before the vows started, pull out all those stubborn pins, and just throw it into a casual messy bun. It was a complete and total disaster!
Since that stressful morning, I promised myself I would actually plan my looks way in advance and find styles that are both beautiful and realistic for real life.
So today, I’m sharing my absolute favorite hair inspirations that I’ve been hoarding on my Pinterest boards.
Classic low bun
Starting off with something that literally never goes out of style.
A classic low bun is just the ultimate definition of elegance and grace. It keeps everything perfectly secure and out of your face, which is exactly what you want when you’re running around taking family photos for hours in the afternoon.
I love how this sleek look pairs beautifully with almost any dress neckline, especially a high neck or a gown with a dramatic open back.
Plus, it’s totally weatherproof, so you don’t have to stress about the wind messing up your vibe!
Romantic loose waves
If you’re going for that effortless, fairy-tale aesthetic, this is absolutely the one for you. These soft, cascading waves are just so dreamy and feminine.
I actually helped my best friend style her hair exactly like this for her photo shoot recently, and it is easily one of the most stunning engagement hairstyles I have ever seen in my life.
We were so worried the breeze would ruin the blowout while we were outside, but a really good texturizing spray kept everything looking perfectly undone and bouncy.
Elegant chignon
This is for those moments when you just want to look like absolute royalty.
The chignon is incredibly polished and sophisticated. It definitely takes a little more skill and patience to get that perfectly smooth, tucked-in shape without any bumps, but the final result is completely breathtaking.
If you’re attending a super formal, black-tie event this season, this is the exact style you need to save to your camera roll immediately.
Braided crown
Okay, I am completely obsessed with this magical, woodland fairy look! Adding a thick braid just brings so much amazing texture and visual interest to the hair.
It’s such a fun, creative way to keep your hair pulled back while still looking incredibly detailed and special.
I feel like this would be absolutely perfect for an outdoor garden ceremony, surrounded by lots of blooming flowers and natural greenery.
Soft Hollywood curls
Talk about major red carpet energy! These deep, glossy, structured waves are just everything.
You definitely need a really high-quality shine spray and a good curling iron to get that glass-like finish, but it is so worth the extra effort.
Messy bridal updo
I’ll let you guys in on a little secret – the “messy” look usually takes the most effort and pins to actually create!
But it is just so incredibly gorgeous once it’s done. Letting a few soft tendrils fall loosely around your face softens the whole style and makes it feel so deeply romantic. It’s that perfect balance of looking totally put-together but not too stiff or structured.
You can dance all night and it’ll still look amazing even if a few more pieces fall out naturally.
Half-up twisted style
This is the ultimate compromise when you just can’t decide if you want your hair pulled up or left down.
I actually chopped my hair to my shoulders last year right before being in a bridal party. I was stressing so much trying to find good wedding hairstyles for short hair that wouldn’t look too plain or simple. I ended up going with a twisted half-up look very similar to this one.
It is genuinely one of the best short hair wedding styles because it gives the illusion of extra volume and length, and it honestly made for the most perfect bridesmaid hairstyles! Everyone in our group ended up doing a slight variation of it, and we all felt so confident.
Sleek low ponytail
This look is just so sharp, modern, and undeniably chic. A sleek ponytail is honestly one of my absolute favorite wedding guest hairstyles because it looks so incredibly intentional and high-fashion without stealing the show.
You just part it straight down the middle, smooth down any stubborn flyaways with a good styling gel, and wrap a small piece of hair around the hair tie to hide the elastic.
Boho fishtail braid
If you have super long, thick hair, you simply have to try this style at least once. A chunky, pulled-apart fishtail braid is just a bohemian dream come true.
It looks so relaxed and earthy. You can gently tug at the edges of the braid to make it look even thicker, and weave little tiny flowers or delicate hair vines all throughout it to make it look even more whimsical.
Pearl pinned bun
Accessories are basically the quickest and best way to elevate a simple style. Adding delicate little pearl pins scattered throughout a bun is such a huge trend right now, and I am totally here for it! It adds this beautiful, unexpected texture and subtle shine that catches the light perfectly in photos.
It’s those tiny, thoughtful little details that really take a look from basic to completely unforgettable.
Side-swept curls
There is just something so incredibly romantic and alluring about sweeping all your hair over one shoulder.
It really highlights your collarbone and lets you show off some amazing statement earrings. This style is so deeply flattering on literally everyone.
You just secure it with some hidden pins at the nape of your neck, and it stays perfectly in place while looking totally glamorous and full of volume.
Textured low updo
I’m always so amazed by talented stylists who can create this much volume and dimension. The way the hair is curled, teased, and then pinned creates so many beautiful, overlapping layers.
It looks like a literal work of art! If your hair is a little on the finer side, using a good texturizing powder at the roots before pinning it up helps so much to give you this exact full, fluffy effect.
Floral hairpiece style
We are wrapping up with an absolute, timeless classic. Adding fresh or high-quality silk florals to your hair just screams romance and springtime joy. It’s such a beautiful way to tie your look into the overall floral theme of the day.
You just carefully tuck a small comb or a few wired blooms right above your bun or into your twists. It feels so organic, fresh, and effortlessly pretty.
Just a little note - some of the links on here may be affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you decide to shop through them (at no extra cost to you!). I only post content which I'm truly enthusiastic about and would suggest to others.
And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Louisa
― Enjoy Looking Your Best!
