You’ve chosen the dresses for your wedding party, and now it’s time to plan their beauty looks. The best bridesmaid hairstyles should complement their outfits and the wedding’s overall style, but they don’t all have to be identical. In fact, it’s better if each hairstyle suits the individual’s features rather than forcing a uniform look. After all, nothing is more beautiful than someone who feels confident and comfortable.
To make sure everyone is happy and the styles fit the wedding’s vibe, it’s a good idea to brainstorm and discuss options beforehand. To help with inspiration, we’ve gathered some of the best bridesmaid hairstyles that work with different hair textures and wedding attire. Here are 37 looks to spark ideas for your bridesmaids’ hairdos.
1. Slicked-Back Updo
Achieve a cohesive look with sleek buns or ponytails, as seen at Nadine Ijewere’s wedding. Use a bit of product to tame flyaways and keep the style neat from the ceremony through the night.
2. Loose Waves
Soft, loose curls add a romantic touch, perfect for a garden wedding. Create waves with a wide-barreled curling iron and set them with lightweight hairspray for a polished finish.
3. Braided Updo with Florals
For a whimsical style, incorporate braids into an updo and add a few flowers, like at Tatiana de Pahlen’s wedding. This works best on longer hair, but shorter hair can feature small braids in a bun. Consider a professional stylist for this more intricate look.
4. Slicked Crop
Short hair can be styled for the occasion too. Try a slicked-down look with gel for a chic, party-ready appearance.
5. Piece-y Updo with Flower Crown
If your bridesmaids are wearing flower crowns, pair them with a relaxed updo. Leave a few front pieces loose for an effortless feel.
6. Elegant Chignon
A chignon is a timeless choice for formal weddings. Allow a few strands to frame the face for a softer look, as seen at Nicole Wong’s Chinatown wedding.
7. Bubble Ponytail
Add interest to a classic ponytail by tying it in sections to create a bubble effect.
8. Long Braids
Long braids offer a natural, flowing look, ideal for a bridal party, as demonstrated at Asiah James’ wedding.
9. Hollywood Waves
Inspired by Old Hollywood, these waves bring glamour to formal events. Enhance volume with a deep side-part for a vintage vibe, like at Emily Caro’s wedding.
10. Tucked-Back Style
For those who prefer wearing their hair down, add polish by tucking the front sections and bangs behind the ears. Start with a blowout to keep hair secure all day.
11. Sleek and Straight
Sometimes simplicity is best. A sleek, straight hairstyle can be elegant and understated for the wedding party.Letting hair down creates a relaxed vibe. For a polished finish, try a simple blowout and add serum for shine.
12. Half-up, half-down
A half-up, half-down style is the ideal compromise—it keeps hair away from the face for wedding photos while still looking romantic, as seen on a bridesmaid at Sydney Watters’ wedding. This versatile look works with various hair textures, lengths, and types.
13. Hair bows
While choosing bridesmaid dresses is key, don’t overlook hair accessories. Adding a bow to a ponytail, updo, or half-up style brings a sweet, charming touch.
14. Braided chignon
A classic chignon with a twist. Though it looks intricate, it’s surprisingly simple to create—just braid and twist the hair into a bun, as Nicole Richie did at her sister Sofia’s wedding.
15. Top-knot bun
A twisted bun placed high on the crown is far from boring. Plus, with a few bobby pins, it stays secure in any weather or after a night of dancing.
16. Au natural
Nothing is more chic than embracing your hair’s natural texture, volume, and length.
17. Beachy waves
Loose, beachy waves are perfect for a seaside or rustic wedding, like Patrick Schwarzenegger and Abby Champion’s Idaho celebration. Enhance natural texture with extra hydration to prevent frizz all day.
18. Floral accents
Bridesmaids often prefer different hairstyles to suit their hair and tastes. Tying their looks together with accessories, like real flowers woven into their hair at this Portugal wedding, adds a sweet, cohesive touch.
19. Piece-y updo
A slightly messy updo with face-framing pieces brings ease to a formal look. It’s great for black-tie optional or cocktail events—just make sure it’s secure for the whole evening.
20. Bouncy curls
For a glamorous vibe, some bridesmaids at Vogue editor Naomi Elizée’s wedding chose big, bouncy curls. A large-barreled curling iron helps achieve this style.
21. Smooth and sleek
At Temi Otedola’s wedding, the bridesmaids wore different hairstyles but shared a consistent smooth and sleek aesthetic as they celebrated with the bride.
22. Voluminous updos
To add volume like the bridesmaids at Chioma Adeleke’s wedding, use extensions to create large, intricate chignons and bouffants for a glamorous retro feel.
23. An elevated mix
Hiring a hair and makeup team ensures everyone in the bridal party looks polished. Each person can choose their style, with professionals helping to create a cohesive, well-groomed appearance.
24. Wrapped updos
Wrapping hair around an updo—whether a chignon, small bun, or ponytail—adds definition. The bridesmaids at this Tennessee wedding showcased various styles with beautifully wrapped hair.
25. Messy chignons
For a younger bridal party, playful messy chignons capture the joyful spirit of little attendants scattering petals down the aisle.
26. Buns with defined parts
Even a slick-back bun can feature a part. At Meeka Hossain’s Los Angeles wedding, her bridal party wore sleek chignons with clearly defined parts.These defined styles also pair beautifully with a tikka jewelry piece on the forehead.
27. Gelled Bobs
Bridesmaids with bobs or other short cuts can define their look for the big day by using gel to sleek down their hair. Tucking hair behind the ears helps keep it off the face as the day goes on.
28. Polished Ponytails
A ponytail can be a perfect bridesmaid style when done well. For a polished finish, blow-dry hair smoothly first. Use a clear hair tie and wrap a section of hair around the base for an elegant touch.
29. French Twists
A French twist is a timeless hairstyle that keeps hair secure all evening. Bridesmaids or flower girls can wear this classic look with their wedding party outfits.
30. A Touch of Curl
To create harmony among different bridesmaid hairstyles, add some curl to each one. Using a curling wand on lengths, bangs, or ponytails can tie everything together beautifully.
31. Woven Chignon
Instead of a traditional ballet bun, ask your stylist to weave the hair into a chignon for a dynamic, voluminous shape. This works best for bridesmaids with longer hair that can hold the style.
32. Low Ponytail
While some may prefer a high ponytail, a low ponytail offers an elegant updo option. We love how this version features a wrapped elastic and soft waves in the loose strands.
33. Half-Up Bun
With a half-up style, you don’t have to leave all the hair loose. Follow Lana Condor’s bridesmaids and pull the top section into a small chignon at the crown.
34. Ribbon-Wrapped Ponytail
A ponytail tied with a ribbon in the wedding color palette is a chic choice for bridesmaids throughout the wedding weekend. We adore this style at an Italian welcome party.
35. Updo with Bangs
If your bridesmaids have bangs, there are several ways to style them with an updo: let a few pieces frame the face, sweep them to the side, or pin them back like Madeleine White’s bridesmaids.
36. Pretty Barrettes
No matter their age, a beautiful barrette with a floral or rhinestone accent can complete a bridesmaid’s wedding day look.
37. Hair Pins
Hair pins are another lovely accessory for bridesmaids, adding a touch of elegant shine to a chignon or French twist.
Bridesmaid Hairstyle FAQ
Who usually pays for a bridesmaid’s hair?
There’s no rule that the bride must pay for her bridesmaids’ hair and makeup, though it’s a thoughtful gesture. Sometimes the bride arranges for a stylist but asks the bridesmaids to cover part or all of the cost.
What order should bridesmaids get ready on the wedding day?
If there’s a hair and makeup team, the bride should be scheduled in the middle. This helps her look fresh and allows flexibility if styling takes longer than expected.
Do bridesmaids need to have matching hair?
Not necessarily. With different hair lengths and textures, a uniform style isn’t always practical. Instead, find ways to create cohesion among their individual looks.
Frequently Asked Questions