It’s the pièce de résistance and the cherry on top of the cake. It might seem like a small piece of a larger puzzle, but your wedding hairstyle is the finishing touch that pulls everything together. It’s got to feel you, suit the vibe of your day, and survive a good few hours of hugs and happy tears.
Whether you’re dreaming of Hollywood waves, a sleek wedding bun that says “cool, calm and collected”, or something a bit more wild, the golden rule is to do what feels right for you. Try not to worry about what’s trending or what everyone “thinks” you should do. Remember—this is your day and your call.
So, if you’re looking for a bit of inspiration or are simply trying to do everything right, keep reading. We’ve compiled a foolproof process that will help you pick your wedding hairstyle of dreams. Plus, some top tips and FAQs to make you feel like a bridal hairstyle pro! Let’s get started.
What is a wedding hairstyle?
A wedding hairstyle is any hairstyle that you choose to wear on your big day. It doesn’t need to be some elaborate, ten-step “updo for a wedding” (unless that’s your thing). It could be a soft blow-dry, a simple half-up half-down wedding style, a messy braid with flowers tucked in, or even your everyday look but with a bit more oomph. If it makes you feel confident and like the best version of yourself, that’s all that matters.
The key things to consider are the type of dress you’re wearing, the vibe of the venue, the weather, and also what’s possible with your hair length and texture. There’s no point planning for a messy up-do if your hair is a cropped pixie. Likewise, if your hair’s poker straight and never holds a curl, maybe don’t pin all your hopes on big bouncy waves lasting till midnight. Work with your hair, not against it, for best results.
For everything you need to know, check out our dedicated guide to wedding hair.
How to choose your wedding hairstyle
If you’re a step-by-step guide kind of person, keep reading. We’ve condensed everything you need to know about planning a fabulous wedding hairstyle below.
1) Remember, you look beautiful
No matter what style you choose, you will look radiant on your big day. Everyone does, no matter what. Your happiness and sparkle will shine through, making you glow from the inside out, and there’s no fancy hair or makeup that can replace that. All you need is a genuine smile and that just-married buzz you’ll be radiating all day.
No matter what wedding hairstyle you choose—you are beautiful.
2) Consider your hair length and natural texture
You need to think about the length and texture of your natural hair when planning your wedding hairstyle. Not every style will work for every head of hair, and that’s fine! The goal is to work with your hair to create something beautiful, not tame it against its will into something you’ll be worried about all day.
Of course, some things can be altered if you’d prefer. Short hair can be lengthened with extensions, frizzy hair can be tamed with a hair mask, and curly hair can be straightened if you’re dreaming of glossy locks. But, will you feel like you if all these things are changed?
The trick is to decide what actually matters to you. Is it feeling totally yourself? Is it matching a certain vibe you’ve had in your head since you were fifteen? Or maybe it’s just wanting something low-maintenance that you won’t have to touch up every half hour. Whatever it is, start there. Your hair’s natural length and texture are part of what makes you you, and your wedding day is the perfect time to celebrate that
3) Consider your dress
Another important factor to consider is your wedding dress. A dress with an interesting back or detailed neckline calls for an updo. If you choose to wear it down, you might cover part of the intricacies or even end up stuck to your buttons every time you turn your head!
On the flip side, if your dress is more simple or minimal, letting your hair down (literally) can add softness and balance things out. It’s all about harmony—you want your hair to complement your outfit, not compete with it.
Try your hair with your dress before the big day if you can, or at least with something similar in shape. You’ll get a much better feel for how it all comes together and whether you’ll be comfy for the long haul.
Pro tip: If you’re having your hair professionally styled for the big day, don’t skip the trial! A trial is typically conducted a few months before the big day and will help you determine whether you like the style you’ve picked, how comfortable it is, and how well it wears. Don’t be afraid to make changes if something doesn’t work out as planned—that’s the whole point of a trial!
4) Consider the heat
Getting married in July, August, or abroad? Consider the heat and the humidity. Certain styles don’t hold up well against the heat. Equally, some styles can help keep you cool if the sun’s beating down.
For example, if you’re prone to puffiness in humidity, you might want to go for something pinned up and off your face and neck. Likewise, if you’re planning a beach wedding, those ocean breezes can turn soft waves into a bird’s nest before you’ve even cut the cake. So, have a chat with your stylist about styles that hold up well in heat and humidity. Don’t underestimate the power of a good setting spray and keep a secret stash of kirby grips handy.
5) Consider the vibe
Finally, consider the vibe of your big day. If the brief is classic and beautiful, you can’t go wrong with a sleek bun. However, if you’re planning for something more relaxed, a softer, more undone style might suit you better. Loose waves, braids, or a tousled ponytail can look effortlessly cool and still feel special.
The key is to match your hair to the energy of the day. You don’t want a super formal updo if everything else about your wedding is chilled and laid-back—you’ll feel like you’ve turned up to the wrong party! Equally, if you’re going for full glam with a ballroom venue and a dramatic gown, a polished updo can really tie it all together.
6 top tips for choosing a wedding hairstyle
We’ve pulled together 6 top tips for planning your wedding hairstyle. They aren’t commandments, so take them with a pinch of salt. But, hopefully, they’ll steer you in the right direction on your big day.
1) Plan ahead
Prepping your wedding hairstyle doesn’t start the morning of the wedding, or even at the trial. Nope! It starts up to 18 months beforehand. That’s when you should start taking a hair, skin, and nail supplements, scheduling regular trims with your hairdresser, and getting into good habits like using heat protection. The idea is to get your hair in the best shape possible, so when the big day comes around, it’s shiny, strong, and ready to hold whatever style you throw at it.
2) Don’t forget the accessories
Plan what accessories you want to wear ahead of time and have your hair trial with the accessories in. There’s no point planning the perfect style only to realise your veil doesn’t sit right or your hairpins keep slipping out. Whether it’s a sparkly clip, a flower crown, a vintage comb, or a dramatic veil, your stylist needs to know what they’re working with from the start.
3) Time it right on the day
If you have a bunch of bridesmaids, chances are you’ll all be getting your hair done one after another. So, make sure there’s a solid plan in place. Speak to your stylist about how long they’ll need per person, then add a small buffer (trust us, these things always take longer than you think). You don’t want to be rushing your final touches while guests are arriving.
Also, make sure you’re not the last one in the chair (unless that’s the plan). Having a bit of time to breathe, get dressed slowly, and take it all in before the ceremony makes a world of difference.
4) Test it with movement
You want your wedding hairstyle to last all day. That means hugs, throw-your-head-back-laughing, and lots of dancing. Don’t be afraid to give it a proper test run at your hair trial. We mean shake your head, do a little twirl, pretend you’re doing the Macarena if you must. You want to know it’s secure enough to survive all the big moments without slipping out of place or needing constant touch-ups.
5) Don’t feel the pressure to “be bridal”
We know there’s a lot of pressure in the run- up to your wedding. Pressure to act a certain way, to feel a certain way, to look a certain way… well, never mind all that! You being the bride is bridal enough, and your hairstyle should be a reflection of you, not a reflection of what a bride should be.
So, if you’ve never worn your hair in an up-do in your life, don’t feel like you have to start now. Love a bold fringe, wild curls, or a sleek ponytail? Go for it. The aim is to feel confident, comfortable, and like the best version of yourself, not like you’re playing dress-up.
6) Have a backup plan
If something goes wrong with your hair, you can’t fix it yourself on your big day. So, one of your bridesmaids is going to need to fix it for you. Have your hair stylist explain to them exactly how your style is put together. For example, where the grips are, how to re-secure anything that might come loose, and what to do if a curl decides to go rogue. It doesn’t need to be a full tutorial, just an emergency guide. Best case scenario, one of your bridesmaids is also a hairdresser. Worst case scenario, one of them has to learn really quickly.
It’s also a good idea to have them practise how to take your veil on and off in the presence of the hairstylist so they can correct their technique and offer pointers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best hairstyle for a wedding?
The best hairstyle for a wedding is any style that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Try not to focus too much on ‘what’s in style’ or what everyone else is doing, and go for what makes you feel special.
Does the bride pay for her hair?
Yes. Typically, a bride pays for her own hair and makeup on the wedding day. However, you could try asking your parents or soon-to-be spouse to pay if you aren’t comfortable with that.
For more on this, check out our dedicated guide to who pays for what for a wedding.
What is the most popular wedding hairstyle?
A stylish updo tends to be the most popular style for a wedding. It’s effortlessly chic, and can be easily customised to suit your style and personality.
Your wedding hair, sorted
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- How Much Does Wedding Beauty Cost? The 2025 Average Revealed
- Demystifying Bridal Beauty Costs: Why Professional Wedding Hair and Makeup Is Totally Worth It
Happy Planning!
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