You’ve found the man, the venue, the dress and the cake – now to pick that perfect hairstyle for your big day. If you’re in need of inspiration, we're here to help.
We've scoured the catwalks and found no less than 51 gorgeous wedding hairstyles to inspire you. Whether you're opting for a traditional veil, an understated hair accessory or an intricate bridal up-do, find the wedding look to suit you in our 2016 guide, and scroll down for our how-to tips and top five wedding day hair hacks.
50+ wedding hairstyle ideas for brides-to-be
Wedding Hair Hairstyles Ideas - Bridal Trends
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
This super-pretty take on the ponytail looks like two floating hearts. You might want to employ the expertise of a hairstylist to create this look for your wedding day.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
Another advantage of wearing a pretty bridal headband is that it will smooth and tame any flyaways, whatever the weather.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
If you're blessed with gorgeous natural curls, let a few tendrils fall loose from your up-do to add extra romance to your look.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
This double ponytail-meets-bun hairstyle might look simple, but the golden headband makes it special enough for your wedding day.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
This XXL faux bob is all kinds of pretty. Team with soft smoky eye makeup and a cool red lip like this model for a seriously sultry bridal beauty look.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
Add some interest to your high bun by adding a pretty floral or feather accessory to one side of the up-do.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
This statement bridal up-do is created from a high ponytail, with sections of hair curled and pinned into place, finishing with a pretty jewelled accessory.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
If you usually wear your fringe out, your wedding day is not the time to change it up. Soften bangs by going for a side-swept finish.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
Side-swept curls are a timeless classic; this is a great choice for you if your look is all about Hollywood glamour.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
If you have a pixie crop or short haircut, make sure you look extra-special on your wedding day with a sleek side-swept style like this one. Very Michelle Williams (always good).
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
Just in case you're worried people won't notice the lady in the long white dress; how about a towering, voluminous beehive-bun?
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
This tight twisted ballet bun is chic and stylish and will stay put all day, no matter how wild you go on the dance-floor after the 'I dos'.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
If you often wear your hair in a high ballet bun style, this extra-special take on the trend would be a great option for your wedding day. This style works particularly well with a full veil fastened under the bun.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
If you always wear your hair down, your wedding day probably isn't the best time to try a new look. You'll feel more comfortable with your hair down, so opt for romantic waves or curls that will look prettier as they drop throughout the day.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
This soft twisted up-do is given an extra feminine fishing touch with face-framing loose strands all around the crown and temple.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
Adding extra volume at the roots of your up-do is a great way to make your usual off-duty up-do extra special for your wedding day.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
A half-up, half-down style will suit almost everyone and isn't too OTT if you're worried about looking too 'done' on your big day.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
What says 'it's my wedding day' better than a double super-sized bun hairstyle? (A: Nothing.)
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
This pearly-white floral headband is the perfect way to add a bridal update to a simple up-do.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
This twisted up-meets-down do would look extra pretty worn with a spray of baby's breath (gypsophilia) threaded into the top.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
A pretty floral sparkling headband can make absolutely any hairstyle wedding-worthy. Even a lowly ponytail (albeit a very glossy one).
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
Choose between real flowers, feathers or sparkling hair accessories woven into your hairstyle for a special touch for your big day.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
Pearls are the perfect bridal hair accessory; we love this chic French pleat hairstyle embellished with oversized pearls.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
A low twisted bun is a really simple but sophisticated bridal look that you should be able to perfect at home (with enough practice). If you are planning on doing your own hair, practice the style at least once a week in the run-up to your wedding so that it will be completely routine on your big day.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
If you're opting for a traditional face-covering veil, a simple pulled-back up-do will work well and last all day.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
A classic mid-height bun will stay looking picture-perfect all day, so it's a good choice if you're worried about the weather.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
Stay cool on your big day by pulling top section of your hair back from your face. You'll still have a face-framing down-do, but no lank locks to worry about.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
If it's statement bridal hair accessories you're looking for, you should read our guide to wedding hair accessories, here.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
This chic and simple down-do with the top section pinned back will work well with almost any bridal headpiece or hair accessory added.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
This classic side-swept beehive up-do is a firm bridal favourite. It works well with back-detail dresses to show off intricate lace or buttons.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
A loose, tucked-under French plait up-do with a few flyaways is the perfect choice for a country wedding.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
Opted for a simple dress? Make a statement with your hair accessories or bridal headpiece. How far will you go?
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
Your everyday signature hairstyle made special with a statement embellished bridal headpiece or tiara. If you wear your hair in a low bun every day, you might feel more comfortable sticking with the style, but giving it a finishing touch with a wedding-worthy accessory.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
A deep side-parting is a really sophisticated look for your wedding day. A couple of sparkling accessories will add the perfect finishing touch.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
If you're wearing a high-backed dress with delicate lace or buttons that you want to show off, a low and loose bun is an elegant choice for your wedding hairstyle.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
Remember to make sure you have hairspray at your reception venue to tame any flyaways throughout the evening.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
If you have short or mid-length hair but you're set on an up-do for your big day, try this elegant twisted style on for size and add an oversized accessory like this one.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
A deep side-parting and subtle quiff detailing combine to form a seriously elegant bridal hairstyle.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
If you're planning on wearing a statement lip colour or eye makeup, keep the hair simple with a classic French pleat or bun style.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
There's no reason you can't opt for a statement hairstyle for your wedding day. We love this 70s-inspired XXL volume curly 'do.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
Keep hair simple and sleek if you're wearing statement accessories or an oversized veil. A straight side-parting will look elegant on all.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
Ensure your bridal hairstyle fits with your dress. If you're having a stylist work on your hair, make sure you show them a picture of your wedding dress before you start discussing looks.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
Loose waves or curls will be given a bridal boost with a fresh floral or lace wedding hair accessory worn to one side.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
If you're planning your hairstyle around an elaborate headpiece or veil, just remember that at some point in the day you may want to take it off. Make sure your look works without any headpieces or accessories, or plan how you'll change things up for the evening, just in case.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
A classic halo braid is simple enough not to feel OTT, but pretty enough to be special enough for your wedding day hairstyle.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
Set your wedding hairstyle in place with a spritz of finishing hairspray for a glossy, picture-perfect look.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
If any part of your ceremony is outdoors or on a beach, a pretty halo braid is a serious bridal hair contender.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
If you want to master this style at home yourself, consider investing in a pre-plaited hairpiece. Even if you don't end up using it, it will take the pressure off you the morning of the wedding.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
Tease a few strands loose from your simple ballet bun to frame your face and soften the look.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
We love this simple and elegant up-do made special with a statement bridal headpiece.
Wedding hairstyle ideas - Bridal hair trends
If you're planning to make a statement with your accessories (why not, it's your day, after all), play it safe with an understated up-do hairstyle.
5 Wedding Hair Hacks
Whatever style you choose, these touch-up tricks will make sure your wedding hairstyle looks great from ‘I do’ till dawn.
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Pack a toothbrush: Not only will having a toothbrush in your clutch be handy if you want a quick freshen-up after dinner, it’s a great tool for teasing flat locks back to life. Use your toothbrush to tease out a few strands and add extra volume to your wedding hairstyle (epecially if you opt for a braided do).
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Bobby pins: Chances are that if you’re opting for a wedding up-do, at some point a stray hair is going to come loose. Make sure you have a few extra pins packed and a bridesmaid on hand to do a little repair-work so that you don’t have to dig around in your hair to find one and make matters worse.
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Turn that pin upside down: And on the subject of bobby pins, you do know you’ve been using them upside down, right? The curved edge should face down, with the flat side facing up. Good, glad we’ve cleared that up.
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Props: If you’ve got a fringe, at some point in the night (peak party hour, most likely) you’ll want to get your bangs out of your face to keep them sweat-free. How about having a novelty headdress or tiara handy to sweep your bangs back?
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Have a back-up plan: If you’re rocking a down-do, you may want your hair out of your face for party time, or if you’re working a wedding up-do hairstyle, the chances are it may come loose at some point. If this happens, you’ll need a plan B. So think about what styles would work as a conversion on-site, and prep a friend to help you. Whether it’s a simple side braid or a quick but elegant French pleat, you’ll feel better knowing you’ve got a plan in place for hair catastrophes.
PLAITS ARE PERFECT FOR WEDDINGS - SEE OUR BRAIDS ROUND-UP HERE
Still not sure which style to go for? We quizzed Ollie Blackaby, Art Ambassador for Headmasters about this season’s prettiest wedding styles, and he agreed to talk us through five of the most on-trend bridal looks of the season.
Each of these styles are available at your local Headmasters, if you’re not feeling brave enough to pull them off yourself. (Understandable, if you’re about to walk down the aisle. You’re better off putting your feet up and having a pre-wedding glass of champers while you’re given the full prep treatment.)
Ollie, over to you:
The Alice Band Braid
“This is perfect for the girl with epic hair but who would like to keep it off her face - ideal for a hot summer wedding. To keep this look romantic, make sure there is a veil of hair falling around the hairline and the braid has been relaxed by teasing it with your fingers. This will give the overall look a soft, relaxed feel. You can forget about it all day but know it will always look immaculate.”
Up Town Pleat
“If you want your hair swept up, then this is for you. The key for a hair-up is for it to look effortless, but not messy. Small amounts of softness will keep it looking elegant. My top tip is to create height on the top of the head, and keep the sides clean and tight. The pleat should be placed to enhance your jaw line as this will give plenty of scope for a veil or head piece.”
The Wedding
“Want something cool, but with more detail? This look is perfect and gives new meaning to the top knot. This is perfect if you have shorter hair as the braids help trap the hair in place. By lightly backcombing the base of the knot you will create the illusion of lots of hair.”
The Modern Muse
“Not sure if you want your hair all down, or with a bit pinned back? The Muse is a perfect compromise - it’s cool, but also super pretty. By taking the front section away from the face and securing it on the top of the head you add height. Then tong soft waves into the hair to create a perfect frame for the face.”
The Ultimate Polished Pony
“For the uber-cool bride - turn your classic pony into something special. Create maximum silhouette by adding height at the crown and then tong and secure the pony at the nape of the neck. This will enhance your profile and make you look taller than ever before.”
**READ MORE: 21 Products That Will Make You Look Amazing On Your Wedding Day