back to All Things Wedding

Wedding Hairstyles: Which Look Is Right for You?

by Annie Earnshaw
Last updated on September 11, 2023

Your wedding hair look is the perfect complement to your stunning wedding dress. From short to medium length wedding hairstyles, and even long, the sky’s the limit on what you can do with your hair. Depending on your hair type, personal style, and accessories of choice, here are some of our favorite wedding hairstyles that you should consider.

Wedding Hairstyles by Hair Type

When it comes to the best bridal hairstyles, every bride is unique just like their hair! Your hair type might work better for some styles over others. You might think that every bride needs to have long hair, but that’s not always the case. Your hairstylist can give you expert advice on which of the countless bridal hairstyles is best for your individual hair type.

Here’s a full run-down of which wedding hairstyles each bride should choose based on their hair type.

Thin Hair

A twisted low bun updo is a classic hairstyle for brides with thin hair. When you have thin or fine hair, your wedding hairstyle should add lots of volume to your hair.

Many brides and stylists opt for hair extensions so they can have thick, long hair to work with. Add some personality to your style by adding fresh flowers or a borrowed hairpiece.

Thick Hair

Waterfall waves make perfect wedding hairstyles for showing off your gorgeous thick hair. When you have lots of hair, you have so many options for how you want to style it.

Be mindful of your hair’s weight when picking a style. You don’t want a headache from a too-tight ponytail halfway through your wedding! Sleek, classic waves should do the trick whether you have short hair, medium-length hair, or long hair.

Curly or Wavy Hair

If your hair is curly or wavy, show off that definition with a high ponytail and some face-framing pieces.

You might think you have to apply heat to your hair for your wedding day. That is not true at all! Wedding hairstyles are supposed to enhance your natural beauty, not cover it up. Let your unique hair texture shine through on your big day. Ask your hairstylist to enhance your natural texture rather than change it.

Natural Hair

Show the gorgeous volume and texture of your natural curls on your wedding day!

Gather your curls at the crown of your head and embellish them with an appliqué or tiara for a truly regal look. This wedding hairstyle also makes a great anchor for your veil!

Braided or Twisted Hair

Show off your stunning braided wedding hairstyle or twists with this French braid style! The drape in the French braid adds simple elegance to wedding braid hairstyles.

This look is the perfect mix of having your hair up and down. Ask your stylist to incorporate fresh or faux flowers, strands of pearls, or beaded vines for some extra intrigue and interest.

Pixie Cut

You might think that less hair means fewer options, but that is far from true!

You have your choice of wedding hairstyles with a pixie cut. We love the simplicity of a side part and a puffy veil on the crown of your head. Pair this classic look with a pair of sparkly earrings or a dainty necklace.

And if a veil isn’t quite your style, be sure to check out some of our accessories recommendations down below for other ideas.

Wedding Hairstyles by Style

When choosing wedding hairstyles, most brides also take their wedding dress, decor, and venue into account. Each bride has a unique bridal style and aesthetic, so their wedding hairstyles should reflect that!

And since you’re looking for style ideas, we’ve paired each one with a piece of bridal jewelry we think would match beautifully.

Here are some potential bridal hair ideas and matching jewelry based on the style of your wedding:

Romantic Style

For the romantic bride, your wedding day should feel like your favorite fairytale. This soft, elegant updo will make you feel like royalty!

The subtle curls and twists give this wedding hairstyle an airy quality while still being totally secure. Top it off with a baby’s breath hairpiece for a gorgeous finishing touch. You could also ask your hairstylist to incorporate some braided details for a little extra interest.

Jewelry to Match it With: Trio Infinity Diamond Necklace

Trio Infinity Diamond Necklace

Infinity represents something that lasts in perpetuity–much like your love. What more romantic way to symbolize your unending love than with the an infinity diamond necklace?

Modern Style

For brides who want modern wedding hairstyles, a soft high ponytail is for you.

This updated take on a classic sleek ponytail features voluminous waves and face-framing curls. The softness of the curls paired with the slicked-back hair is the perfect blend of old and new.

This style is perfect for brides with both short and long hair. The ponytail makes it easy to add extensions for that stunning, voluminous ponytail.

Jewelry to Match it With: Soho Oval Diamond Necklace

soho oval diamond necklaces

Classic style meets modern sophistication with this exquisite oval diamond set in an east-west design. With your hair pulled away from face, our Soho Oval Diamond Necklace is sure to be a stand-out piece–after your wedding ring, of course.

Classic Style

For a timeless look, pair a fluffy veil with a half-up-half-down style. This wedding hairstyle has truly stood the test of time and has been a wedding day favorite for generations. It’s another classic look for short and long hair because you don’t need a lot of length to make the style work.

You can customize this look by either slicking your hair straight back or including a part. No matter what variation you choose, your wedding hairstyle is sure to impress.

Jewelry to Match it With: Pear Halo Diamond Drop Earrings

Pear halo diamond drop earrings.

Nothing says “timeless style” like drop earrings. These pear-shaped diamond drops go beautifully with a half-up-half-down, short hair or long hair, and everything in between.

Elegant Style

When brides want elegant wedding hairstyles, a touch of sparkle is the way to go!

This understated V-shaped hairpiece sits at the back of the head and offers the tiniest glimpse of glimmer. This is especially perfect because you’ll spend a lot of your wedding ceremony with your back to the crowd.

Pair with classic curls; you can achieve this look by curling with a curling iron, allowing the curls to set, then brushing through them with your fingers or a loose comb.

Jewelry to Match it With: Certified Emerald Studs in 18K Gold

With their sleek lines, step-cut design, and flashing hall-of-mirrors shine, our certified emerald studs are sure to impress. Although emerald cuts don’t sparkle like round brilliant or radiant cut diamonds, they have an element of understated elegance to them.

Vintage Style

For timeless wedding hairstyles, you can’t go wrong with old Hollywood-esque waves!

Capture the glitz and glam of 1950s movie stars with voluminous curls. Opt for a deep side part, then pull the smaller section away from your face with a sparkly hairpiece.

This style works well with any type of veil. For a little extra drama, pair any vintage wedding hairstyles with a dramatic cathedral-length veil.

Jewelry to Match it With: Diamond Tennis Bracelet

Balance your dramatic hairstyle and veil with something just as bold and beautiful on your wrist: a diamond tennis bracelet. Our 10 ct. tw. diamond tennis bracelet is all you need to make a statement.

Boho Style

Boho wedding hairstyles are all about celebrating your free spirit and individuality. What’s more boho than fresh flowers and loose curls?

If you want a flower crown look without the flower crown, ask your stylist for a romantic twist that’s half-up-half-down style. Then, tuck flowers that match your bouquet or wedding decor into the curls. Secure with pins and you’re ready to walk down the aisle.

Jewelry to Match it With: Floral Band

Floral band.

This floral band is perfect for stacking with your wedding band and engagement ring. It features delicate floral filigree etched into it, and is an overall lovely ring with an understated beauty to complement, not overwhelm, your Boho style.

Bold Style

For brides who want to make a statement with their wedding hairstyles, you have to expect the unexpected. A bejeweled hairpiece along your center part is a surprising addition to your wedding look.

For brides with lengthy locks, a voluminous low ponytail or sleek fishtail braid adds extra interest to this wedding hairstyle. Brides with shorter hair can pull their hair into a low bun for a super chic look.

Jewelry to Match it With: 17 ct. tw. Graduated Tennis Necklace

17 ct. tw. Graduated Tennis Necklace

Looking to make the ultimate jewelry statement on your wedding day? Do it with a 17 ct. tw. diamond tennis necklace. This bold necklace feature 121 lab grown diamonds set in either white gold or yellow gold, and pairs with any bold hairstyle without looking over-the-top–unless you want it to.

Casual Style

You might think the messy updo is the only casual wedding hairstyle, but we love this sleek updo!

A braided updo or classic ballerina higbun is a stunning alternative for casual brides. This style is perfect for brides with short and long hair because the bun itself doesn’t require much length. Also, having your hair pulled out of your face puts your gorgeous smile on full display.

Jewelry to Match it With: Tinsley Diamond Pendant

Casual jewelry doesn’t have to be boring or plain, and our Tinsley Diamond Pendant is proof. Understated yet elegant with an eye-catching shine, this sweet pendant can dress up any style without taking it over the top.

Wedding Hairstyles With Accessories

Another deciding factor in wedding hairstyles is the accessories that brides want to wear on their wedding day.

Whether you’re wearing a family member’s veil or have your heart set on a glittery accessory, here’s what we recommend for each addition to your wedding look.

Veils: All the Options

A veil is a wedding day classic! Nowadays, brides have a wealth of options for their veils. From classic to contemporary, there is sure to be a veil that suits your style.

Here are some of our accessories for wedding hairstyles.

Blusher Veil

Blusher veils are a tried-and-true bridal favorite. Whether your tulle blusher veil is simple or embellished, this wedding accessory is versatile enough to support any hairstyle.

We’re fond of perfectly polished curls that peek out from under your blusher veil. You can also modify this look to be a half-up-half-down style if that’s more your speed!

Tucked Veil

In recent years, tucked veils have become the latest bridal trend.

Many brides opt for a lowkey messy updo as the anchor for their veil, which they attach either on top of or below their updo. This makes the ideal anchor for your veil so it won’t budge all night. You can upgrade your messy bun with gorgeous fishtail braids framing your face and woven into the hairstyle.

Mantilla Veil

Mantilla veils perfectly frame the face, so the wedding hairstyles that go with them should carry their long, lovely lines.

Tousled waves made with a large curling iron are perfect for this type of veil. They have the same timeless elegance as mantilla veils and will support the intricate lace detail on your veil without overpowering it.

Birdcage Veil

Birdcage veils are a classic when it comes to wedding hairstyles.

Recently, brides are moving away from the traditional fascinator birdcage veil and instead choosing netting that covers the eyes and top of the nose. Pair this fresh take on a birdcage with a sleek center part and hair pulled back into a low bun or low updo. This easy look will put your striking veil and a gorgeous smile on full display.

Juliet Cap

If you’re a romantic at heart, a Juliet cap is the veil for you. This vintage style is a favorite of many stars throughout history, including Grace Kelly.

For a fresh and romantic look, wear your Juliet cap with your hair all down and styled in subtle waves. This lived-in look seamlessly incorporates the romance of the Juliet cap with your natural beauty.

Flower Crown

Flower crowns are the pinnacle of romantic wedding hairstyles. Opt for a hairstyle with loose waves (the most perfect of beach wedding hairstyles) that are easy and breezy.

The relaxed hairstyle and boho-inspired flower crown create a cohesive look for your special day. You could also upgrade this look by asking your stylist to incorporate a fishtail braid or braid crown around the flower crown!

Fresh Flowers

If a flower crown isn’t quite your style but you still want the natural beauty of fresh flowers, a French braid wedding hairstyle is for you!

Ask your stylist to do a voluminous French braid starting at the crown of your head. Then, pull flowers from your wedding decor to weave throughout the braid. This look is an elegant updo that also looks relaxed, polished, and chic.

Tiara

For wedding hairstyles that are fit for a princess, look no further than the tiara! Royal family members around the world often wear tiaras for their weddings, so we can look to them for ideas and inspiration for your big day.

A high bun updo will perfectly frame your tiara while giving your stylist an anchor to secure your tiara. Pull out a few loose waves as face-framing pieces to complete the royal look.

Halo

For an effortless, angelic wedding hairstyle, opt for a stunning halo and a chic low ponytail. Soft waves that gently frame the face create a romantic, pulled-back style while your stunning halo dazzles as the star of the show.

The complete look is low-maintenance and perfectly balanced. It offers a touch of sparkle and shows off the best version of your natural beauty.

Appliqués

If you want wedding hairstyles that are heavy on the glitz and glam, look to appliqués! These fabric-based hairpieces are very customizable and can easily form to your head shape for a unique look. We love how this face-framing appliqué looks against a short, cropped haircut.

For brides with longer hair, you can recreate this look with a modern low chignon and sleek center part.

Pearls

This gravity-defying pearl scattering trend is something special for your wedding day. If you want an ethereal hairstyle that is truly unique, opt for effortless, loose waves. Adorn your hairstyle with an array of pearls, which your stylist can affix using false eyelash glue and a good pair of tweezers.

This hairstyle is for the beautiful brides who want to make their wedding guests look twice on their big day.

Barrettes

Brides with a more eclectic and curated wedding theme will appreciate this wedding hairstyle! Our favorite barrette hairstyle is a modified take on the classic half-up-half-down style.

Start by asking your stylist for barely-there waves with the lightest touch of texture. Then pull half of your hair back and secure it in place with a variety of barrettes. You can borrow these from friends and family for your something borrowed, buy them from your favorite small businesses, or thrift some fun hair accessories for your wedding.

Pillbox Hat

If you’re a fan of 1960s fashion and have a fondness for Jackie O, a pillbox hat is the perfect wedding accessory for you.

Pair this structured hat with a loose, relaxed updo. Allow some pieces to frame your face, but gather the bulk of your hair at the nape of your neck. The traditional hat and casual hairstyle stylishly complement each other.

Satin Bow

Make a statement with your wedding hairstyle by incorporating an oversized bow. A classic high ponytail gives the bow lots of height and makes it the focal point of any wedding hairstyle. Satin bows work with so many different wedding outfits. Add a touch of femininity to a classic jumpsuit or simple slip wedding dress.

This accessory is especially great when you pair it with an open-back dress and also works for half-up-half-down hairstyles.

Headband

Headbands are making a comeback! For a trendy wedding hairstyle that feels a little nostalgic, consider a bold headband.

This style is equal parts fashion and function. The headband can anchor your veil and keep your hair secure during your ceremony and reception. As headbands grow in popularity, you’ll have your pick of styles and finishes, from traditional satin to glittery rhinestones.

Statement Earrings

When you opt for a little bit of bling on your big day, your wedding hairstyle should show it off!

Opt for a low updo with a deep side part. This style keeps your hair up and away from your face while showing off your special jewelry. You can also use this style to show off your natural texture or add some voluminous curls to your look.

Be Yourself on Your Wedding Day

Your wedding is all about you and your future partner. You should feel comfortable and confident from head to toe. Pick a bridal hairstyle that is functional, comfortable, and beautiful by your standards!

Beautiful Lab Grown Bridal Jewelry to Complement Your Look

Looking for the perfect jewelry for your wedding day? We have gorgeous lab grown diamond pieces that go with any and all wedding hair ideas. From diamond stud earrings to tennis bracelets and even diamond pendants, we are sure to have something you will cherish forever.

Browse our extensive collection of bridal jewelry, today!

Published by Annie Earnshaw

Annie Earnshaw is a content intern at Clean Origin.