The best wedding hairstyles look like you styled it on your own, but that you really know what you’re doing. You shouldn’t look like you just walked off the set of the movie Hairspray or like you’re going to a 1990’s prom. The idea is to look styled yet a bit imperfect. Tousled yet tamed is how I would describe it. I think whether you choose to go with up, half-up or down styles depends on what you’re most comfortable with.
My hair drives me crazy when it’s down, and it’s also frizz central with the slightest amount of humidity in the air. So on my wedding day I decided to wear it up in a side bun that was of course hair-sprayed, but it didn’t look like I had Medusa curls shaped to perfection (or at least I hope it didn’t). If you have the hair I dream about (full and sleek without being frizzy) then by all means wear it down (I would).
While natural is great, you want your wedding hair to have some sort of style to it…whether that means including an accessory like a headband or creating a dramatic side part, it should look like you’ve done SOMETHING to it.
Before we get into the styles, let’s cover the basics.
What’s the Best Hairstyle for a Wedding?
There is no “one” perfect wedding hairstyle for brides, but the key is to make sure you feel comfortable and your hair is not an issue. Meaning, it’s not flying in your face and getting caught in your lipstick! Your hairstyle should have enough hold to last throughout your entire event…nobody wants flat hair at the end of the night! It should also be a look that helps complements your best features as well as your dress AND venue.
How Should I Wear My Hair with My Wedding Dress?
Your wedding dress style should definitely factor into your hairstyle decision. For instance, if your wedding dress has a beautiful neckline, you might not want to cover it up by wearing your hair down. Alternatively, if your dress is backless, you might want to have more hair cascading down to add even more visual appeal. You’ll also want to think about whether your dress would look best with more vintage or modern bridal hair. For instance loose waves with a deep side part would look gorgeous with a vintage-inspired dress. Alternatively, a fishtail braid with a beaded clip is great for a boho-style gown.
The wedding veil you wear on your big day should also be considered. A birdcage wedding veil will generally work with any hairstyle, but a cathedral veil might not work as well with certain bridal hairstyles.
Should I Wear My Hair Up or Down?
You’ll want to consider when and where you’re getting married, as well as your hair type. If you’re hiring a professional hairstylist for the day-of, they’ll be able to give you the pros and cons of each, as well as make recommendations based on your hair and face shape.
When it comes to your location and weather, if your venue is outside in the middle of summer, you might want to consider an updo so it doesn’t stick to your face. On the other hand, if you have easy medium-length hair, should-length hair or short hair and you’re getting married in a non-humid climate, show off your natural texture and wear it down!
Now that we’ve covered the most common wedding hairstyle questions, lets get into some possible styles! These are great to show to your wedding hairstylist for inspiration.
You Might Also Like: Gorgeous Wedding Styles for Short Hair
Best Wedding Hairstyles for 2022-2023
A few of my favorite styles for long hair, short hair, and even hair with bangs are in the gallery below. Do you know what you’re doing with your wedding hair? Share in the comments section below!
Classic Wedding Hairstyles for Long Hair
Medium Length Wedding Hairstyles
Boho Wedding Braid Hairstyle
Half Up Half Down Hairstyles
Wedding Hairstyles With Hair Down
Wedding Hairstyles For Curly Hair
Wedding Hairstyles For Short Hair
Easy Wedding Hairstyles
Simple Wedding Hairstyles
Wedding Hairstyles FAQ
According to a survey of recent brides, the average cost for wedding hair is $150, and $50-$100 for a trial (though some stylists will include it in their pricing).
If you’re wearing your hair up, most hairstylists recommend having day-old hair on your wedding day (meaning it’s not washed the day-of). If that’s the case for you, you can consider getting your hair professionally washed and blow-dried for your rehearsal dinner the day before.
If you’re having a first look, you’ll want to make sure you’re ready to go at least 30 minutes before photos start, so you can work backwards from there. Typically, hair and makeup can take one hour each for the bride, though it can take longer if you’re doing more complicated styles.
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