39 wedding guest hairstyles so you can show up and show out (2024)

FAQs

How should I wear my hair as a guest at a wedding? ›

Formal wedding guest hair etiquette

Hair should be well groomed. You want to look dressy, sleek and polished - aim for short, slick side partings, barrel tonged waves, ballerina buns and textured updos.

Among the anti-prim hairstyles we love are slick high ponytails, ultra-sleek, ultra long plaits, braids and pigtails, '90s loose updos worn with a modern spin, cute baby braids, mussy, sexy texture (or sexture) and accessories: the more the merrier.

Try a half-up, half-down style, but instead of pulling some of the hair back, braid it instead. It will still show off your length while giving you plenty of textured goodness. Look for medium-length wedding hairstyles for guests. Try this gorgeous braided bob, and make sure there is a deep side part for extra drama.

For outdoor scenarios where wind is a consideration try to stay away from sleek finished styles and tightly pinned up-dos. Opt for loose up-dos, beachy waves, long loose curls, a pony tail, and half up/half down looks, all work brilliantly with the breeze.

Consider Your Wedding Dress Neckline

"If you are wearing a strapless dress, either hair down or half up, half down will look pretty and feminine while still showing off the neckline," advises Mar. Loose waves and a soft, flowing style is key. If your dress has a higher neckline, our pro says to consider an updo.

Soft Waves

Long, thin hair is plumped up with some soft, beachy waves for your wedding day hairstyle. Mousse and texturizing spray will help this look to last all night long.

Half up, half down hair is one of the most popular wedding hairstyles for short and long hair. This timeless look will never go out of style. Half updos are the perfect fit for veils and other accessories. It can also be paired with all the styles mentioned above.

Often done as a surprise to guests and even their new spouse, a bride will steal away before the reception or cake cutting to take some length off their tresses and have a grand reveal.

Consider your everyday hairstyles.

"If you usually wear it down, look for bridal blowouts. If you wear it up, look into updos or a formal ponytail. This way, when you look back at the photos from your wedding, you look like yourself, albeit a more formal version."

Medium-Length Cut with Long Layers

Hemple says long layers always give off a youthful appearance. She adds that off-center or side parts that "fall naturally in place can make the eyes seem wider to give you a more youthful appearance."

How do you put short hair up for a wedding? ›

Textured Soft Bun

It doesn't get more classic than a bun: Add some volume and texture to a lob with slight waves, says Collins. Using a straightening iron, create waves before pulling hair back into a low-to-mid ponytail (depending on the length you're working with).

Defining 'Mid-Length' : “There are two camps of mid-length hair: Classic Mid-Length, which is below the jawline and above the collarbone, and Grown-Out Mid-Length, which is between the collarbone and the chest.

Some hairstylists prefer for you to get a blowout the day before, so your hair is in the ideal state to hold a style on your wedding day If you have curly or frizzy hair, Kristina advises to have your professionally hair blowdried the day before so it is smooth and polished in preparation for styling.

Yes! The choice is real, girls! From messy buns to braided buns, there are a lot of options that a bride can opt for her wedding day.

It's a rule that only a bride wears a tiara at a wedding or any kind of crown in her hair (like flowers). You may love that festival look and want nothing more than to wear a crown of flowers to your best friend's wedding but leave that part up to her.

Women should embrace wrap dresses, midi dresses or elegant jumpsuits. For men, if it's a daytime wedding, a light sport jacket, button-down shirt and relaxed chinos fit the bill. In the evening, go for darker colors, as later weddings tend to be more formal.