With so many gorgeous hairstyle options, it can be hard to choose just one. Here, a guide to the hottest wedding hair trends — and how to decide which is best for you!
A Chignon
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Where to Wear It: A chignon will work at almost any venue, from an elegant black-tie affair to laid-back seaside nuptials.
Hair Texture: This is the most versatile look on our list; most hair textures can easily be pulled into a stunning chignon. Brides with thin hair can add volume by teasing sprayed hair with a fine-tooth comb.
Match the Dress: For classic gowns with a bateau or portrait neckline, try a low bun style. With a high neckline, you’ll want to keep your hair away from your face and off of your neck.
Tip: Make sure you love your updo from all angles. A picture-perfect sideswept chignon may look plain and ordinary from the alternate view.
A Half-up, Half-down Hairstyle
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Where to Wear It: This style is great for venues where heat and humidity will not be an issue — the last thing a bride wants is to feel sweaty or have limp curls on her big day.
Hair Texture: Despite having part of your hair pinned up, it’s almost impossible to keep everything perfectly in place. If you’re a summer or destination bride whose hair instantly frizzes at the first sign of humidity, you may want to stick with an updo so that you can enjoy every moment of your special day without having to sneak away for damage control!
Match the Dress: Half-up, half-down looks pair well with ethereal gowns — light and airy designs with plenty of lace or tulle.
Tip: Add a sparkling clip or oversized bloom to up the glam factor of this classic style.
Glamorous half-up, half-down photos
A Short Hairstyle
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Where to Wear It: A short style can be worn at any venue in any season. For winter weddings, consider adding a vintage birdcage. Spring and summer brides, embrace the season by incorporating fresh or silk blooms into your bridal style.
Hair Texture: You don’t need long hair to look gorgeous on your wedding day. Short locks can be styled to look just as good as long hair. With that being said, the same rules apply: If your hair tends to frizz, stick to enhanced au naturel curls or waves. And if your hair won’t hold a curl, rock a sleek straight style.
Match the dress: Brides with short hair are able to show off the backs of gowns with intricate detail. Forgo a strapless dress and opt for one with a sexy illusion or keyhole back. Also, skip long veils, which can overwhelm brides with short locks. Instead, try a vintage pillbox hat with a birdcage veil.
Tip: Forget the super-long hair extensions (especially if it’s your first time). Don’t get me wrong, we love extensions at BG, but top stylists agree that big changes on your wedding day are a huge no-no. A groom wants his bride to look like the woman he fell in love with — not a Barbie doll.
A Braided Hairstyle
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Where to Wear It: There are so many ways to infuse braids into your wedding-day look. Whether you want a romantic waterfall braid with bohemian waves for a beach wedding or a smooth and sleek braided bun for a traditional church ceremony, braids add the perfect touch of elegance.
Hair Texture: Braided styles work best on long hair without any layering. This trend can be used to tame unruly tresses, and it puts up a good defense against inclement weather.
Match the Dress: Braided styles are best for romantic flowing gowns with sweetheart necklines and floral accents.
Tip: There’s a misconception that when you braid wet hair, you’ll have fewer flyaways. However, it’s better to use heat to lock braids in place rather than be unprepared for the dry result. If you’re willing to take a chance on wet locks, at least when you let your hair down, you’ll have killer waves!
More beautiful braided inspiration
A Retro-Glam Hairstyle
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Where to Wear It: Gatsby glamour is the hottest trend of the moment. Brides are donning pompadours and finger waves everywhere from lavish weddings in catering halls to intimate elopements at City Hall.
Hair Texture: Vintage styles work well with both long and short hair. Volume — not length — is key to achieving a retro-glam look.
Match the Dress: Contrast a vintage ‘do with a modern gown that has asymmetrical lines and tons of detail. Or, go full-on vintage in a tea-length gown with lace embellishment.
Tip: The bolder, the better. Do not be afraid to accessorize your retro style with an over-the-top headpiece. Channel the Roaring Twenties with sparkling clips, feathered headbands and stunning veils.
The most important thing to remember — your fiancé loves you just the way you are. When the big day arrives, be sure to enhance your natural beauty, not take away from it!
Tell Us: Which one of these hairstyles is your favorite?
—Mary Gillen
