Should I go to a hairstylist or create my own wedding guest hairstyle?

While practice makes perfect, there are some hairstyles that may be too difficult to do on your own. When in doubt, don't be afraid to enlist the help of a professional hairstylist.

Do I need to try out my hairstyle before the wedding?

Not just reserved for the bride-to-be, a wedding hair trial is a great way to see your hairstyle perfected before the big day. Beyond mastering your 'do, you'll also make sure that you know how to keep it in place all day.

52 Wedding Guest Hairstyles to Try

wedding guests in sundresses and heart sunglasses — Photo by Lilly Red

Whether you're a friend of the soon-to-be newlyweds or a relative flying in for the wedding, you'll need a special hairstyle to mark the occasion. From easy updos to next-level ponytails, the right wedding guest hair idea can help you feel your best on your loved one's big day—and can even help take the gown you carefully selected for the occasion to the next level. No matter how casual or formal the celebration, we have all the attendee hairstyle inspiration you need to look good, feel even better, and make an incredible impression when the wedding arrives.

Here's the thing: A wedding guest hairstyle doesn't have to be complicated to look good—in fact, we'd argue the simplest options are best and should come together easily with the right products, a few hair ties and pins, and sweet accessories. Looking for some inspiration? Go ahead and try your hand at a knotted updo—or pull out your curling wand and keep things classic with loose waves (this is a great option for a coastal affair on the beach). A twisted ponytail is the perfect fit when the sun is shining during those outdoor summer ceremonies (and keeps all the attention on that bright sundress you're wearing). If you do opt for wedding guest hair that's more intricate or statement-making (like a voluminous high bun or bubble braids), take a more curated approach with any extras: You can probably skip the jewelry and let your 'do be the accessory that tops off your outfit.

Below, we've rounded up the best wedding guest hairstyles for all hair types and lengths; they run the gamut from classic to trendy and are sure to get you excited for your next celebration.

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A Curly, Twisted Bun

female wedding guest wearing blue dress — Photo by Perry Vaile

If you're wearing a wedding guest dress with an interesting neckline, you'll want to show it off. Do so by keeping your hair off your neck, like this attendee did at a spring celebration in North Carolina. Her undone, curly updo featured a few twists that let her natural texture shine—and allowed her stunning pale blue cocktail dress, complete with an illusion eyelet bodice, to take center stage.

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A Chic Cropped Look

wedding guest in blue dress holding glass of champagne — Photo by Jenny Quicksall

Now this is about as chic as it gets: We love how this wedding guest styled her cropped curls with oversized floral earrings. She wore this effortless, breezy ensemble to a destination wedding in the French Riviera—and was arguably the best-dressed attendee there.

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A Mix of Up and Down

three wedding guests in black-tie gowns in italy — Photo by Oliver Fly

Attending a black-tie wedding in the near future? Let all three of these guests, who donned fancy floor-length gowns for a formal outdoor fête in Italy, inspire your wedding guest hair. Look to their neckline and hairstyle pairings in particular: The attendee on the left opted for a swept-back, all-down style to highlight her embellished strapless attire; the woman in the middle opted for a wispy updo to keep the focus on her asymmetrical gown; and the guest on the right styled her bob into a half-up, half-down style with bangs that didn't detract from her dress' twisted halter top.

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A Polished Low Bun

two weddings guests walking on path outside french chateau — Photo by GIUSEPPE MARANO

This female guest's polished ensemble is proof that an intricate, embellished dress is best paired with a sleek, timeless hairstyle. From the reflective sequins and feather accents to the slinky neckline's straps, her gown was a stand-out at a fashion designer's French chateau wedding—and her sleek low bun, which she styled with a deep side part, kept all of the attention on those stunning details.

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A Wavy Bob

wedding guest with short hair clapping — Photo by Abby Jiu

The best thing about short hair is that you don't have to do much to it to make your strands look stylish and sleek. Take this attendee's wavy bob, for example. All you need to do to recreate her look is get strategic with your hair straightener. Simply iron the ends of your hair outwards (you want to flick strands away from your face) and then tuck one side behind your ear. Add a pair of statement dangling earrings for extra flair.

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A Stylish Crew

wedding guests holding drinks on dance floor — Photo by Lance Nicoll

Braids, a high bun, and soft waves—let this wedding guest crew, who had a blast on the dance floor at this black-tie wedding in Brooklyn, inspire your own wedding guest hair the next time you need some ultra-formal inspiration.

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An Elegant Chignon

Bridesmaids with smooth classic chignons and bride with glam curls on bed with mural in the background — Photo by Lisa Poggi

All of these bridesmaids are rocking matching chignons gathered ultra low at the base of their heads. Paired with dramatic side parts and side-swept bangs, these ladies are the very essence of sophistication.

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A Low-Key Pin

Shorter lengths with bouncy curls look instantly retro-chic with the addition of a sparkly hair accessory. Use the hairpins to pull some pieces away from the face on only one side for a vampy curtain-like effect on the other.

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A Textured Bun

Wedding guest with a textured, flower-adorned messy bun — Photo by Volvoreta

Embrace your natural hair texture, from straight strands to waves to curls and coils, by tossing it all into an easy laid-back bun. Just let it do its own thing for a sexy, relaxed look that is all your own.

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A Simple Twist

Newlyweds featuring bride with hair in a simple low knot — Photo by Biancca Wallace

To create this stunningly minimalistic wedding guest hair look, loosely (but securely) gather your hair at the base of the neck and twist into a simple loop. You can even rock a statement earring for a mega-watt ensemble.

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Braided Ponytail

Brunette wedding guest with goddess braids in ponytail in an orange gown — Photo by Lauren Baker

These fun braids are not only über cool but also incredibly pragmatic for a night of dancing and celebrating. Just be careful if you decide to whip that hair back and forth as these babies can do some damage.

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A Deep Side Part

Laughing brunette bridesmaid with deep side part and romantic waves standing with other bridesmaids in rust, gold, and mauve dresses — Photo by Olivia Leigh Photographie

Switch up your part placement from a soft and romantic center part to a bodacious, va-va-voom side part. The deeper you go the edgier it gets.

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Floral Embellished Curls

Wedding guest with a flower-adorned curly hairstyle — Photo by Lauren Baker

This bridesmaid accented her tight spirals with drapey flowers that mimicked her hair's natural springiness. The best part? This wedding guest hairstyle works on ringlets of any length.

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Brushed-Out Waves

Brushed-out waves are oh so romantic and look incredible on ultra-long lengths and chic lobs and bobs alike. We love the added dimension from these tonal highlights.

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Twisted Tresses

Bridesmaid zipping bride into dress with half-up half-down hairstyles — Photo by Edward Winter for Readyluck

A tousled half-up, half-down hairstyle gets a refreshing upgrade with the addition of an unexpected twist—literally. This bride and her maid of honor each twisted their front pieces backward before securing them into place.

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A Sweet-As-Can-Be Bow

Wedding guest with a sweet bow wrapped around braided half-up, half-down hairstylehairstyle — Photo by SARA LOBLA

Incorporate a ribboned bow into any hairstyle for an oh-so-sweet touch. You can tie it around a half-up, half-down hairstyle or ponytail, loop it around a bun, or even weave it throughout a braid for an added dose of color.

Play with various textures to change up the feel of the bow and the resulting aesthetics. Tulle is ultra-bridal, of course; velvet adds softness; leather is edgy and masculine, and burlap can be very rustic.

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Beach Waves

Bride and bridesmaids with ultra long hair in loose flowing wavs — Photo by Tamara Gruner

You can never go wrong with beach waves—the style works on just about any hair length or texture. Change up the look by experimenting with a side part versus a center part.

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A Classic Low Ponytail

Bridesmaids in yellow dresses and matching low ponytails laughing on balcony overlooking Miami skyline — Photo by Amy Anaiz Photography

A low ponytail can be so many things. It can take on a soft and feminine appeal or you can add tons of texture and waves for a lush, runway-ready alternative. These laughing ladies perfectly showcase the versatility of the style with each of their individual hair textures.

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A Fishtail Updo

Wedding guest with an asymmetric fishtail braided updo — Photo by Anya Kernes

What better way to wear your hair for a coastal wedding than by incorporating a fishtail braid? This fishtailed tuck is absolutely enchanting, particularly with that crystal floral hairpin.

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A Ribboned Ponytail

Wedding Guest with a classic low ponytail wrapped in pink ribbon — Photo by Red Aspen Photography

While bows are tender and sweet, we also love the drama of a free-flowing ribbon. A simple low ponytail can take on a whole new aesthetic with the addition of long ribbon tied at the base.

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An Easy Floral Braid

Side braid with baby's breath — Photo by WENDY LAUREL

This loose braid is set slightly askew, draping over one shoulder in a darling manner. Nestle in a few buds or pops of baby's breath for a refreshing touch.

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Curled Ends

Elegant wedding guest with effortless straight hair turned inward at the ends — Photo by Joey Willis

Instead of straightening your hair into a sheath of pin-straight locks, slightly curl the ends inward for a more glam aesthetic. Add a little bit of volume throughout the strands to keep the look soft and not too sleek.

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Easy Half-Up, Half-Down Styles

Bride and bridesmaids in blue in matching half-up, half-down hairstyles — Photo by Carmen Santorelli

Long lengths and brushed-out waves can stand on their own and need little embellishment, but for some added freedom, a simple gather can make a world of difference. Each of these ladies showcases the sheer range of this style with different textures and hair lengths.

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A Short Side Braid

Wedding guest in a teal dress with a side braid — Photo by Echoes & Wild Hearts

Plait your hair in a slightly asymmetric fashion and sweep it over to one side for a playful vibe. This stunner secured the braid a few inches above the ends for a youthful feel.

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Straight Sheath

Bridesmaids in gold slip dresses and straight hair with the bride — Photo by Bottega 53; Event Planning by Venice First; Hair & Makeup by Makeup by Jane; Bridesmaids' Dresses by Bec + Bridge

Pin-straight locks that look silky smooth and glossed out are the perfect match for slip dresses of the same texture. These ladies prove that simplicity sometimes really is all you need to make a statement.

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A Whimsical Fishtail

Wedding guest with a classic easy fishtail braid accented with tiny flowrs — Photo by Kristen Kilpatrick

This sweet fishtail braid is dotted with bits of tiny flowers for an enchanted, storybook princess vibe. We deem this wedding guest hairstyle totally swoon-worthy.

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A Statement Headpiece

Wedding guest with a statement-making headpiece — Photo by Juanlu Real

The easiest way to jazz up a 'do? Add a headpiece. Even the simplest and most perfectly undone of styles get a serious injection of elegance and glam from the addition of a gorgeous hair accessory.

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Wet Look

Wedding guest with combed back wet hair taking photos — Photo by Matt Mendelson

The combed-back wet look makes for a runway-ready contrast to an otherwise soft and feminine ensemble. We love the sleek, minimalism of the style on shorter strands, but the mermaid vibes of longer lengths can be equally alluring.

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A Big Ballerina Bun

An ample topknot makes for an appealing complement to a high neckline as it draws the eyes upwards and elongates the neck. Don't be intimidated by its size, this bodacious bun is easy to create with a hair sponge.

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Milkmaid Plaits

Wedding guest with milkmaid braids and flowers tucked into base — Photo by Echoes & Wild Hearts

These milkmaid braids are whimsical and feminine, making them a great choice for any summertime wedding. Nestle a few buds at the base for a truly enchanted look.

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A Cascading Braid

This is the plait of all our bohemian fantasies come to life. Draped twists, tiny floral hairpins nestled throughout, playfully curled ends—what more could we possibly ask for?

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Easy High Ponytail

Blonde smiling blonde bride with high ponytail wearing susnet-hued two piece holding hands with groom in pineapple shirt on beach — Photo by Olivia Rae James

Don't completely discount a high ponytail as a wedding guest look. The style can inject some youthfulness into any ensemble and still convey an air of elegance.

For an ultra-chic ponytail, take a strand of hair from the bottom and wrap it around the base covering the hair tie. Secure the twisted piece in place with a well-camouflaged bobby pin tucked underneath.

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A Knotted Braid

Wedding guest in a red strapless dress and blonde hair in knotted chignon hairstyle with date — Photo by Rebecca Yale

How cool is this style? A knotted braid weaves itself down to the nape of the neck before twisting into one large, interwoven chignon.

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An Easy Side Sweep

Smiling brunette bride in with side-swept waves in beaded dress standing with groom in beige suit — Photo by Kristina Adams Photography

We're totally swept away by these romantic locks. Pull your hair to one side and let it all cascade over one shoulder, sensuously exposing your neck and collarbone on the alternate side.

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Big Texture

Wedding guest with naturally curly hair dancing — Photo by Lauren Baker

Embrace your natural hair texture for a larger-than-life 'do. Disclaimer: The bigger the hair, the funkier the dance moves!

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Tousled Tresses

Laughing blonde women with relaxed tousled waves and center parts dancing at wedding — Photo by Janine Licare Photography

These slightly undone, tousled locks emanate a relaxed and laid-back vibe that's sure to cause a stir. Shine and bounce of this caliber will have everyone begging for your hair secrets.

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A Boho Braid

Braided hair — Photo by Kristin Sweeting

Be still, our boho-loving hearts. This thick bohemian braid elegantly swoops into a low knot for a sweet yet fuss-free style.

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A Beachy Lob

Blonde wedding guest with voluminous beachy curls — Photo by Jeremiah & Rachel

Give your shorter length a sexy dose of volume and add some texture with beachy curls for this luscious look. Try a matte texturizing spray for added fullness that won't deter from the easy vibe.

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A Half-Up Messy Bun

Bridesmaid with half-up, half-down style and messy bu holding bouquet with groomsmen — Photo by Maya Marechal

A tousled half-up, half-down hairstyle gets a refreshing upgrade with the addition of a fun, messy bun. If you've mastered a traditional half-up style, this one's just as easy to recreate. Just swirl the gathered ends into a little bun and pin in place.

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Easy Side-Swept Ponytail

Laughing brunette woman in floral dress with side-swept ponytail dancing with man in tux on dancefloor — Photo by Sasithon Photography

While we're on the subject of small adjustments that make a big difference, let's shoutout this sophisticated ponytail. All the ease and beauty of an ultra-low ponytail with the additional funkiness that a subtle, off-center grip creates.

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A Bevy of Goddess Braids

Bride standing with bridesmaids in cinnamon dresses and braided chignon and ponytail hairstyles — Photo by Laura Memory Photography & Videography

Frankly, we have a bit of an obsession with the vivacious dimension and texture that goddess braids can bring to traditional styles. These bridesmaids stunningly showcase the range of their braids from a low chignon to a loose coif to a sky-high ponytail.

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A Sleek Knot

Smiling blonde woman with sleek low knot wearing sunglasses and pink newspaper print dress at wedding — Photo by Hailley Howard Photography

The most beloved hairstyle of the fashion-forward is without a doubt the sleek knot. Minimalist, chic, and almost deceptively easy to create, this wedding guest hair coif is compatible with almost every hair length and never detracts from a fab outfit.

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Glam Topknot

Consider a topknot, ladies! How gorge is this ultra-sleek and glossy one for all the glam vibes?

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French Fringe and Curls

Laughing brunette woman with bangs and curly hair at wedding — Photo by Hailley Howard Photography

Wispy french fringe and relaxed curls couldn't be more effortless and cool. We love the aesthetic paired with the contrasting femininity of a silky slip dress.

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Perfectly Imperfect Updo

For a low-maintenance coif that looks anything but consider the tried-and-true perfectly imperfect updo. The beauty is all in the intentionally disheveled details, so this is one hairstyle that just gets better and better as the night goes on.

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Side-Parted Bombshell Curls

Laughing brunette woman with side parted old-hollywood curls dancing in red velvet dress — Photo by Second Shots Photography

Old-Hollywood romantics, this one's for you. A sultry side-part and bombshell curls never go out of style.

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A Sophisticated Pixie

Smiling mother of the bride with gray pixie cut in navy dress looking at brunette bride with chignon holding vibrant bouquet — Photo by Sasithon Photography

Long locks aren't the only tresses we're fond of. This elegant pixie is absolutely exquisite. We love how the cut is full of choppy layers that still look soft and touchable rather than overly edgy.

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Relaxed Updo With Full Bang

Smiling brunette woman with relaxed updo and full bang in patchwork dress at wedding — Photo by Michelle Scott Photography

With a full bang and gorgeous features to flaunt, little else is needed when it comes to a hairstyle. This stunner let her fringe take center stage with a relaxed and easy updo.

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Half-Up, Half-Down With Peekaboo Braid

Smiling brunette woman with wavy half-up, half-down hair and peekaboo braid touching nodes with blonde bride with ponytail holding bouquet — Photo by Cait n' Her Camera

A well-placed braid can do so much for a humble half-up, half-down wedding guest hairstyle. This peekaboo plait grips the hair into the coif in the most aesthetic way.

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Center-Parted Fro

Smiling brunette woman with center-parted afro and barely there makeup wearing slip dress and holding coupe glass at wedding — Photo by Ana Hinojosa

This fresh-faced beauty let her ample mane do all the talking. We love the addition of the center part for face-framing balance.

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Woven Hairstyles Two Ways

Brunette mother of the bride with half-up style and graying mother of the bride with braided chignon wearing silk embroidered robes — Photo by We the Romantics

Okay, so you may need a little bit of help recreating either of these woven wedding guest hair looks—but we think these intricately gathered styles are well worth the extra effort.

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Epic Goddess Braids

Brunette woman with ultra-long goddess braids in green dress posing in front of green velvet couch and cacti at wedding — Photo by Ana Hinojosa

Long hair don't care? These epic goddess braids demand a moment in the spotlight.

FAQ

Should I go to a hairstylist or create my own wedding guest hairstyle?

While practice makes perfect, there are some hairstyles that may be too difficult to do on your own. When in doubt, don't be afraid to enlist the help of a professional hairstylist.
Do I need to try out my hairstyle before the wedding?

Not just reserved for the bride-to-be, a wedding hair trial is a great way to see your hairstyle perfected before the big day. Beyond mastering your 'do, you'll also make sure that you know how to keep it in place all day.

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