What are the Best Hairstyles for a Wedding?

The best wedding hairstyle will be one that suits your face shape, hair type, outfit, venue, and comfort level. Popular bridal hairstyles include low buns, soft waves, and polished ponytails, while the wedding look for the groom might include clean side parts, taper fades, or textured styles.

Your day-of hairstyle may seem like an easy decision, but when you’re learning how to plan a wedding, you’ll quickly realize that no decision is as simple as it seems.

Let’s look at some options for brides and grooms seeking perfect wedding hairstyles  and break down how you can make the best bridal beauty choices, fast. We’re talking to wedding planner Nikki Melton of Weddings With Nikki in Louisville, Kentucky, about long hairstyles for a wedding, short hairstyles for a wedding, simple hairstyles for a wedding, and more, so you can ultimately answer: What are the best hairstyles for a wedding for my unique needs?

How Do You Choose the Right Wedding Hairstyle for Your Face Shape, Hair Type, and Dress?

Picking the best wedding hairstyles for brides requires taking into account the bride’s face shape and face framing, hair type (such as long hair, short hair, straight hair, fine hair, thicker hair, fuller hair, natural hair, etc.), and dress style, as well as accessories.

Face Shape

Your face shape may be oval, round, square, rectangular, or heart.

Oval face shapes work well with the greatest number of hairstyles, so if you have an oval-shaped face, you can move on to picking your hairstyle based on other factors, such as hair type, dress, accessories, and comfort.

With rounded face shapes, the goal is elongation, so styles with height are ideal. Additionally, elongating accessories, such as a flowing veil draped alongside your face or statement earrings, can further add the illusion of length.

”If you have a very round face, a very wide hairstyle may not be the best thing,” Melton says, “because now you look like you’ve got a very large head, for lack of better terms.”

With square faces, the goal is softening, so waves or curls are a great pick.

Heart-shaped faces include a forehead and jawline that are about the same width, and then a pointed chin. This is another face shape that many try to elongate, so consider keeping your hair down or opting for an updo with height.

Rectangular faces, in contrast, do well with sleeker styles with less volume.

Hair Length and Texture

For short hair, you might choose to go sleek and understated, but there’s also plenty of opportunity to do something more extravagant, such as adding waves, glamorous curls, or accessories.

Medium-length hair offers a few more options, whether you go with a low or high updo, half-down or half-up style, or leave your hair completely down, only adjusting elements like curls or your part to fine-tune your wedding-day look.

Long hair, meanwhile, may only be able to pull off limited updos, depending on hair thickness.

As for texture, fine hair may not be able to hold a curl or a significant amount of volume, but updos or a half up style is still a possibility. Very thick or coarse hair may likewise prove problematic in holding a curl, so consider a classic updo or elevated ponytail.

Dress Neckline

Luckily, you can wear your hair either up or down with the majority of dress necklines. What you’ll really want to consider as you pick a hairstyle, in relation to neckline, is what you want to accentuate.

If, for instance, you’ve picked out some fabulous wedding jewelry for a strapless dress, you might want to wear your hair up, so as not to detract from the jewelry. If, though, your dress features a more subdued, square neckline, you might wear your hair down, with your veil draped over your shoulders, keeping the focus on your face.

“If you’ve got a high neckline, an updo is going to look best in that particular situation because it’s going to elongate everything and kind of up the elegance,” Melton advises. “If you have a strapless gown and you love wearing your hair down, and you want to accentuate your hair as part of your bridal outfit for the day, down is great.”

Accessories Like Veils, Combs, and Earrings

Similarly, as you pick your hairstyle, think about how it will or will not work well with your chosen accessories. For example, wearing your hair down may hide your favorite earrings or might not allow easy incorporation of a favorite comb.

“I love a sleek bun at the nape of the neck,” Melton says. “It’s a great placeholder for the veil. Most people do not wear their veils on top of their head as past brides would do. It’s more along the lines of the middle to lower portion of their head.”

Additionally, overall, just as you would when picking what to wear to a black-tie wedding, you’ll want to consider the formality of the wedding as well; a ponytail might feel appropriate for some weddings and not others.

Which Wedding Hairstyles Photograph Best and Last All Day?

Wedding hairstyles that tend to hold up best include:

• A pinned elegant updo
• Structured, low buns
• Polished ponytails
• Controlled waves
• Men’s clean, defined cuts with moderate hold

Ultimately, though, regardless of the sophisticated style you choose, other factors that will impact how well your style photographs and lasts will include the weather, your hair texture, and hair products used. For example, if you’re thinking about hairstyles and what to wear to a spring wedding, you’d need to remember that spring may come with humidity or rain that will impact your hair.

Accordingly, as you plan out what to do on the day of your wedding, consider allowing some time for a quick hair and makeup refresh, if needed. “It would take a lot of counting to know the number of brides that I’ve seen back in the bridal suite, with bridesmaids around them fussing over her hair that has now fallen,” Melton says. “And they’re trying to put in curls again.”

What Should You Ask Your Hairstylist Before the Wedding Day?

When it comes to vetting hairstylists and then working with them during your planning for the big day, you’ll want to ask the following questions:

• Is my hair type a good fit for my desired style?
• Will my desired style hold up all day, based on my hair type?
• How will my desired hairstyle work with my veil or accessories?
• How long will styling take?
• What prep should I do the day before?
• Do I need hair clip-in extensions or extra bobby pins?
• Should I get (or avoid) a hair cut ahead of the wedding?
• Will you allow me to schedule a style trial ahead of time?

Asking questions like these in advance can ensure that you don’t end up paying for a service that ultimately doesn’t deliver the results you want (and, once you find out exactly how much a wedding costs, you’ll likely want to avoid as much wasted money as possible!).

What are the Best Wedding Hairstyles for Brides?

The best wedding hairstyles for brides include the chic chignon, low buns, and classic curls.

1. Romantic Low Chignon

A romantic low classic chignon is ideal for those with heart or square faces, as it’s a soft and feminine look, as well as those with medium to long hair. It’s a timeless and elegant option ideal for a traditional, classic wedding, as well as brides wearing off-the-shoulder dresses.

2. Soft Hollywood Waves

Hollywood waves work for both straight (so long as your hair can hold a wave) and naturally wavy hair, and both medium and long hair lengths. The softness complements square and heart-shaped faces nicely. As the name suggests, this style, with its understated elegance, fits an upscale wedding (think black tie).

3. Half-Up, Half-Down Waves

A half-up, half-down bridal hairstyle with romantic waves gives you the loose strands you want, while also allowing your stylist to carefully frame your face as needed. One of the more simple wedding hairstyles, it similarly feels at home in a relaxed wedding setting, such as at a boho or rustic wedding.

4. Sleek Low Bun

Medium or long hair can be pulled back into a sleek, clean low bun — an excellent option for the minimalist bride with a modern wedding aesthetic and straight hair. Plus, this is one of the cute hairstyles for a wedding that will easily last all day, with the right care.

5. Textured Low Bun

The textured low bun is similar, but is better for wavy or curly hair that’s not quite so easily tamed. The textured bun is more of a loose updo, and has more volume, feeling relaxed and fun.

6. Classic French Twist

Elegant and elevated, the classic French twist is a classic for a reason. It works well with a range of hair types and textures, too. It’s also a good pick for long face shapes and will fit in at any timeless, traditional wedding.

7. Polished High or Mid Ponytail

A ponytail at a wedding may not be as classic, but it can still be very elevated and sleek. It’s a more modern option, popularized by many celebrities, and remains playful while sophisticated. It works best for brides with long or medium-length, straight hair.

8. Braided Crown or Braided Updo

A good option for those with thick, long hair that requires a bit more finessing, a braided crown or braided updo is inarguably whimsical, romantic, and fairytale-esque. You can even ask your stylist to braid in ribbon or hair tinsel in some of the best winter wedding colors or fall wedding colors.

9. Curly Pinned Updo

Those who already have wonderfully bouncy curls will benefit from a curly pinned updo. This style fits a range of face shapes and provides texture, body, and volume, without distracting from the dress or accessories (like jewelry for a strapless dress).

10. Chic Short Bob or Blown-Out Lob

Then, for those who have short hair, whether straight or wavy, a bob or lob can be simply and sleekly styled, without a lot of fuss. It’s another more contemporary option, so it suits modern weddings well but is still plenty glamorous.

What are the Best Women’s Wedding Hairstyles?

Honorable mentions of still amazing wedding hairstyles that didn’t make our top 10 include:

• Side-swept cascading curls
• A glossy blowout
• A high bun
• Veil hair
• A bubble ponytail
• Natural curls worn down
• A braided bun with pearls or fresh flowers as accents (if you’re specifically wondering what to wear to a spring wedding, you can’t go wrong with a flower crown, either)
• Vintage finger-wave-inspired styling

All the above are very versatile, too, suitable for everything from a fairy forest theme to a black wedding theme.

What Are the Best Wedding Hairstyles for Grooms?

Effortlessly chic and simple wedding hairstyles for grooms include the classic side part, a slicked-back style, or a modern pompadour.

1. A Classic Side Part

Ideal for straight and slightly wavy hair, as well as hair with a fine to medium density, a classic side part for grooms is completely traditional and acceptable for any wedding. Plus, it requires barely any maintenance or styling effort at all. You need a comb and maybe some styling cream, and you’re done.

2. Taper Fade with Textured Top

Though especially good for thick or wavy hair, this style works for all hair types. It’s more relaxed in aesthetic, and requires just a bit of hair product and finger styling.

3. Slicked-Back Style

Definitely on the more formal side (consider it if you’re also currently wondering what to wear to a black tie wedding and when to wear cufflinks — they all fall in the same camp), this style works for most hair types, excluding thin or curly hair. You will need to use varying degrees of pomade to keep the look in place, and touch-ups may be required throughout the day.

4. Modern Pompadour

Another more formal option, a pompadour does require a hair texture and type with a bit of volume. Additionally, while it casts a striking look, it will need more work, including potentially blow drying, volumizing, shaping, and touch-ups.

5. Ivy League/Short Comb-Over

For those with straight and fine hair, this clean, formal, and preppy look only requires a quick comb-over and it will last all day with just a slight amount of product.

6. Textured Crop

Thick, curly hair will benefit from a textured crop, which is more on the casual end of groom styles, suitable for a relaxed wedding. You only need a little product, if any, and can tousle your hair and go.

7. Brushed-Back Medium-Length Style

For medium-to-thick hair, this style is one that shows you care, while keeping things relaxed. You may need to blow-dry your hair and use a bit of styling product, but the effect should be a look that seems effortless.

8. Curly Natural Shape-Up

Show off your natural texture with this style for curly and thick hair. It requires little upkeep.

9. Clean Buzz Cut with Beard Line-Up

This style is great for those dealing with thinning or balding. It’s a low-effort option that’s casual, but still attractive. You’ll just want to keep it clean with regular trips to the barber, but otherwise will need to do no other work on your end.

10. Soft Quiff

Similar to a pompadour but slightly less formal, this option for straight to wavy, medium hair just requires a bit of blow drying and product.

What are the Best Men’s Wedding Hairstyles?

The honorable mentions for appropriate wedding hairstyles for men that just didn’t happen to make our top 10 include:

• An undercut with slick finish
• The Caesar crop
• A shoulder-length natural texture ‘do
• A low man bun
• A side-swept medium cut
• Clean waves with a taper
• Burst fade curls

“I recommend that men get a haircut about five to six days prior to their ceremony,” Melton says. “Sometimes a fresh cut can go awry. I’d hate for somebody to come in and say, ‘It is a little shorter than I normally wear it,’ and that was yesterday and the wedding’s today. A few days in advance gives enough time, especially for a shorter men’s haircut, to get it where they want it to be.”

As you get into how to plan a wedding with your fiancé, you’ll find that you need to ask questions such as “what’s the best haircut for my wedding day” and “what to wear to a black-tie wedding,” but you won’t go wrong with any of the above options.

What Wedding Hairstyle Works Best for Your Venue and Weather?

As you decide on a wedding hairstyle, don’t just think about how a style might, say, accent jewelry for a strapless dress. You also need to keep in mind venue and weather, as you’ll need something with more staying power, as well as possibly an updo, if you’re holding a summer wedding, and especially an outdoor wedding.

You can talk to your stylist about how certain styles will do when faced with heat, wind, and/or humidity, and then adjust your plans accordingly.

“Here in Kentucky, it can get hot and humid in a hurry,” Melton says. “I have a lot of clients with beautiful, beautiful locks of hair, and they’re like, ‘I want all my hair down,’ and my first question is usually, ‘How does your hair hold up to humidity? Does it get frizzy? Is it going to hold its curl?’ “

Your hairstyle, while seemingly not a big deal at first, will be impacted by weather, just as much as your choice of what to wear to a spring wedding or your winter wedding guest attire.

How Do You Make Sure Your Wedding Hairstyle Actually Holds Up All Day?

For the best chances of your wedding hairstyle holding up all day:

1. Book a hair trial
2. Bring inspiration photos
3. Wear or bring your accessories
4. Test the style for hold and comfort
5. Take photos from every angle
6. Confirm timing for the wedding morning
7. Ask about touch-up strategies

“I definitely encourage a trial run,” Melton says, “because you’re not guessing on the day of — like, ‘Well, let’s hope this style works on me.’ By then it’s too late.”

By taking care of these to-do’s as you’re more generally learning how to plan a wedding, it will be one less stress and you can prioritize other tasks as you decide what to do on the day of your wedding.

What Happens if Your Wedding Hairstylist Cancels, No-Shows, or Goes Out of Business?

If your hairstylist or hair vendor fails to show up on the wedding day or goes out of business after you’ve paid them, BriteCo wedding insurance can reimburse your lost deposits and payments under covered cancellation and postponement circumstances.

How BriteCo Covers Hair Vendors

Under BriteCo’s cancellation and postponement coverage, hair and makeup costs are included in reimbursable wedding-related deposits and payments. Deposits are protected if a vendor goes out of business, no-shows, or delivers subpar services.

Learn more about how to get wedding insurance and find out what wedding insurance do I need.

What People Ask About Wedding Hairstyles

1. What is the best hairstyle for a wedding?

   The best hairstyle for a wedding is the one that will complement your face shape, work well with your hair type and texture, and match the wedding’s formality and the season.

2. Do you need a wedding hair trial?

   Yes, before your wedding day, schedule a trial run with your hairstylist to ensure that you get exactly the look you want, without risking it on the day of.

3. Should your wedding hairstyle match your dress neckline?

   Most wedding hairstyles and dress necklines work together without much thought, but do consider up-dos for particularly high or fussy necklines.

4. What if your wedding hairstylist cancels?

   If a wedding vendor goes out of business, including a hairstylist, and you have wedding insurance, you can have your deposits refunded.

5. Does wedding insurance cover hair and makeup vendors?

   Yes, wedding insurance covers hair and makeup vendors in the event of common wedding day  mishaps such as vendor no-shows.

What’s the Best Wedding Hairstyle Strategy for Your Big Day?

“A wedding is a big day for the couple,” Melton says, “and the last thing I ever want them to think about is their hair, when they should be focusing on getting ready to say their vows and say, ‘I do.’ ” Choose a hairstyle that feels like you and works with your hair, outfit, and venue — and protect your need for vendors to make that look happen.

If your hairstylist or hair vendor fails to show up on the wedding day or goes out of business after you’ve paid them, BriteCo can reimburse your lost deposits and payments under covered cancellation/postponement circumstances.

Get your quick, online wedding insurance quote now.

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