40 Beautiful Wedding Guest Hairstyles
Are you wondering how to style your hair for that upcoming wedding? We've rounded up the best wedding guest hairstyles and provided tips for achieving each one
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When it comes to attending a wedding, choosing the right wedding guest hairstyles can feel just as important as finding the perfect dress. From sleek updos to effortless waves and playful braids, your look should complement your outfit, accessories, and the overall vibe of the celebration.
Whether you’re searching for easy wedding guest hairstyles, chic half updo wedding guest hairstyles, or inspiration for wedding guest hairstyles for short hair or long hair, there are plenty of options to suit every length and texture.
Once your wedding guest makeup is sorted and you’ve picked out a couple of stunning wedding guest dresses, it’s time to nail your hair with a style that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and completely wedding-ready.
40 of the Most Beautiful Wedding Guest Hairstyles
From easy wedding guest hairstyles to glamorous looks that turn heads, we’ve curated 40 stunning ideas for every hair length, texture, and style preference. Let’s dive in!
- Easy Wedding Guest Hairstyles for Short Hair
- Easy Wedding Guest Hairstyles for Medium Hair
- Easy Wedding Guest Hairstyles for Long Hair
- Simple Updos for Wedding Guests
- Wedding Guest Hairstyles for Curly & Afro Hair
- DIY Wedding Guest Hairstyles
- 5 Wedding Guest Hair Accessories You'll Love
- Wedding Guest Hairstyles: How to Nail the Perfect Look
Easy Wedding Guest Hairstyles for Short Hair
Short hair can be just as versatile as longer lengths. Try these stunning options:
- Sleek and straight bob with tucked-behind-the-ear accents.
- Textured waves with a decorative headband.
- A chic finger-wave style for a vintage vibe.
- Side-parted pixie cut paired with a fascinator or floral pin.
- A tousled crop styled with a touch of shine spray.
- Soft curls with a pearl-embellished hair comb.
- A half updo with a small braid adding detail.
- Textured volume at the crown for a modern edge.
Easy Wedding Guest Hairstyles for Medium Hair
Medium-length hair strikes the perfect balance for versatility. Try these looks:
- A textured chignon with loose face-framing strands.
- A polished half updo with a velvet ribbon bow.
- Loose curls with a side braid sweeping into the back.
- A shoulder-grazing blowout with glossy shine.
- A messy bun paired with a dainty hair vine.
- A braided crown blending into soft waves.
- An elegant twist with subtle embellishments.
- A bubble ponytail for a playful, contemporary style.
Easy Wedding Guest Hairstyles for Long Hair
Long locks offer endless possibilities for wedding guest hairstyles. Here are some chic ideas:
- Loose, romantic waves with a statement hair clip.
- A sleek low ponytail wrapped with a strand of your own hair.
- Half-up braided crown with soft curls cascading down.
- Glamorous Hollywood waves paired with a fascinator.
- A boho-inspired fishtail braid adorned with tiny flowers.
- A high voluminous bun for a sophisticated touch.
- Side-swept curls pinned with a sparkly hair accessory.
- A twisted half updo perfect for showing off highlights.
Simple Updos for Wedding Guests
Nothing says elegance like a polished updo. Perfect for formal settings or adding drama to your look:
- A classic French twist with a pearl hairpin.
- A low bun featuring intricate twists and braids.
- A messy bun with a statement accessory for effortless glam.
- A high ballerina bun paired with bold earrings.
- A braided chignon that’s both elegant and modern.
- A twisted low bun with delicate flowers woven in.
- A sleek, structured updo for minimalistic sophistication.
- A textured low ponytail bun ideal for outdoor weddings.
Wedding Guest Hairstyles for Curly & Afro Hair
Celebrate your natural texture with these stunning hairstyles for wedding guests:
- A defined twist-out with a decorative hair clip.
- A high puff adorned with gold cuffs or rings.
- Bantu knots paired with statement earrings.
- A braided crown surrounding voluminous curls.
- A sleek, low bun with gelled edges and a fascinator.
- A textured afro paired with a floral headband.
- Chunky braids styled into a half updo.
- A side-swept afro with metallic accents.
DIY Wedding Guest Hairstyles: How to Do it Yourself
Not every trip to the salon is practical before a big day, which is why DIY wedding guest hairstyles are such a lifesaver. With the right tools and a little inspiration, you can create a polished, elegant look at home without breaking a sweat (or the bank).
- Half updo: One of the most versatile options is a half updo wedding guest hairstyle. It strikes the perfect balance between formal and relaxed, and works beautifully on wedding guest hairstyles for long hair, medium length or even curly hair. Just twist back two front sections, secure with a pretty clip, and you’re instantly photo-ready.
- Sleek ponytail: If you’re looking for something super low-fuss, try one of the many easy wedding guest hairstyles trending right now. A sleek ponytail with a ribbon, a messy bun, or simple wedding guest hairstyles like beachy waves are quick wins you can master in minutes.
- Pinned waves: Wondering about hairstyles for short hair wedding guest looks? Don’t worry, short locks can still make a big impact. Wedding guest hairstyles for short hair can be as simple as adding waves with a straightener, or pinning one side with a decorative hairpin for instant glam.
- Chignons & buns: For more formal celebrations, nothing beats a chic wedding guest hairstyle updo. From a low chignon to a braided bun, these styles add polish and sophistication, and are easier to do yourself than you might think with the help of a few bobby pins and hairspray.
DIY Hairstyle Tips for Wedding Guests:
- Start with clean, dry hair and use a texturising spray for grip.
- Keep a set of bobby pins and a travel-sized hairspray in your bag for quick touch-ups.
- For wedding guest hairstyles for curly hair, define curls with a curling wand, then pin sections loosely for a romantic finish.
- If you’ve got medium length hair, try braids or twists. They add detail without needing lots of length.
- Don’t overcomplicate it - some of the most stunning hairstyles for wedding guest looks are the simplest.
5 Wedding Guest Hair Accessories You'll Love
As a finishing touch, why not check out these gorgeous hair accessories you can pick up to make wedding guest look sparkle. From claw clips to beautiful pins, here are some of our favourites.
1. Jon Richard Floral Hair Vine
Nothing feels quite as special as a crown of gold, and this one would frame anyone's hair perfectly. Embellished with pearls, sparkly stones and gold-coloured blooms, it would be the perfect accessory to a woodland wedding guest look.
2. Lace & Favour Hair Comb
This beautiful embellished hair comb comes in two shades of ivory and silver, so you can choose the perfect style to suit your wedding guest look. Ideal for long thick curls, it's the perfect accessory for lengthy hair.
3. Flower Bloom Hair Pin
For a pop of colour, this gorgeous floral hair pin from Anthropologie comes in blue, green and pink. And for just £22, it's a chic way to upgrade your wedding guest hairstyle without breaking the bank.
4. Tortoiseshell Green Clips
For a pop of colour, you'll love this set of green tortoiseshell clips from M&S - affordable, classic and you can easily dress them up and down for other occasions!
5. Beaded Hair Bow
A hair bow is so in style, and this beaded one from Monsoon adds a fun edge to a usually girly look. Perfect for a more relaxed ceremony when paired with an evening dress - and ideal for autumn!
Wedding Guest Hairstyles: How to Nail the Perfect Look
Hair can be famously unpredictable, so we've put together some of our top tips for guaranteeing a good hair day when you need it most. From how to wash and prepare your locks to making sure it lasts throughout the day, here is our Hitched-approved advice for perfect wedding guest hairstyles.
To help answer our burning questions, we asked the experts at Duck & Dry for their top tips when styling wedding guest hair. Available all over London - with two new salons opening soon in Battersea and Whiteley - the team at Duck & Dry knows everything there is to know about hair.
Here's what they had to say!
What is the best hairstyle for a wedding guest?
"It depends on the dress code and your personal style, but polished waves or a soft bun always work beautifully.
"Glossy, tonged waves like Duck & Dry’s Hot Off The Tong are perfect for a chic yet timeless look, while a low bun at the nape of the neck such as the Ooh La La adds understated elegance for evening celebrations."
How do you do an easy wedding guest hairstyle yourself?
"If you’re styling at home, keep it simple. A sleek ponytail is always a good idea, and this can be elevated by wrapping a ribbon or twilly around it.
"Our Silk Edit accessories are a cult favourite because they make a look feel instantly elevated. Adding a silk bow scrunchie is also the easiest way to make a simple style wedding-ready while protecting your hair."
What are the best hairstyles for short, medium, and long hair as a wedding guest?
- Short hair: Textured waves, achieved with a texturising spray such as Duck & Dry’s Sea Salt Styler.
- Medium hair: Half-up, half-down styles with soft waves for a romantic feel.
- Long hair: Big, voluminous curls, like Duck & Dry’s signature Bigger Is Better, or an elegant updo make a stunning statement.
Are updos or down hairstyles better for wedding guests?
"Both are beautiful options. Updos are ideal if you want your hair off your shoulders for dancing, it’s chic as much as it is practical.
"On the other hand, flowing waves create a softer, more romantic effect which can make your look feel more timeless."
How do I make my hairstyle last all day and night?
"Prepping is key. Start with an all-in-one primer like Duck & Dry’s Pre-Heat-Prep Hair Primer to protect, smooth, and control the frizz/flyaways and make to finish with a strong hairspray such as Hold In Place to keep your style secure without stiffness."
Can you wear a ponytail or half-up style to a wedding?
"Ponytails and half-up styles are popular and incredibly chic wedding guest looks. A sleek ponytail feels modern, while a half-up with waves has a playful, fashion-forward edge. For extra polish, you can finish the look with a luxe accessory."
Now you’ve sorted your hairstyle, you’ll want to perfect your makeup application technique ahead of the big day. Take a look at our best beauty hacks which will change your life forever.
