40+ Wedding Guest Hairstyles for Every Hair Length, Type & Dress Code

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!

• 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
• Wedding Guest Hairstyles by Difficulty
• Wedding Guest Hairstyles by Dress Code
• DIY Wedding Guest Hairstyles
• 5 Wedding Guest Hair Accessories You'll Love
• Wedding Guest Hairstyles: How to Nail the Perfect Look
• Wedding Guest Hairstyle FAQs

Wedding Guest Hairstyles for Short Hair 

Short hair doesn't mean limited styling options. From glossy bobs to finger waves, these styles make the most of shorter lengths without requiring extensions or an elaborate updo.

1. Sleek Tucked-Behind-the-Ear Bob

A polished bob with one or both sides tucked behind the ears is simple but incredibly chic, particularly with statement earrings.

Best for: Straight or slightly wavy short hair; modern and formal weddings
Difficulty: Easy
Time needed: 10–20 minutes
Stylist needed? No

2. Textured Short Waves

Add loose bends with straighteners or a small-barrel tong before breaking them up with your fingers for an undone finish.

Best for: Bobs and lobs; relaxed, destination and summer weddings
Difficulty: Easy
Time needed: 15–25 minutes
Stylist needed? No

3. Vintage Finger Waves

Sculpted finger waves bring instant old-Hollywood glamour and work particularly well with a side parting.

Best for: Pixie cuts and short bobs; black-tie and vintage weddings
Difficulty: Challenging
Time needed: 45–60 minutes
Stylist needed? Recommended

4. Side-Parted Pixie With Hair Accessory

A deep side parting and decorative pin, comb or small fascinator can completely transform a pixie cut without requiring complicated styling.

Best for: Pixie and cropped hair; smart and formal weddings
Difficulty: Easy
Time needed: 10 minutes
Stylist needed? No

5. Tousled Crop

Use a small amount of styling cream or texturising product to create separation and movement through a short crop.

Best for: Naturally textured short hair; relaxed and contemporary weddings
Difficulty: Easy
Time needed: 5–10 minutes
Stylist needed? No

6. Short Hair With Soft Curls and a Pearl Comb

Curl a short bob or lob before sweeping one side back with a pearl or embellished comb.

Best for: Short-to-medium hair; romantic and traditional weddings
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Time needed: 20–30 minutes
Stylist needed? No

7. Short Half-Up Twist

Take two small sections from the front, twist them towards the back of the head and secure with pins or a decorative clip.

Best for: Bobs and longer short styles; romantic and semi-formal weddings
Difficulty: Easy
Time needed: 10–15 minutes
Stylist needed? No

8. Voluminous Short Blow-Dry

Adding lift at the roots and a smooth, bouncy finish can make a simple short haircut feel instantly occasion-ready.

Best for: Bobs and layered short hair; almost any wedding dress code
Difficulty: Moderate
Time needed: 20–30 minutes
Stylist needed? Optional

Wedding Guest Hairstyles for Medium-Length Hair

Medium hair gives you the best of both worlds: there's enough length to experiment with updos and ponytails without having quite as much hair to curl, pin and persuade into place.

9. Textured Chignon

Gather loosely waved hair into a low chignon, leaving a couple of soft pieces around the face.

Best for: Medium hair; romantic, formal and black-tie weddings
Difficulty: Moderate
Time needed: 25–40 minutes
Stylist needed? Optional

10. Half-Up Hair With a Velvet Bow

Style your hair in soft waves, then pull the top section back and finish with a velvet or satin ribbon.

Best for: Straight and wavy medium hair; autumn and winter weddings
Difficulty: Easy
Time needed: 15–25 minutes
Stylist needed? No

11. Loose Curls With a Side Braid

Add a small braid along one side of curled hair before pinning it discreetly at the back.

Best for: Medium-to-thick hair; boho and outdoor weddings
Difficulty: Moderate
Time needed: 25–35 minutes
Stylist needed? No

12. Glossy Shoulder-Length Blowout

A smooth blow-dry with bounce through the ends is understated enough for a relaxed ceremony but polished enough for a smarter dress code.

Best for: Straight, wavy and layered medium hair; any dress code
Difficulty: Moderate
Time needed: 30–45 minutes
Stylist needed? Optional

13. Relaxed Low Bun

Keep the shape soft rather than overly structured, allowing a few pieces to fall naturally around the face.

Best for: Medium hair; relaxed and romantic weddings
Difficulty: Moderate
Time needed: 20–30 minutes
Stylist needed? Optional

14. Braided Crown

Create braids on either side of the head and pin them across the back or crown, leaving the remaining hair loose.

Best for: Medium-to-long hair; festival, countryside and boho weddings
Difficulty: Moderate
Time needed: 30–40 minutes
Stylist needed? Optional

15. French Twist

A modern French twist can be kept sleek for a formal wedding or slightly undone for something more relaxed.

Best for: Medium-to-long hair; formal and black-tie weddings
Difficulty: Challenging
Time needed: 30–45 minutes
Stylist needed? Recommended

16. Bubble Ponytail

Secure a ponytail before adding elastics at regular intervals and gently pulling each section out to create the 'bubbles'.

Best for: Medium-to-long hair; contemporary and fashion-forward weddings
Difficulty: Easy
Time needed: 15–20 minutes
Stylist needed? No

Wedding Guest Hairstyles for Long Hair

Long hair gives you plenty to play with, whether you want to leave it flowing or take advantage of the extra length with braids, buns and statement ponytails.

17. Loose Romantic Waves

Soft waves are a wedding guest classic for good reason. Finish with a statement clip if you want to make them feel more occasion-ready.

Best for: Long hair of most textures; almost any dress code
Difficulty: Easy
Time needed: 30–45 minutes
Stylist needed? No

18. Sleek Low Ponytail

Smooth the hair back into a low ponytail and wrap a small section around the hair tie for a clean finish.

Best for: Straight and wavy long hair; modern and formal weddings
Difficulty: Easy
Time needed: 15–20 minutes
Stylist needed? No

19. Half-Up Braided Crown

Combine two wedding favourites by braiding the upper sections while leaving the lengths loose and softly curled.

Best for: Thick and long hair; romantic and boho weddings
Difficulty: Moderate
Time needed: 30–45 minutes
Stylist needed? Optional

20. Hollywood Waves

Deep, glossy waves worn to one side bring instant red-carpet glamour.

Best for: Medium-to-long hair; evening and black-tie weddings
Difficulty: Challenging
Time needed: 45–60 minutes
Stylist needed? Recommended

21. Fishtail Braid

Keep it polished or gently pull the braid apart for a softer, more relaxed finish.

Best for: Long, thick hair; outdoor, beach and boho weddings
Difficulty: Moderate
Time needed: 20–30 minutes
Stylist needed? No

22. High Voluminous Bun

A high bun keeps long hair securely off your neck and creates plenty of impact from every angle.

Best for: Long and thick hair; formal and summer weddings
Difficulty: Moderate
Time needed: 25–40 minutes
Stylist needed? Optional

23. Side-Swept Curls

Sweep curled lengths over one shoulder and pin securely at the back, adding an embellished accessory if you want extra detail.

Best for: Long hair; glamorous and formal weddings
Difficulty: Moderate
Time needed: 30–45 minutes
Stylist needed? Optional

24. Twisted Half-Up Hairstyle

Twisting rather than braiding the front sections creates a softer version of the classic half-up style.

Best for: Long straight, wavy or highlighted hair; romantic weddings
Difficulty: Easy
Time needed: 15–25 minutes
Stylist needed? No

Simple Wedding Guest Updos

If the invitation calls for cocktail, formal or black tie – or you simply don't want your hair around your face while you're dancing – an updo is both practical and polished.

25. Classic French Twist

Smooth hair into the signature vertical roll and secure it with hidden pins or a decorative hairpin.

Best for: Medium and long hair; formal and black-tie weddings
Difficulty: Challenging
Time needed: 30–45 minutes
Stylist needed? Recommended

26. Twisted Low Bun

Twisted sections add detail to a simple low bun without making the finished style feel overly elaborate.

Best for: Medium-to-long hair; formal and romantic weddings
Difficulty: Moderate
Time needed: 25–35 minutes
Stylist needed? Optional

27. Messy Bun With a Statement Accessory

Keep the bun deliberately loose and textured, then add a comb, pin or bow to make it feel wedding-ready.

Best for: Medium-to-long hair; relaxed and semi-formal weddings
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Time needed: 15–25 minutes
Stylist needed? No

28. High Ballerina Bun

A smooth, high bun creates a clean silhouette and works particularly well with statement earrings or a high-neck dress.

Best for: Medium-to-long straight or wavy hair; formal weddings
Difficulty: Moderate
Time needed: 20–30 minutes
Stylist needed? No

29. Braided Chignon

Work one or more braids into a low chignon for extra texture and detail.

Best for: Medium-to-long hair; romantic and formal weddings
Difficulty: Challenging
Time needed: 35–50 minutes
Stylist needed? Recommended

30. Sleek Structured Updo

A glossy, precisely pinned updo makes an elegant counterpart to a minimalist dress or tailoring.

Best for: Medium-to-long hair; contemporary and black-tie weddings
Difficulty: Challenging
Time needed: 40–60 minutes
Stylist needed? Recommended

Wedding Guest Hairstyles for Curly and Afro Hair

Working with – rather than against – your natural texture can create some of the most striking wedding guest hairstyles of all.

31. Defined Twist-Out

Define your natural curl pattern with a twist-out, then add a decorative clip or pin if you want a little extra detail.

Best for: Curly, coily and Afro-textured hair; any dress code
Difficulty: Moderate
Time needed: Allow for overnight setting, plus 15–20 minutes to style
Stylist needed? No

32. High Puff

Gather curls high on the head and finish with smooth or styled edges, adding cuffs or pins if desired.

Best for: Coily and Afro-textured hair; modern and semi-formal weddings
Difficulty: Easy
Time needed: 10–20 minutes
Stylist needed? No

33. Bantu Knots

Statement-making and practical, Bantu knots keep hair neatly styled while showcasing natural texture.

Best for: Coily and Afro-textured hair; contemporary weddings
Difficulty: Moderate
Time needed: 30–45 minutes
Stylist needed? Optional

34. Braided Crown With Natural Curls

Braids around the crown create structure while leaving the rest of your curls free.

Best for: Curly, coily and Afro-textured hair; romantic and formal weddings
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Time needed: 30–60 minutes
Stylist needed? Optional

35. Sleek Low Bun With Styled Edges

A low bun offers a beautifully polished option, while styled edges allow you to personalise the finished look.

Best for: Curly, coily and Afro-textured hair; formal and black-tie weddings
Difficulty: Moderate
Time needed: 25–40 minutes
Stylist needed? Optional

36. Natural Afro

There's no requirement to put your hair up for a wedding. Shape and define your Afro, then wear it exactly as it is or add a carefully chosen accessory.

Best for: Afro-textured hair; every dress code
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Time needed: Depends on your usual wash and styling routine
Stylist needed? No

37. Braided Half-Up Hairstyle

Style braids away from the face while leaving the remaining lengths loose for a half-up look.

Best for: Braids and protective styles; relaxed to formal weddings
Difficulty: Easy
Time needed: 10–20 minutes once braids are installed
Stylist needed? No

38. Side-Swept Afro

Pin or style one side back to create an asymmetric silhouette, finishing with metallic pins or another accessory if desired.

Best for: Afro-textured hair; contemporary and formal weddings
Difficulty: Easy
Time needed: 10–20 minutes
Stylist needed? No

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).

39. Claw Clip French Twist

Twist the lengths upwards and secure with a statement claw clip, allowing the ends or a few face-framing pieces to fall naturally.

Best for: Medium-to-long hair; relaxed and modern weddings
Difficulty: Easy
Time needed: 5–10 minutes
Stylist needed? No

40. Polished Half-Up, Half-Down Hair

Curl or wave the lengths before securing the top section with pins, a barrette or bow. It's simple, flattering and easy to redo if it loosens during the reception.

Best for: Medium-to-long hair and most textures; almost any dress code
Difficulty: Easy
Time needed: 15–30 minutes
Stylist needed? No

Wedding Guest Hairstyles by Difficulty

If your hairstyling abilities begin and end with a ponytail, don't choose the morning of a wedding to teach yourself an intricate chignon. For easy DIY styles, try a sleek bob, high puff, low ponytail, claw-clip twist or half-up hairstyle. Allow a little more time for moderate styles such as chignons, braids and buns, particularly if you haven't practised beforehand.

More structured styles – including finger waves, Hollywood waves, French twists and intricate braided updos – are generally the ones worth booking a hairstylist for, especially if you need them to survive from the ceremony until the final song.

Wedding Guest Hairstyles by Dress Code

For a black-tie or formal wedding, polished styles such as Hollywood waves, a French twist, sleek bun or structured updo complement the dressier setting. For cocktail or semi-formal weddings, try...

• A chignon
• A gossy blowout
• A ponytail
•  A polished half-up style.

A relaxed, outdoor or destination wedding gives you more scope for...

• Undone waves
• Natural curls
• Braids
• Softer buns

But there's no rule saying your hairstyle has to match a particular dress code – if a sleek ponytail makes you feel brilliant with your outfit, that's ultimately more important.

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.

£56 | Shop now

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. 

£93 | Shop now

3. Floral Hair Pins 

For a pop of detail, these gorgeous floral hair pins from Not On The High Street add something special to your wedding 'do. And for just £28, they're a chic way to upgrade your wedding guest hairstyle without breaking the bank. 

£28 | Shop now

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! 

£7.50 | Shop now

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!

£8 | Shop now

Wedding Guest Hairstyles: How to Nail the Perfect Look

Wedding Guest Hairstyle FAQs

Hair can be famously unpredictable, so we've asked the experts at Duck & Dry for their advice on choosing, styling and prepping your hair for a wedding – including the easiest styles to recreate yourself and how to make sure they last from the ceremony to the dance floor.

What Hairstyle Should I Wear as a Wedding Guest?

Your hairstyle should ultimately come down to your hair type, what makes you feel most comfortable and the kind of wedding you're attending. "It depends on the dress code and your personal style, but polished waves or a soft bun always work beautifully," says the team at Duck & Dry.

"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."

It's also worth thinking practically. An updo can keep your hair off your shoulders for a summer wedding or a night of dancing, while flowing waves create a softer, more romantic effect. Whatever you choose, good prep will help it last. Duck & Dry recommends starting with an all-in-one primer to protect the hair, smooth frizz and flyaways, before finishing with a strong hairspray to keep everything secure without stiffness.

What Is an Easy Wedding Guest Hairstyle?

If you're doing your own hair, a sleek ponytail, half-up style or simple waves are some of the easiest options to master without professional help.

"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."

"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."

What Hairstyles Work for Short Hair?

Short hair can look just as occasion-ready as longer lengths, without needing an elaborate updo. Duck & Dry recommends textured waves, using a texturising spray to add movement and definition.

Depending on your cut and texture, you could also try a sleek side parting, soft curls, finger waves or simply tuck one side of a bob behind your ear and add a statement hair clip. The key is working with the length you have rather than trying to recreate a style designed for much longer hair.

How Should I Wear Curly Hair to a Wedding?

There's no need to straighten curly hair for a wedding… natural texture can be the starting point for everything from defined curls and voluminous styles to half-up looks and updos.

If you want to wear your curls loose, focus on definition and use the products you know work well for your hair to help the style last throughout the day. Alternatively, pull back the front sections for a half-up style or opt for an updo if you'd prefer to keep your hair away from your face.

Whichever you choose, prepping the hair is important. Products designed to control frizz and flyaways can help your finished style withstand a long day (and potentially unpredictable wedding-day weather!).

Can I Wear My Hair Up as a Wedding Guest?

Absolutely. A low bun, chignon, ponytail or more structured updo can all work beautifully for a wedding guest, and they're particularly practical if you want your hair off your face and shoulders while dancing.

"Updos are ideal if you want your hair off your shoulders for dancing, it’s chic as much as it is practical."

A sleek or structured updo can suit a more formal or evening wedding, while a softer bun with face-framing pieces creates a more relaxed finish. And if you're somewhere in the middle, a half-up, half-down style gives you the best of both worlds.

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.