If picking a wedding guest outfit wasn’t hard enough (and the shoes to go with it), don’t forget you also have to decide how you’re going to do your hair!
But, don’t worry. Picking your wedding guest hairstyle doesn’t need to feel complicated. All you need are a few guidelines and a ton of inspiration. Hey, guess what we’ve got coming up? If you want 24 easy, pretty, and totally doable wedding guest hairstyles—you’re in the right place.
What is a wedding guest hairstyle?
A wedding guest hairstyle is any hairstyle you (a wedding guest, that is) can wear to a wedding. It should complement your outfit without overwhelming it, and can be as simple or as complex as you like.
Our advice is to stick with what you’re comfortable with. If you prefer a long, simple hairstyle: go for it. If you’re really talented at updos: flex your skills. Equally, if hair isn’t your forte, don’t be afraid to keep it simple. A quick blow-dry, a sleek ponytail, or even popping in a cute clip can go a long way. You don’t need a salon-level style to look and feel great.
How to pick a wedding guest hairstyle
Choosing a wedding guest hairstyle can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to match the dress, the weather, and the vibe of the big day. But, don’t worry. There are a few steps you can take to help you pick your wedding guest hairstyle.
1) Check your weather app
First things first: you need to check your weather app. If it’s promising gale force winds, maybe skip the soft waves and opt for something a bit more secure, like a low bun or a sleek pony. On the other hand, if it’s set to be a scorcher, you might want to get your hair up and off your neck to stay cool and photo-ready.
Planning your hair around the weather means you’re less likely to end up with frizz or flyaways that risk ruining your photos.
2) What are you wearing?
The next thing to think about is your outfit. If you’re wearing a backless dress, have detailed sleeves, or a statement neckline, you might want to show it off with an updo or a swept-back style. No point hiding all those lovely details under a curtain of hair, right?
On the flip side, if your outfit is more simple or classic, you can afford to go a bit bolder with your hair. Think loose waves, a big bouncy blow-dry, or a fun braid. It’s all about balance. You want your hair and outfit to complement each other, not compete for attention.
3) What’s the vibe of the wedding?
The next thing to think about is the vibe of the day. If you’re attending a classy, black tie event, you’ll want your hair to match the understated elegance of the setting. But, if the vibe is more relaxed, like a tea party or beach wedding, you can definitely loosen things up. Textured ponytails, messy buns, half-up styles with a few face-framing bits are all great options that feel put-together without being too formal.
Wedding guest hairstyles for short hair
If your hair is chin length or shorter, consider these easy DIY wedding guest hairstyles.
1) Smooth and sleek
It’s a classic for pixie-length styles. All you need is a little styling cream or serum and a fine-tooth comb to get that ultra-smooth, polished finish. Tuck one side behind your ear, add a cute clip or a statement earring, and you’re good to go. Super simple, but effortlessly chic. qually, if your hair is a little longer, use a shine-enhancing shampoo and conditioner before blow-drying straight and finishing off with straighteners. This will create a mirror-like shine that looks amazing in photos.
2) Loose waves
If you have a little more hair to play with, consider using a mid-size barrel curler to add some soft, loose waves. We recommend a wand between ¾ and 1 inch in diameter. It’s a great way to add volume and movement without going full glam.
Once you’ve curled your hair, let it cool completely, then gently brush through with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to loosen the curls. Spritz on a bit of texturising spray for hold and you’re sorted!
3) Elevated pixie
Having a pixie cut can mean you’re a little limited with the styles you can achieve. However, with some strategic styling and a little creativity, a pixie can be just as versatile as longer locks.
Play around with volume at the crown using a bit of volumising powder, or go for a slicked-back, high-shine look for a more edgy, modern finish. You can also experiment with partings: a deep side part gives drama, while a centre part looks more polished. Equally, the right accessories can completely transform the look. Think a statement headband, embellished slide, or even a scattering of stick-on pearls can completely transform the look.
The key is to have fun with it. A pixie cut is already bold, so lean into it and make it your own.
4) Hat-band styles
Not quite a hat, not quite a hair band, hat-bands are all the rage right now. They’re perfect for weddings where you want to look like you’ve made an effort, but don’t want the fuss of a fascinator.
Hat-bands work brilliantly with short hair too. Whether your locks are pixie-short or bobbed, an embellished hat-band can instantly dress up your look. Keep the rest of your style simple and let the accessory do the talking.
5) Fun and textured
If you love the boldness of a pixie style, try using some pomade or wax to create definition and texture through the ends. Just scrunch a small amount through your hair with your fingers and play around until you’ve got that undone, tousled look. This works especially well if your hair has a choppy cut or a natural wave to it.
Wedding guest hairstyles for medium length hair
Those with hair longer than their shoulder but shorter than armpit length should consider these medium length DIY wedding guest hairstyles.
6) Half up, half down
A classic wedding style, you really can’t go wrong with a half up, half down. All you need to do is section off the top half of your hair, pull it back, and secure it with a clip, kirby grips, or a bobble to create a little ponytail. This is the most basic type of half up half down.
From here, you can mix it up however you’d like. Transform the secured ponytail into a bun, add some fun twists or braids on either side, or wrap a strand of hair around your bobble to hide it and make things look a bit more polished.
The beauty of this style is how flexible it is—you can really dress it up or down depending on the wedding, your outfit, or even your mood on the day.
7) Dutch braid face-frame
If you want to keep your fringe out of your face, taming it into a face-framing Dutch braid is a cute way to do it without committing to a full updo. It adds just the right amount of detail and gives your look a playful, put-together edge.
Simply take a small section of hair from your hairline on each side, braid it tightly along your scalp (crossing the strands under, not over), and pin behind your ear. You can do whatever you want with the rest of your hair, whether it’s leaving it natural or enhancing the texture with a tousled wave. Spritz with some hairspray and you’re set for the day!
8) Fauxb
Ever head of a faux bob? It’s the perfect trick if you fancy the look of short hair without actually taking the plunge. It’s great for vintage-inspired outfits, high necklines, or when you just want to switch things up
Start by curling your hair for a bit of texture and volume. Then, create a very loose, low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Tuck the ponytail under and pin it up against your scalp, hiding the ends to create the illusion of a bob. Pull a few face-framing bits out to soften the look, and adjust the shape until it feels right.
Top tip: This style works best if you have a lot of layers in your hair. The shorter layers help add that texture over the top of the ponytail to make it look more natural. If your hair is all one length, you may need to create more than one ponytail to create a convincing fauxb.
9) Sleek low bun
Another wedding classic, sleek low buns go with just about everything, whether it’s a classy gown or a sweet tea dress. All you’ll need is a hair tie, a few kirby grips, and some smoothing serum or gel to get started.
Part your hair in the middle (or wherever feels most flattering), gather it at the nape of your neck, and twist it into a neat little bun. Pin it in place and smooth down any flyaways with a toothbrush and a bit of hairspray.
From here you can spice it up however you’d prefer. Whether it’s a pearl hair comb, some hair gems, or even just wrapping a strand of hair around the base to hide the bobble, it’s a simple yet elegant style that’s easy to customise.
10) Victory rolls
This one may not be for everyone, but victory rolls can be both elegant and fun, especially for vintage-inspired weddings. They’re bold, beautiful, and bound to get compliments from every auntie in the room.
To create them, you’ll need a bit of patience and a good hairspray. Start by sectioning off the front pieces of your hair, backcombing slightly for volume, then rolling each section backwards and pinning into place to create that signature swirl. Do whatever feels right with the rest of your hair. Whether you leave it natural, straighten it, or curl it, any finish will add to the uniqueness of this style.
Wedding guest hairstyles for long hair
If you’re a real-life Rapunzel, try these DIY wedding guest hairstyles for long hair.
11) Waterfall braid
A waterfall braid is a fun twist on a half up half down where some strands are braided and others are left to cascade down like a waterfall. It’s beautiful, intricate, and really adds that special something to your style.
Start by taking a section from one side of your head and begin a standard French braid, but instead of pulling all the pieces into the braid, drop one strand each time and pick up a new one underneath. We definitely recommend watching a YouTube tutorial for this one!
Forewarning, this style takes a little bit of practice. It’s not something you’ll be able to nail the day of unless you’re a highly accomplished hairdresser. So give it a go a few days beforehand when you’ve got time to play around. Once you’ve cracked the technique, it’s actually pretty easy to do.
12) Fishtail braid
Another style that looks complicated but is actually pretty simple, a fishtail braid can either be worn down the back of your head or as an elegant side plait. Both look fab and exude that effortlessly cool, boho-chic vibe.
To construct a fishtail braid, split your hair into two equal sections. Then, take a small piece from the outside of the left section and add it to the section on the right-hand side. Repeat on the opposite side, a small piece from the outside of the right section that crosses over to the left. Keep going, alternating sides, until you reach the ends, then secure with a clear elastic.
Once braided, gently pull the sides of the braid with your finger to make it appear thicker. This is called ‘pancaking’ and is a lifesaver for thinner hair.
The beauty of a fishtail is that it doesn’t need to be perfect. In fact, the more undone it looks, the better. Add a ribbon, some floral pins, or a few sparkly grips if you want to jazz it up.
13) Hollywood waves
Hollywood waves are a beautiful and classic way to style your hair as a wedding guest with long hair. Again, they’re pretty easy once you get the hang of it, and all you need is a curling wand (ideally around 1 inch), a paddle brush, and a bit of patience. The goal is to create smooth, uniform curls that you then brush out to form those signature, swoopy waves.
Start by curling your hair away from your face in small sections, all in the same direction. Once your whole head is curled and cooled, gently brush through with a paddle brush to blend the curls into soft, flowing waves. Finish with a shine spray and a light mist of hairspray to hold everything in place without making it crunchy.
Pro tip: If your hair doesn’t hold a curl well, clip your curls to your head as they’re cooling. This action helps the curls stay in place and makes you feel like a glamorous 40s pin-up!
14) A curly blow-dry
Ask any girl from Liverpool and they’ll tell you—there’s nothing like a curly blow-dry to make you feel like royalty. You can either use a round brush and a hair dryer, or tools like the Babyliss Big Hair or Revlon Pro Dryer brush. If you’re boujee, the Dyson Airwrap is another great choice.
Blow-dry your hair in sections, scooping the hair up from the roots with the brush and curling it under at the ends. If you’re using heated tools, roll each section up into a velcro roller while it’s still warm and let it cool before taking them out for extra oomph.
Once everything’s cooled, gently brush through with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to keep the shape but soften the edges. Run a little serum through the ends and a decent hairspray to lock it in, and you’re good to go.
15) Loose waves
If you’re a guest at a beach wedding or an outdoor summer ceremony, loose waves are the ultimate go-to. Start by misting your hair with a heat protectant, then use a curling wand or straighteners to curl sections of hair away from your face. Don’t worry about perfection—the aim is a soft, tousled finish, not ringlets.
Once all your hair is curled, let it cool, then run your fingers or a wide-tooth comb through to loosen the curls into gentle waves. Finish with a spritz of texturising spray or sea salt spray for a bit of grip, and you’re done.
Wedding guest hairstyles for natural hair
If you prefer to wear your hair in its natural texture, consider these classy and beautiful natural wedding guest hairstyles.
16) Crown braid
Constructing a crown braid around your head is a beautiful and regal style for any type of wedding. All you need to do is part your hair down the middle (or slightly to the side, if that suits you better) and create two Dutch or flat braids, starting near your temples. Work your way around the head, curving the braids and pinning them in place as you go. Once both sides meet, tuck the ends under and secure them with kirby grips.
You can keep the braids sleek for a more polished vibe, or gently pull them apart for a softer look. You can also add dainty gold cuffs, pearl pins, or even weave in a ribbon that coordinates with your outfit for an extra special touch.
17) Mini twists
Mini twists are a big trend for natural hair in 2025. Made popular on TikTok (aren’t all trends now?), they’re not only super versatile but also low-maintenance and long-lasting— perfect if you’ve got a whole weekend of wedding events or just want to look put-together with minimal effort on the day.
To create them, separate your hair into small, even sections, then twist each section tightly from root to tip. You can do a full head or just twist the front and leave the back out in a puff or fro. They look gorgeous worn down and defined, but can also be styled into buns, ponytails, or pinned back with cute accessories.
18) High puff
A high puff is another classic style for natural hair. Special enough to be wedding-worthy, but not so complicated that you’ll dread styling. It’s the perfect in-between.
Simply gather your hair at the crown of your head using a soft hairband or an old pair of tights (yes, really!), then fluff it out to create that gorgeous, voluminous shape. Lay your edges if you fancy, or keep it soft and natural. Either way, it’s a look that lets your texture shine.
19) Goddess braids
Goddess braids are a beautifully undone, knotless protective style that are as comfortable as they are striking. They’re thicker than traditional braids and often styled with a bit more texture and softness, which makes them perfect for a romantic, wedding-ready look.
You can wear them straight down your back, swept to one side, or gathered into a low bun or ponytail. For extra wedding ooph, consider twisting your braids up into a high bun. Adorn with gold clips or gems for a special touch.
20) Roll and tuck vintage do
Vintage weddings require a hairstyle with a little old-school glamour, and a roll and tuck updo absolutely delivers. It’s elegant, timeless, and beautiful.
To create this look, start by stretching or lightly blow-drying your hair for manageability. Then, section your hair into two or three parts (depending on how sculpted you want it), roll each section inward towards your scalp, and pin in place. You can go for a neat little bun at the back or tuck and roll the sides upwards to frame your face.
Updos for wedding guests
If you’d like to wear a classic updo to your next wedding, read on. We’ve pulled together our four favourite styles for medium to long hair lengths.
21) Volume pony
If you want to feel like a little rock chick at your next event, a volume pony could be for you.
Simply backcomb the crown of your hair to add lift, then lightly brush it into a high or mid ponytail, whatever suits you more. Secure it with a strong bobble and add a little hairspray for longevity. You could even wrap a small section of hair around the bobble to hide it and finish the look off.
If you want to add some texture, consider crimping or curling a few sections of the ponytail hair. It’ll add interest without the uniformity of a fully curled pony.
22) Curly bun
A curly bun is a sleek, low bun’s fun, flirty little sister. It’s great for naturally curly hair or anyone who’s added a bit of wave or curl beforehand.
To create it, brush your hair towards the nape of your neck with your fingers. Alternatively, scoop it a little higher for a slightly more elevated style. Twist it into a bun, letting a few curls peek out naturally, and pin it in place with kirby grips. The goal is to keep it secure but not too neat—the texture is what makes this look. Leave out a few face-framing curls or tendrils for that soft, romantic vibe, and finish with a shine spray or lightweight serum for definition.
23) Braided updo
A braided updo is similar to a Dutch braid face-frame or a halo braid, but with a bit more structure. It’s especially lovely for weddings with a slightly more formal dress code, or when you want your hair to do just as much talking as your outfit.
First, you’ll need to construct two Dutch braids along either side of your head, braiding them towards the nape of your neck. Then, gather the remaining hair and twist it into a low bun, pinning it in place with kirby grips. Then, you can either keep it sleek or gently tease the braids to make your hair look thicker.
24) Faux hawk ponytail
Again, this won’t be for everyone. But, if you’re a touch alternative or the happy couple are alternative, a faux hawk could be the style that ties your whole look together. It’s bold, modern, and full of personality, perfect for city weddings or chic venues.
To create a faux hawk, start by sectioning your hair into three or four ponytails along the top of your head. Secure each section with a hair elastic or grips, then gently backcomb and pin to create volume and height through the centre. The sides should be slicked down or braided close to the scalp to really highlight the contrast.
Finish with a bit of texture spray to hold it in place and give it that slightly undone feel. Add hair cuffs, beads, or even a ribbon if you want a nod to the occasion.
The bottom line on wedding guest hairstyles
Wedding guest hairstyles should complement your outfit, not detract from it. It should also be suitable for the weather, and comfortable enough to last you from the ceremony to the last song on the dance floor. No one wants to be halfway through their meal tugging at kirby grips or regretting a too-tight updo.
The trick is to keep it simple, work with your natural hair texture, and go for a style that makes you feel like you—just a little more polished. Whether that’s a relaxed ponytail, a bouncy blow-dry, or a braided bun with a bit of sparkle, if it feels good and holds up, it’s a winner.
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