When the wedding season is in full swing, there are so many fun things to think about. You want to RSVP to all the events you wish to attend, make travel arrangements, and choose what to wear and how to style your hair. Whether you have curly tresses, long hair, or short wavy locks, you need a long-lasting and manageable hairstyle.
Whether for long or short hair, a beach, or a destination wedding, we have easy options to help you stay comfortable and chic regardless of your age — even 50-plus hairstyles! Here are a few quick and trendy styles to inspire and help you achieve the ideal wedding guest hairstyle.
Updo Hairstyles for Weddings
You can’t go wrong with a sophisticated updo when considering go-to hairstyles for wedding guests. These styles can elevate any wedding outfit from soft, romantic buns to playful boho braids and timeless chignons. With some practice, you can achieve stunning, salon-worthy updos that leave you feeling confident and party-ready.
1. Braided Half-Updo
When you’re unsure what hairstyle works for wedding guests with long, shoulder-length, or medium-length hair, this dreamy braided half-updo is an effortless hairstyle to do at home. The braided half-up or down hairstyle is a classic hairstyle for wedding guests with a whimsical twist. Pro tips:
- Gather a small portion of hair from the side of your head.
- Attach a ponytail holder to the bottom of the braided strand of hair.
- Make another braid on the other side for a total of two braids. You can also make a French braid and pin them in place on both sides.
- Pull the hair at the ends outward with your fingers to add volume to the braids, starting at the top. This pro tip also helps accentuate variances in your hair color.
- You want the braid to look wide and messy. As you pull outward, the braid will look wider. When it is wide enough, stop pulling. Join the two braids at the back of the head in the middle.
- As if tying a knot, wrap one piece of the braid under and over the other. Wrap the two pieces of hanging braid around each other.
- Attach the two pieces using a ponytail holder, then remove the two ponytail holders holding the individual braids.
- Curl small sections of hair using your curling iron. Secure your curls using either the All About Curls® Curls For Days or Biotera® Finishing Spray to give them life and hold them in place.
2. Low Chignon
A low chignon is an excellent choice when attending a wedding because it exudes timeless elegance and is appropriate for any wedding theme. It's a versatile hairstyle that works well with straight, wavy, or curly hair, making it an adaptable option for different textures. Comfort is another bonus, as it’s secured at the nape of the neck and stays in place without feeling heavy. The style can be adapted to look sleek for a formal event or with loose, soft strands for a more romantic feel. Plus, it’s accessory-friendly, making it easy to enhance with decorative clips, pins, or flowers. Pro tips:
- Brush hair to remove any tangles.
- Create a center or side part as desired.
- Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck and secure it with an elastic.
- Twist the ponytail and coil it around the base to form a bun.
- Secure the bun with bobby pins.
- Gently pull on sections for a relaxed, voluminous look (optional).
- Spray with Biotera® Flexible Hold Finishing Spritz for a malleable hold and finish.
3. Twisted Updo
A messy high bun ideally balances elegance and a relaxed, modern look. It’s an easy updo that adds height and draws attention to your face, making it flattering for most face shapes. Its slightly undone appearance gives off an effortless vibe while still appearing stylish and put-together. The messy texture allows for flexibility, complementing a range of outfit styles from formal gowns to more casual dresses. Pro tips:
- Start with clean, dry hair. Add a texturizing spray for grip.
- Lightly tease the crown area before creating the twists for added lift and a more elegant shape.
- Divide your hair into three sections—one on each side and one in the back.
- Twist the back section loosely, pinning it at the center of the nape. Repeat with the side sections, twisting them toward the back and overlapping them slightly over the center section.
- For more intricate designs, create multiple layers of smaller twists to add depth and detail.
- Use bobby pins to hold each twist in place securely.
- Gently pull on the twists to add volume and create a soft, textured look.
- Optional: Pull out a few face-framing tendrils and curl them for a romantic finish. Keep them soft and loose for a natural effect.
- Use a light-hold hairspray to set the style.
Medium-Length Wedding Guest Hairstyles
Medium-length hair offers the ideal balance for wedding guest hairstyles, providing versatility and elegance. From soft waves and sleek styles to intricate braids, your medium-length locks can be tailored to match any wedding vibe. With help from Zotos, these styles make it easy to feel effortlessly chic and ready to celebrate in style!
1. Loose Dreamy Waves
Wedding guest hairstyles like loose waves strike the ideal balance between elegance and a relaxed vibe. They add natural volume and texture, enhancing your features while creating a soft, flattering frame for your face. Waves are also versatile, working well for both indoor and outdoor weddings, and tend to hold up throughout long events with minimal touch-ups. Plus, their effortless appearance makes you look stylish and put-together without seeming overly formal. Pro tips:
- You can quickly achieve natural waves using messy, textured, alternating curls with a curler, straightener, wand, or heatless styling method.
- Curl your hair in opposite directions with a curling iron or heatless styler for added texture.
- If you have naturally curly hair, use a mousse to keep the curls intense and more defined.
- You can keep those natural curls or use a heat roller to achieve a more defined curl effect.
- If you have curtain bangs, here are some pro tips on how to style them.
2. Sleek and Straight
A sleek and straight hairstyle is an excellent choice for a wedding guest because it’s timeless, versatile, and low-maintenance. It complements most face shapes and outfits without distracting from your features or accessories. This style stays put with minimal touch-ups, ensuring you look flawless all day. Plus, its smooth, shiny finish photographs beautifully, making you look effortlessly put together while enjoying the entire celebration. Pro tips:
- Start with clean, dry hair. Apply a heat protectant spray to prevent damage.
- Use a flat iron to straighten small sections for a smooth, uniform finish. Ensure the temperature is appropriate for your hair type to avoid excessive heat exposure.
- Choose between a center or side part, depending on your face shape and preference.
- Apply a small amount of lightweight hair serum or soothing cream like All About Curls® Smoothing Cream to add shine and tame any flyaways.
- Use a fine-tooth comb for extra precision, and tuck one side behind the ear for an added sleek effect.
3. Loose Braided Crown
A loose braided crown is both chic and easygoing. It adds a touch of elegance without being overly formal, giving you a romantic, boho-inspired vibe that works ideally for weddings, especially outdoor or more laid-back ones. The braids help keep hair in place while still allowing some natural texture and beautifully framing your face. Plus, it’s a great way to keep hair off your face so you can dance and enjoy the celebration without worrying about your hair!
- Take a small section of hair near one ear and braid it loosely, securing the end with a small, clear elastic.
- Create a matching braid on the other side.
- Bring each braid across the top of your head, positioning it like a headband. Using bobby pins that match your hair color, pin them behind the opposite ear.
- Gently tug on the braids to loosen them for a more natural, relaxed look and blend with the rest of your hair.
- Lightly curl the remaining hair for soft waves to complement the braids.
- Spritz with a light-hold hairspray, such as Biotera® Flexible Hold Finishing Spritz, to keep everything in place without stiffness.
No matter which one of these hairstyles that you choose, the secret to success is incorporating quality haircare products from Zotos!
