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36 Ponytail Wedding Hairstyles for the Modern, Romantic Bride

These show-stopping styles are suitable for any bride.

By
Stephanie Montes
Stephanie Montes
Stephanie Montes

Stephanie Montes is a Los Angeles-based fashion and beauty writer with a decade of experience. Most notably, Stephanie served as the beauty director at Zoe Media Group for three-and-a-half years.

Brides's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on January 30, 2024 09:20AM
bride wearing high wedding ponytail hairstyle and posing for portrait with groom

Photo by Amy Anaiz Photography

When it comes to your wedding day, it’s easy to overthink things. Sure, it’s one of the biggest days of your life, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take it easy on at least some of the details. When you already have enough to worry about, taking the "less is more" approach to your wedding-day hairstyle is the way to go. Enter the bridal ponytail. Ponytails get a bad reputation for being basic, and while they may be our go-to on lazy days and trips to the gym, that doesn’t mean we can’t elevate the style. It just requires a little strategy. And a laid-back wedding ponytail is the perfect way to take some stress off your wedding day—or soften an ultra-formal look. Like the idea of ponytail wedding hair, but don't want your updo to feel too casual? Though they make look and feel easy-breezy, ponytails can actually be intricate and visually interesting with a few adjustments, whether that's opting for a super sleek, tight look or a high, teased pony with major volume.

If you’re still thinking the sporty style isn’t wedding-day appropriate, think again—and we have the photos to prove it. Check out these 36 wedding ponytail looks that are pretty enough for your big day and beyond.

01 of 36

The Second-Look Ponytail

Jordan Mailata and bride kiss during cake cutting at wedding reception

Photo by Greg Finck

Not sure if you want to rock a ponytail for the entirety of your wedding day? Make like this bride, who, with the help of her stylist, Shea, put her hair up into a wavy iteration of the style for her cake-cutting ceremony during the reception.

02 of 36

The Curly, Bouncy Ponytail

Portrait of Wedding Couple Looking at Eachother

Photo by Elizabeth Austin Photography

This bride's hairstyle, complete with a center part, a few loose curls around the face, and a high, bouncy ponytail, added volume to her otherwise sleek, streamlined look. “Honestly, my husband loves my hair up with a few pieces hanging down in front, so I went that route. I also wanted to make sure I showed off all of my dress, so the hairstyle helped,” she said of the style Chaise Debow created for her.

03 of 36

The Ponytail and Tiara Combination

bride anad groom kiss as they cut into the cake

Photo by Sergio Sorrentino

A petite tiara was tucked in front of this bride's voluminous ponytail, adding a regal touch to the simple ensemble she wore to her nuptials in Sicily. The updo was actually hidden by her veil for the majority of the day, so when she took the piece off, it completely changed her look. It made for a fun reveal just before her cake-cutting ceremony.

04 of 36

The Slicked-Back Low Ponytail

bride and groom share a laughing kiss during first look

Photo by Imogen Xiana

If you're contemplating the sleek low bun, a trending bridal hairstyle, but are worried about hiding all of your hair behind your head, consider this woman of the hour's solution: a low, sleek ponytail, which looked lovely at her celebration in a greenhouse. “I see lots of low buns or hair down with extensions, but [my look was something] different,” she says. “The sleek pony was key to not-my-normal look but very comfortable and elegant.”

05 of 36

The Ponytail With a Headband

Bride in off-the-shoulder wedding dress and high, sheer gloves

Photo by Alen Karupovic

A beaded headband added a touch of sparkle to this bride's low, simple ponytail—and paired perfectly with her crystal-encrusted Bronx and Banco gown.

06 of 36

The Wavy Ponytail

Bride and Groom Portrait Ahead of Maiyan Ceremony

Photo by Ivy Weddings

This bride used her hairstyle, a cheerful, sweet ponytail, to reinforce the happy, upbeat nature of her wedding welcome party ensemble. "My outfit for the welcome party was very playful and fun, so I went with a pony for my hairstyle,” she says.

07 of 36

The Braided Ponytail

Bride in strapless a-line wedding gown, low braided ponytail, and statement flower earrings laughing while holding hands with laughing groom at the alter in front of officiant

Photo by JENNY FU; HAIR BY ARLENE MARTIN OF SEXY HAIR 

This style is the perfect middle ground between a minimalist low ponytail and a textured plait. The sporty 'do is also a nice contrast against this feminine ballgown silhouette and statement earrings.

08 of 36

The Glam Ponytail

Smiling bride with a cascading low wavy ponytail ponytail looking down while wearing white column dress with gold belt and cape sleeves

PHOTO BY ERICH MCVEY

Channel your inner Grecian goddess with a low, understated bridal ponytail that's fuss-free yet still glamorous. Whether you pull back sleek, straightened locks or curly hair, the result will be equally polished. For a high-impact finish, play up your look with gold hoops or a set of sparkly bridal hairpins.

09 of 36

The Looped Ponytail

Bride with short, slicked back, low ponytail looking out at ocean while waring illusion bridal gown

Photo by WHITE DIAMOND PHOTO  

This architectural spin is just as elevated and chic as it is sleek. We love how this bride didn't let her shorter lengths detract from a sophisticated wedding ponytail. The looped ends create the loveliest visual without sacrificing structure.

10 of 36

The Elegantly Loose Ponytail

Smiling bride with a loose, swept-back ponytail allowing bridesmaids to fan out her veil

Photo by Jamie English 

As opposed to a slicked-back style, opt for loose, romantic strands. This has the structure of a traditional pony with the added allure of volume and wispiness.

11 of 36

The Voluminous Ponytail

Smiling bride with slicked back hair and voluminous low ponytail standing in front of dried pampas grass in ivory slip dress with sheer overlay

Photo by Greg Finck; Courtesy of Alexandra Grecco

The juxtaposition between the volume in this bridal ponytail and the shiny, slicked-back front is as playful as it is unexpected. Better yet? It will stay put as you dance the night away.

12 of 36

The Pearlescent Ponytail

Blonde bride with pearl pins in low ponytail looking at surrounding greenery

Photo by We the Romantics; Hair by Adorne Artistry

While updos are perfect for showing off a neckline, nothing complements an intriguing low back quite like a wedding ponytail that cascades along with it. This low, sleek look was further elevated by pearly pins.

13 of 36

The Short and Sweet Ponytail

Bride wearing a short, bouncy ponytail and veil cascading underneath looking away

 Photo by JENN EMERLING WEDDINGS

Who said you need long lengths for a bridal ponytail? A cropped cut doesn't mean you can't have a special, stunning style for your walk down the aisle. Plus, adding the veil underneath is a fabulously fresh and modern choice.

14 of 36

The Metallic-Wrapped Ponytail

Bride wearing eyelet robe while holding baby as hair stylist wraps gold metallic ribbing around her relaxed, low ponytail

Photo by SARA LOBLA 

Sometimes all it takes is a sparkly accessory to perfect a pony. A metallic wrap around the base of your ponytail is our favorite wedding-day trick for the modern bride.

15 of 36

The Minimalist Ponytail

Bride in low braided ponytail and strapless dress kissing groom in white suit in front of boat-lined ocean vista

Photo by Betsy Newman

This bride's loose bridal ponytail is the very essence of minimalist chic. The pairing of the simple staple with the softness of the veil is nothing short of heavenly.

16 of 36

The Bohemian Ponytail

Smiling bride in low wavy ponytail with accent brand holding bouquet and touching foreheads with groom in black suit in front of ocea

Photo by Julia Elizabeth Photography 

Nothing says boho quite like an eclectic braid detail. A French braid adds an unexpected bohemian touch to this dance floor-ready ponytail. The voluminous waves complete this gorgeous creation.

17 of 36

The Bumped-Up Ponytail

Bride in bright pink lehenga and voluminous high ponytail cutting flower-topped cake with groom

Photo by To The Moon; Hair & Makeup by Karuna

Bump up a high bridal ponytail by teasing the bottom strands for some enviable volume and keeping the front pieces super sleek for a glam aesthetic. Work in a little hair cream, and voilà! This look makes for some stunning profile shots.

18 of 36

The Relaxed Ponytail

Bride in loosely pulled-back ponytail and curled front pieces wearing multi-colored gemstone grown and orange lipstick

Photo by Cinzia Bruschini; Event Planning by Savvy Event Studio

Let your gown, pretty face, and maybe a knockout accessory take center stage with a relaxed wedding ponytail. This bride shows us how it's done with a regal headpiece, face-framing tendrils, and bold lip.

19 of 36

The Sparkly Side Ponytail

Bride in white lace wedding dress with cut-out back detail wearing side ponytail with sparkly hairpin

Photo by Cynthia Chung

Give an unfussy side pony a dose of glam with a sparkly hairpiece. The off-center placement of this beautiful pin not only emphasizes the asymmetric updo but adds a little something extra as you turn your back.

20 of 36

The Flower-Adorned Fishtail

Bride in white lace robe wearing fishtailed ponytail accented with white flower crown

PHOTO BY KAYLEE CHELSEA PHOTOGRAPHY; EVENT PLANNING BY NOVELTY EVENTS; HAIR BY TIARA EVANS & JANET MIRANDA 

This romantic hairstyle, which combines the fishtail braid with a sleek ponytail, is ideal for bohemian brides who want to soften their wedding look. For added visual interest and a bit of vintage appeal, adorn your braid with fresh florals and let a few face-framing tendrils hang loose.

21 of 36

The Curly Ponytail

Bride with full ponytail of curls looking up while wearing birdcage veil and white strapless wedding dress

PHOTO BY KELLY GIARROCCO; EVENT PLANNING & FLORAL DESIGN BY LUM EVENTOS; HAIR & MAKEUP BY NATASHA BELLO KOSOKO OF GLOW BY TASHA

If you've got curls, flaunt them! This beauty embraced her natural curls by rocking a voluminous wedding ponytail with a strapless gown and birdcage veil.

22 of 36

The Floral-Wrapped Low Ponytail

Bride with red hair wearing a loose, wavy low ponytail wrapped with flowers at the base and flower-embellished organza cape

Photo by Kate Headley 

How sweet is this style? This bride gathered a low ponytail of loose waves at the nape of her neck and decorated the locks with foraged flowers from the morning of her wedding.

23 of 36

The Preppy Ponytail

Bride with a voluminous, bouncy, matte ponytail wearing straplless black and white dress smiling while dancing with groom in black tux and bowtie

Photo by Jana Williams 

We can’t think of a better way to show off the details on the back of your gown. The volume and texture of this particular wedding style give the sleek 'do a slightly undone and sexy edge.

24 of 36

The Fishtail Hybrid Ponytail

Bride in lace crocheted wedding dress wearing hair in fishtail hybrid ponytail while holding bouquet and looking into the woodland

Photo by Monika Ottehenning

A plush fishtail braid stops midway before loosening into a carefree pony. We love how this long style highlights the stunning back of the gown, resulting in a well-coordinated finished look. This pair is a match made in heaven.

25 of 36

The Centered Ponytail

Bride with blonde, wavy ponytail being zipped into sparkly strapless wedding dress by mom with pixie cut and black column dress

Photo by Natalie Bray; Event Planning by Tyler Speier Events; Hair & Makeup by Sharon Y Park

We may rave about ultra-high and super-low ponytails, but a well-centered style is just as timeless. Securing the hair at the crown provides ample bounce without sacrificing its classic look. Elevate the coif by wrapping a piece of your hair around the ponytail elastic.

26 of 36

The Wavy Ponytail

Bride in lace, long-sleeve wedding dress and wavy ponytail with flowing veil hugging smiling groom in burgundy wool suit

PHOTO BY CAIT N' HER CAMERA; Event Planning by Alexandra Kolendrianos

A centered height looks equally gorgeous with a billowing veil and pairs beautifully with a long-sleeved wedding dress or a more demure neckline.

27 of 36

The Knotted Ponytail

Groom in blue tux laughing while about to kiss smiling bride in lace long-sleeve wedding dress and knotted ponytail with sparkly hairpin

Photo by RAW SHOOTS PHOTOGRAPHY; Hair by GAGA BEAUTY 

This unquestionably cool style may be a bit deceiving in terms of effort. We see a twisted half-up gathering flowing into a thick rope braid (to achieve that knotted look) and secured several inches above the bottom for a boho feel.

28 of 36

The Super-Low Ponytail

Bride with an effortless low, wavy ponytail and lace dress looking to the side as transparent veil is laid over her head and shoulder

Photo by Robin Harper 

This ultra-low pony hits right at the nape of the neck, creating an alluring juxtaposition between the sleek crown and teased-out strands. It adds just enough of a disheveled charm to freshen up the otherwise soft and romantic dress.

Don't be afraid to play with different textures and finishes on your ponytail. The same style in a matte or super-glossy finish can completely change the look of the 'do.

29 of 36

The Embellished Ponytail

Smiling bride with two tiny roses tucked into loose ponytail zipping up beaded lace wedding dress while stepping out into lush Hawaiian landscape

Photo by WENDY LAUREL PHOTOGRAPHY; EVENT PLANNING BY COUTURE EVENTS; HAIR & MAKEUP BY MEILI AUTUMN BEAUTY

Embellish your wedding pony with a few buds of a romantic bloom for an ethereal effect. We love matching the blooms to your bouquet or the native flora of the setting.

30 of 36

The Ribboned Ponytail

Smiling bride with red lipstick looking down at multi-colored, long-sleeved wedding dress with sequins and flower embroidery. Her blonde hair is in a low, loose ponytail wrapped in pink satin ribbon

Photo by RED ASPEN PHOTOGRAPHY 

All you need is a feminine ribbon to take this simple style up a notch. Make it even more eye-catching by choosing a satin ribbon in a statement shade or sumptuous texture.

31 of 36

The High Ponytail

Bride with a high ponytail and floral accent holding bouquet and touching grooms beard in the middle of a vineyard

Photo by DRAGONFLY PHOTOGRAPHY

There's something about a panache-packed high ponytail that's both chic and sophisticated. This newlywed pulled back her gorgeous curls into a stunning wedding ponytail—and even added some flowers and a veil for extra flair.

32 of 36

The Dramatic Ponytail

Black and white portrait of smiling groom hugging smiling bride with lace dress and natural, voluminous hair pulled back into a low ponytail

Photo by Laura Memory Photography & Videography; Hair by Samantha Zengbean at Taji Natural Hair Styling

Go big or go home! We love a bride who not only embraces her natural texture but flaunts it with pleasure. “I love my natural hair and wear it proudly, so I knew I wanted a more dramatic version of my own hair,” bride Deborah says. "The ponytail gave me nice volume but also allowed my face to shine through.”

33 of 36

The Ruffled Ponytail

Brunette bride with white ruffles in ponytail smiling and dancing with mom in blue dress

Photo by Adriana Rivera; Event Planning by Sarah Troncoso; Hair by Elvira Sepulveda

Fluffy white blooms give a youthful ruffled effect to this bride's sweet ponytail. While tucking small flowers into the hair makes for a lovely accent, this showstopper doesn't play a supporting role. Its standout texture shines from every angle, making it a stunning complement to a more simple wedding dress silhouette.

34 of 36

The Ultra-Long Braided Ponytail

Bride in white bridal gown with sweetheart neckline holding her with ultra-long braided ponytail in front of a tree-lined runway

Photo by Mo Davis Photography; Event Planning by Michelle Norwood Events; Hair & Makeup by Faces of Virtue

Eternal classics like a sleek hairstyle and streamlined wedding gown offer room to play with other details. This beautiful bride upped the ante on her glossy crown with an ultra-long braided ponytail for the New Orleans nuptials. If your hair's strength isn't length, extensions can be used to add inches.

35 of 36

The Tousled Ponytail

Bride in lace long-sleeved wedding dress with a tousled, waist-length ponytail and braid looking away

Photo by Danielle Rose Cook 

This tousled, braided ponytail is a bohemian bride's dream, thanks to tons of volume and ultra-romantic plaits.

Not sure which bridal ponytail is right for you? Look at the style of your wedding dress and venue for inspiration. While a bohemian wedding gown and rustic setting may call for a tousled ponytail, a more streamlined ballgown would look gorgeous styled alongside a sleek pony.

36 of 36

The Double Ponytail

Bride with a tiered ponytail and open-back dress

 Photo by CHARLA STOREY 

We adore this multi-tiered approach to a ponytail-half-up hybrid. If you're after some princess vibes for your big day, this may be the contemporary way to go.

FAQ
  • What are some bridal ponytail options for short hair?

    Whether you have short hair or just fine strands, say no more! You can always ask your hairstylist to work in a few hair extensions for a voluminous ponytail or to add some extra length.

  • Should you hire a professional hairstylist to achieve a wedding ponytail?

    While you can certainly do it yourself, some wedding ponytails may require a bit more finesse than you're used to. If you're unsure, we recommend scheduling a wedding hair trial. This is especially helpful if you plan on dressing your bridal ponytail up with sparkly clips, flowers, or ribbon.

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