50 Romantic Wedding Hairstyles for Brides

bride wearing long hair in waves and long-sleeved, off-the-shoulder wedding dress with buttons — Photo by Madison Emily Hare Photography

From an emotional vow exchange to a heartwarming first dance, your wedding day will be filled with romantic moments—in fact, your nuptials may just be the most love-centric day of your life. That's why brides often incorporate dreamy elements into every part of the festivities, from the décor (think: cascading floral centerpieces and gauzy linens) to the bridal fashion (like ruffled ball gowns and diamond-studded jewelry). When it comes to the latter, your hairstyle is one particular aspect of your big-day look that warrants romance. Whether it's the style itself or added accessories, infusing romantic details into your bridal hairdo will make you feel like you've stepped into a fairy tale.

If looking like a princess is the goal for your wedding, there's no shortage of romantic wedding hairstyles to embrace. When deciding how to bring a bit of magic to your beauty look, keep the venue and aesthetic in mind: Tousled, touchable waves are a beautiful addition to laid-back beachfront bashes, whereas polished updos are complementary to chic ballroom celebrations. It's also important to coordinate with the silhouette and style of your wedding dress, whether it's a high ponytail to emphasize your halter neckline or cascading waves to match the regal feel of a beaded ball gown. Show off the texture of your designated 'do, from pin-straight locks that focus on shine to magnitude-filled curls that spotlight volume. Or top if off with elegant add-ons, such as a beaded tiara, a gilded pin, or a dainty ribbon.

Need inspiration for your own bridal hairdo? Keep scrolling for the most romantic wedding hairstyles that real brides wore.

01 of 50

An Irresistible Side Bang

Bride in White Robe and Half-Up Hairstyle With Side Bang — Photo by Oliver Fly Photography

Highlight asymmetry by rocking a single side bang on your wedding day, like this hairstyle by The Studio Como for the bride's upscale nuptials on Lake Como. A single luscious lock that frames one side of your face will look incredibly trendsetting yet charming. When paired with brushed-out waves that cascade down your back, this idea will radiate romance.

02 of 50

A Sleek Bun

Back Portrait of Brides Tight Hair Bun, Pearl Earrings and Top of White Lace Off the Shoulder Wedding Dress — Photo by Jenn Emerling

If you want to draw attention to your facial features or décolletage or direct focus toward statement jewels, consider a slicked-back bun. Pulling your tresses back into a tight chignon is modern yet timeless, and it suits every aesthetic and location. This bride's sleek updo with twisted strands, which Sherrie Long created for her moss-filled fête in the woods of California, let her bare shoulders, natural makeup look, and pearl drop earrings assume the focal points.

03 of 50

Mermaid Waves

For costal celebrations or countryside ceremonies, channel the low-maintenance feel of your surroundings with romantic mermaid waves. A viable option for brides with long hair, crimped tresses that fall around your shoulders will look effortlessly alluring. Part your mane in the middle to spotlight your length, such as this bride did at her European-inspired wedding at a Nashville farm.

04 of 50

A One-of-a-Kind Combination

Close Up of Bride in Purple Dress and Long Ponytail Hair — Photo by Adovasio Photography Studio

Want to try a completely unique wedding hairstyle that's brimming with romance? Take cues from this bride's trailblazing combination of styles by Reina Gomez for her garden-inspired wedding weekend in Rome. She elevated an otherwise simple slicked-back ponytail with a twisted shaft and a naturally curly finish, an interesting contrast of textures.

05 of 50

Old Hollywood Waves

Portrait of Bride in White Gown — Photo by Andre Brown

There's arguably nothing more romantic than Old Hollywood waves (as seen on this bride at her timeless Atlanta wedding, with hairstyling by B Flyy Experience). Reminiscent of movie stars during the early 1900s, this romantic wedding hairstyle boasts sophistication and elegance with a vintage flair. The S-shaped waves are polished yet soft, a stunning option for your big day.

06 of 50

An Elegant Twist

Portrait of Bride — Photo by Jennifer Darling

Looking for romantic wedding hairstyles that feature a subtle take on elegance? Look to this refined bun by Sarah and Co. Designs, which the bride wore to her airy Maine nuptials at a restored barn. Her updo included a neat gather of hair, plus soft, twisted pieces for added texture, which complemented the lace fabric on her dress.

07 of 50

A Slicked-Back Ponytail

A slick ponytail will surely elicit romance at your wedding. Tightly securing your locks at the crown of your head, with a few wavy pieces, is the perfect blend of sophistication and glamour. We love how this bride's hairdo by Shelsea Patton at her fashionable coastal California affair let her strapless sweetheart neckline shine.

08 of 50

Barreling Curls

Back Portrait of Bride in Wedding Dress and Curls with Diamond Hair Piece Posing on Balcony — Photo by Jenny Quicksall Photography

These textured barrels by Anna Kalytyak are undeniably romantic. To infuse your look with even more fairy-tale flair, especially if your aesthetic leans more glamorous, consider wrapping your wedding hairstyle with a sparkly floral hairpiece, demonstrated by this bride at her storybook soirée on Lake Como.

09 of 50

Tucked-Back Strands

Portrait of Bride Holding Bouquet — Photo by Gipe Photography

To bring a retro edge to a romantic style, consider tucking the front pieces of your mane behind your ears. Injecting voluminous waves will also enhance the retro feel of your wedding hairstyle, evidenced by this bride at her colorful affair in Palm Springs with hair by Page Beauty. Not to mention, this idea is practical: You won’t have to worry about hair getting in your face in the middle of the festivities.

10 of 50

A High-Magnitude Chignon

While all updos are inherently picturesque, one that focuses on body will amp up the romance. This bride's bodacious chignon, which she wore to her regal wedding weekend in California, concentrated on full volume with a thick low bun and loose styling, making it fit for a royal wedding.

11 of 50

Ample Shine

bride in white wedding dress holding bouquet of flowers — Photos by Rémi Dupac

Wedding hairstyles full of glass-like gloss are undoubtedly luxe. While you can opt for pin-straight strands, you can also blow-out your mane before adding some depth with loose, delicate waves (seen on this bride by Amandine Baron for her Western ceremony in Provence). For endless shine, lock in your style with an anti-frizz product.

12 of 50

A Statement Headpiece

Bridesmaid in White Dress Putting in White Shoe for Bride in Lace Wedding Dress and Head Band — Photo by Valeria Bross

Want double the romance? Select an idyllic hairstyle, complete with lavish accessories. You'll wow in a 'do that rivals this bride's oversized sock bun, topped with a thick floral-embellished headband, which Christen Swearengin Smith composed for the bride's carnival-themed affair in Mexico. Her floral lace wedding dress heightened the romantic effect.

13 of 50

A Fresh Finish

Bride Smiling in Strapless Mermaid Dress With Baby's Breath in Her Hair — Photo by Radian Photography

If you're tying the knot in an enchanting garden, seek inspiration for your romantic wedding hairstyle from the surrounding landscape. For instance, at the bride's classic backyard wedding in Georgia, The Heir Salon clipped fresh baby's breath to her princess-like waves. Not only did the lush blooms freshen up her look, but they also coordinated with her baby's breath-focused décor.

14 of 50

A Pin-Straight Ponytail

Close Up of bride in Strapless Wedding Dress With Hair in Ponytail — Photo by Erika Delgado Photography

For wedding hairstyles that nearly glisten, opt for a pin-straight texture. Removing any preexisting frizz and wave will give your locks a newfound radiance. To embed a fashionable flair into your 'do, tie back these styled pieces into a high ponytail (like this iteration by Nicole Battle for the bride's modern function in Palm Beach), the perfect fit for strapless and high necklines alike.

15 of 50

An Effortless Updo

Groom Kissing Bride Who's Wearing Lace A-line Wedding Dress and Effortless Updo — Photo by Ryan Ray

Romantic wedding hairstyles never feel too polished—but just composed enough. This bride's wispy, loose updo, executed by Brian Bueventura for her jewel-toned affair in New York, proves this point. Her hairstylist pulled a few tendrils out of her low bun to frame her face, which evoked whimsy. As a bonus, the delicate hairstyle only enhanced her ruffled, frilly ball gown.

16 of 50

A Side-Swept Style

Bride Getting Makeup Done With Side-Swept Hairstyle — Photo by Hana Gonzalez

Interested in making your half-up, half-down hairstyle more alluring? Model this bride, who had Tress Art Hair push half of her curls over to the side and finish off the look with a swooping side bang, which she donned at her pink-and-orange tented fête in Maryland. The classic (but intentional) hairstyle kept the focus on the intricate sleeves of her floral-appliquéd wedding dress.

17 of 50

A Royal-Inspired Headband

Photo by Brittany Painter

A wedding at a historic English estate calls for a look that is decidedly Bridgerton-inspired—which is exactly what this woman of the hour went for as she planned her big-day beauty look. With the help of Lizz Davies, she crowned her soft, bouncy curls, which she wore tucked behind her ears, with a gold headband adorned with pearls and crystals. The tiara-like headpiece contributed to her romantic ensemble, but it didn't detract from her billowing sleeves.

18 of 50

Barely-There Waves

Close Up of Bride in White Gown With Subtle Waves — Photo by Abby Jiu Photography

Romantic wedding hairstyles are often effortless—there's something particularly alluring about a natural option, one that makes you look like yourself (just subtly enhanced). This bride's easy-breezy waves, arranged by IGK Salon, looked so romantic tumbling down her back—and they also matched the organic setting of her wedding: a working farm in New York.

19 of 50

Contemporary Romance

Black bride and groom pose for a newlywed portrait in Greece — Photo by Elias Kordelakos

Searching for a look that's both sleek and sweet? Consider this bride's wedding hairstyle for her fashionable Greece nuptials, which paired a contemporary slicked-back bun with romantic curls. The hairdo, complete with a center part, felt fresh and timely in the front but effortless and organic in the back—and we love how the curly updo enhanced the voluminous ruffles throughout her gown.

20 of 50

Tousled Texture

Bride with perfectly undone waves — Photo by Rachel Havel

Disheveled, undone waves are relaxed in the most romantic way possible. Layered tendrils that are twisted in different directions look deceptively effortless, the perfect pick for boho-inspired nuptials or casual al fresco celebrations.

21 of 50

A Feminine Tie

Bride in White Floral Wedding Dress With Half Up Hair Holding Colorful Bouquet — Photo by Nirav Patel Photography

A surefire way to include a soft, delicate touch into your bridal beauty look is tying a ribbon in your hair. When this bride said "I do" at her cottagecore-themed event in California, Roots and Rouge Salon finished off her wavy half-up, half-down hairstyle with a blue ribbon, which also happened to match her floral-printed frock. Although elegant waves are romantic on their own, a beautiful bow significantly heightens this effect.

22 of 50

A Beachy Look

Bride with low, textured bun and statement earrings — Photo by Katie Ruther

A low, textured bun with wispy flyaways that frame the face is a stunning complement to a beachfront gathering. Instead of the neat-and-trim shape of conventional updos, this chignon exhibits a full configuration with overlapping pieces and loose roots, the ideal choice for unfussy nuptials and free-spirited ensembles.

23 of 50

A Curly Ponytail

bride wearing curly ponytail with her groom — Photo by Elizabeth Austin Photography

There are so many things we love about this bride's bouncy ponytail at her luxurious affair in Atlanta, from her thick, barrel-like curls to her chic center part and curtain bangs. Her look also employs one of our favorite updo tricks: Her hairstylist took a piece of her ponytail and wrapped it around the elastic, which added even more polish to the look.

24 of 50

A Polished Bun

bride and groom posing for portrait with groom kissing bride's forehead — Photo by Dani Toscano

A traditional low bun is romantic without being overly showy. You've probably seen plenty of bridal updos with a center part, but a pulled-back, part-free style (like this bride's configuration by Team Hair & Makeup for her country club wedding in California) suits every setting and style. Add simple gold hoops, paired with a minimalist wedding dress, for a quintessentially classic look.

25 of 50

A Pop of Pink

bride with pink hair in floral wedding dress — Photo by Jose Villa

Is colorful, vibrant hair your thing? Embrace a splashy pop as you prepare for your nuptials. This bride's rosy strands for her Monet-inspired garden wedding were pure romance (pink is one of love's signature shades, after all!)—plus, they matched the colors in her multi-hued gown, complete with vivacious flower-and-butterfly appliqués. Danielle Peters helped her reach that perfect hair shade—and Laura Rocha stepped in so the color was on full display, keeping a few strands free to really show off the romantic tone.

26 of 50

A Princess-Worthy Choice

Bride rocking a bridal crown — Photo by Cinzia Bruschini

Romantic weddings often go hand in hand with royal-inspired nuptials, which is why a gemstone-studded tiara is the perfect complement to your hairstyle. Here, a gold crown decorated with colorful beaded accents stands out against a loose, low ponytail.

27 of 50

A Beaded Braid

Bride with a whimsical loose braid — Photo by O'Malley Photographers

A whimsical braid is an exceptional fit for long locks. To increase the romantic feel, consider dotting the plait with beaded pins that resemble floral buds, an ultra-organic look that's beyond dreamy for any outdoor affair.

28 of 50

A Combed-Back Down-Style

Bridal portrait with beaded cape and hair down in waves — Photo by Stephania Campos

If you're thinking about wearing your hair down for your wedding, but you want to add a little pizzaz, try a combed-back look. Pushing the front pieces out of your face will let your features steal the show. Plus, with strands that cascade down your back, your 'do will look especially alluring.

29 of 50

A Glitzy Hairpiece

Bride with a romantic wedding hairstyle — Photo by Treebird Photography

A loosely styled chignon with a few flowing pieces is pure magic. The soft, slightly undone feel and face-defining strands will bring movement to your hairstyle. To polish off your romantic wedding hairstyle (particularly if your gown is covered in beadwork), pin a sparkly barrette to your bun.

30 of 50

A Classic Half-Up, Half-Down

Elegant bridal half-up, half-down 'do — Photo by Ryon Lockhart Photography

You can never go wrong with half-up, half-down wedding hairstyles. To imbue your 'do with visual intrigue and depth, rock natural-looking waves throughout—from the crown of your head to the ends. Set against flushed makeup and lace fabric, this hairstyle is indisputably majestic.

31 of 50

Full Volume

Newlyweds Kissing with bride in curly down-style and simple wedding dress — Photo by A Heart String

For a day that focuses on your unique love, it doesn't get more romantic than embracing your natural hair texture. Case in point? This bride's voluminous spirals and chic center. Her full, crimped mane offer a complete juxtaposition to her sleek, simple wedding dress.

32 of 50

An Ethereal Mane

Bride with gentle waves and an off-the-shoulder dress — Photo by Kelly Brown; Hair by Sabrina Ranà

True romance lies in a center part and gentle waves. We love how these effortless, luminous strands mirror the movement of this flowy floral frock featuring off-the-shoulder bell sleeves, a gorgeous choice for garden weddings in the spring.

33 of 50

Deliberate Details

Bride with pearl-embellished straps — Photo by Abby Jiu

A loose gathering can create a captivatingly undone look that's far more deliberate than messy. The wedding hairstyle above allows for locks of curls to flow freely in the front, while the longer lengths are tucked away in the back.

34 of 50

A Braided Bun

Bride with an open back dress and wrapped low bun — Photo by Mariel Hannah Photography

A wrapped low bun with braided pieces throughout is incredibly mesmerizing. Combined with front tresses that fall delicately around the face and a floral hair accessory, this idea is a vision of romance.

35 of 50

An Intricate Fishtail

Fishtail braid with flower crown and lace wedding dres — Photo by Kaylee Chelsea Photography

This playful fishtail braid takes on a romantic twist with a swag of eucalyptus, roses, and succulents. The floral piece molds to the side, as wispy tendrils fall around the face. If you're tying the knot in a garden or flowers are a primary decoration at your wedding, consider this choice.

36 of 50

Flirty Finger Waves

Bride with picture-perfect curls in beaded wedding dress — Photo by Erich McVey

Styling your mane in crimped waves and gathering your strands over one shoulder is an attainable example of bridal romance. A waterfall of curls is a stunning idea for brides with thick, luscious locks.

37 of 50

A Woven Updo

Bride with a pretty 'do looking out over balcony — Photo by Nancy Ebert

An intricately woven chignon with a tiny gold bloom peeking out of the top has mystique in every facet. With the bride's blonde highlights, her pretty updo is doused in dimension and texture.

38 of 50

A Bouncy Lob

Bride showing off veil and gown with shoulder length waves — Photo by Chi-Chi Ari

Whether you always keep a cropped trim or you're thinking about chopping off your hair before your big day, brushed-out finger waves will soften a strong, blunt lob. A side part will emphasize the bouncy look, too.

39 of 50

Touchable Tendrils

Bride with gorgeous soft waves — Photo by Becca Lea Photography

Tousled waves that elegantly glide down your back and gather around your shoulders are romantic wedding hairstyles every bride with long hair should have on their radar. A wedding dress with a billowing train will also mimic the breathable nature of your mane.

40 of 50

Shiny Tresses

Newlyweds posing for photos with bride in long, wavy hair — Photo by Gianny Campos

Soft, shiny curls and a chic center part fuse glamour with modernity. A floral-embroidered wedding dress and statement pearl earrings, seen on this bride, will keep your beauty look polished.

41 of 50

Dainty Details

Bride putting on shoes with romantic updo and headband — Photo by Sally Pinera

A delicate, modern tiara and a few wispy face-framing pieces soften this princess-inspired style. Instead of an attention-grabbing crown, this alternative is more subdued—yet just as striking. This updo is lovely for the bride seeking delicate details.

42 of 50

A Bridal Blowout

Bride with a fresh blowout and bleach-blonde hair in white robe — Photo by Roey Yohai

With a smooth, bouncy blowout that features gently sculpted waves and tons of volume, this bride's bright blonde mane is the definition of romance. Whether you tap a professional or style your hair yourself, blow-drying your strands will help you achieve extra bounce and shine.

43 of 50

A Gilded Touch

Bride's hair accessorized with a gold hairpiece — Photo by Greg Finck

Give your romantic wedding hairstyle an unexpected twist with an asymmetrical placement of a pretty hairpiece. Shown above, two sparkly gold pins radiate opulence on this curly, sizable updo.

44 of 50

A Vintage Spin

Bride with romantic curls holding a bouquet — Photo by Whitney Darling

Large barrel curls twisting away from the face are an oh-so-romantic touch to this bride's vintage style. Plus, the embellished hairpiece adds just the right amount of irresistible shimmer.

45 of 50

Twisted Pieces

Bride in long romantic hair at vow exchange — Photo by A Heart String

Put a spin on an otherwise classic half-up, half-down wedding hairstyle by twisting the two front pieces before securing them in place. The eye-catching detail will surely augment your hairstyle—and it will align with the wavy texture of the down-style.

46 of 50

A Convoluted Chignon

Newlyweds on motorcycle — Photo by Jose Villa

Low updos are wedding hairstyles that look romantic on any hair type and length and at any type of nuptials. Simple and effortless, this style is just as low-maintenance as it is stunning.

47 of 50

Raked-Back Curls

Bride getting ready with loose updo — Photo by Rebecca Yale

Make like this bride, who embraced her naturally curly texture by simply finger-combing it back and securing it in a loose chignon. Her hair's natural shape adds so much volume and dimension at the crown but still maintains simplicity.

48 of 50

A Dreamy Bun

Bride in lace robe looking out window with updo — Photo by David Salim

A glossed-out bun and a floral hair accessory: the perfect ingredients for a romantic wedding hairstyle. Glossy roots, paired with leaf-like accents and a sheer veil, are a high-quality option for extravagant nuptials.

49 of 50

Captivating Curls

This bride's elegant half-up, half-down style is made more enchanting with thick sheaths of hair framing her features and rumpled curls. You can also achieve this look solo by using a big-barrel curling iron to create a soft, romantic texture.

50 of 50

A Perfectly Imperfect Chignon

Newlyweds embracing with bride in messy bun — Photo by Katherine Ann Rose

Rich, tousled tendrils loosely pinned back into an easygoing, just-messy-enough chignon is an elegant-yet-understated choice. A ruffled dress, diamond drop earrings, and pink blush will further elevate the romance.

The 13 Best Utterly Romantic Wedding Dresses