Should I go to a hairstylist or create my own wedding guest hairstyle?

While practice makes perfect, there are some hairstyles that may be too difficult to do on your own. When in doubt, don't be afraid to enlist the help of a professional hairstylist.

Do I need to try out my hairstyle before the wedding?

Not just reserved for the bride-to-be, a wedding hair trial is a great way to see your hairstyle perfected before the big day. Beyond mastering your 'do, you'll also make sure that you know how to keep it in place all day.

What products do I need to use if I do the hairstyle myself?

The products that you use for your wedding guest hairstyle depend on your style of choice, your hair type, and the climate of the venue. For instance, if you’re headed to an island soirée or your locks are prone to frizz, you’ll probably want to fight humidity with an anti-frizz spray.

50 Wedding Guest Hairstyles to Try

Wedding Guests in Colorful Attire and Heart-Shaped Sunglasses — Photo by Lilly Red

If you're a friend of the soon-to-be newlyweds or an out-of-town relative flying in for the wedding, figuring out your look for the occasion will be one of the first orders of business you'll need to take care of. While you'll likely spend a considerable amount of time shopping for a beautiful outfit for the big day, you'll also need to choose the right hairstyle to accompany it. Whether it's an effortless updo with an open-back dress or a slicked-back ponytail with a high-neck gown, your hairdo will help elevate the attire that you've carefully selected for the celebration. Not to mention, your designated wedding guest hairstyle is guaranteed to make you feel even more confident on the day of.

Luckily, your hairstyle doesn't have to be complicated to look good—in fact, we'd argue the simplest options are best and should come together easily with the right products, a few hair ties and pins, and sweet accessories. Go ahead and try your hand at a knotted updo, or pull out your curling wand and keep things classic with loose waves (this is a great option for a coastal affair on the beach). A twisted ponytail is the perfect fit when the sun is shining during those outdoor summer ceremonies (and keeps all the attention on that bright sundress you're wearing). If you do opt for wedding guest hair that's more intricate or statement-making (like a voluminous high bun or bubble braids), take a more curated approach with any extras: You can probably skip the jewelry and let your 'do be the accessory that tops off your outfit.

Looking for some inspiration? No matter how casual or formal the celebration is, we have all the attendee hairstyle ideas you need to look good, feel even better, and make an incredible impression when the wedding arrives. Below, we've rounded up the best wedding guest hairstyles for all hair types and lengths; they run the gamut from classic to trendy and are sure to get you excited for the festivities ahead.

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A Curly, Twisted Bun

female wedding guest wearing blue dress — Photo by Perry Vaile

If you're wearing a wedding guest dress with an interesting neckline, you'll want to show it off. Do so by keeping your hair off of your neck, like this attendee did at a spring celebration in North Carolina. Her undone, curly updo featured a few twists that let her natural texture shine—and allowed her stunning pale blue cocktail dress, complete with an illusion eyelet bodice, to take center stage.

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A Chic Cropped Look

wedding guest in blue dress holding glass of champagne — Photo by Jenny Quicksall

Now, this is about as chic as it gets: We love how this wedding guest styled her cropped curls with oversized floral earrings. She wore this effortless, breezy ensemble to a destination wedding in the French Riviera—and was arguably the best-dressed attendee there.

03 of 50

A Mix of Up and Down

three wedding guests in black-tie gowns in italy — Photo by Oliver Fly

Attending a black-tie wedding in the near future? Let all three of these guests, who donned fancy floor-length gowns for a formal outdoor fête in Italy, inspire your wedding guest hair. Look to their neckline and hairstyle pairings in particular: The attendee on the left opted for a swept-back down-style to highlight her embellished strapless attire; the woman in the middle opted for a wispy updo to keep the focus on her asymmetrical gown; and the guest on the right styled her bob into a half-up, half-down style with bangs that didn't detract from her dress's twisted halter top.

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A Side Braid

Plait your hair in a slightly asymmetric fashion and sweep it over to one side for a playful vibe. To give your braid a youthful feel, wrap a hair tie around the shaft a few inches above the ends, letting the remaining hair cascade down your shoulder.

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Formal Looks

wedding guests holding drinks on dance floor — Photo by Lance Nicoll

Let this wedding guest crew, who had a blast on the dance floor at this black-tie wedding in Brooklyn, inspire your own wedding guest hairstyle the next time you need some ultra-formal inspiration. Whether it's a slicked-back bun, a long side braid, or soft waves, your locks will beautifully complement a formal dress code.

06 of 50

A Polished Low Bun

two weddings guests walking on path outside french chateau — Photo by GIUSEPPE MARANO

This female guest's polished ensemble is proof that intricate, embellished dresses are best paired with sleek, timeless wedding guest hairstyles. From the reflective sequins and feather accents to the slinky neckline's straps, her gown was a stand-out at a fashion designer's French chateau wedding—and her sleek low bun, which she styled with a deep side part, kept all of the attention on those stunning details.

07 of 50

A Wavy Bob

wedding guest with short hair clapping — Photo by Abby Jiu

The best thing about short hair is that you don't have to do much to it to make your strands look stylish and sophisticated. Take this attendee's wavy bob, for example. All you need to do to recreate her look is get strategic with your hair straightener. Simply iron the ends of your hair outwards (you want to flick pieces away from your face) before tucking one side behind your ear. Add a pair of dangling earrings for extra flair.

08 of 50

A Braided Ponytail

Brunette wedding guest with goddess braids in ponytail in an orange gown — Photo by Lauren Baker Photography

These fun braids are not only the epitome of cool-girl wedding guest hairstyles, but they're also incredibly pragmatic for a night of dancing and celebrating. While you can certainly wear these twisted pieces down, securing them into a ponytail will keep your hair out of your face and off of your neck. Plus, it will draw attention to a plunging neckline.

09 of 50

A Deep Side Part

Laughing brunette bridesmaid with deep side part and romantic waves standing with other bridesmaids in rust, gold, and mauve dresses — Photo by Olivia Leigh Photographie

Switch up your part placement from a soft, romantic center part to a bodacious, sultry side part for any type of wedding. The deeper you go, the edgier it gets. Adding Old Hollywood-inspired curls will particularly up the volume.

10 of 50

Brushed-Out Waves

Brushed-out waves are oh-so romantic and look incredible on any hair length, from ultra-long lengths to chic lobs and bobs. We love the added dimension from these tonal highlights, too.

11 of 50

French Fringe

Laughing brunette woman with bangs and curly hair at wedding — Photo by Hailley Howard Photography

Wispy french fringe and relaxed curls couldn't be more effortless and cool. Plus, wedding guest hairstyles like this don't require much—if any—styling, another huge perk. We love the aesthetic paired with the contrasting delicate nature of a silky slip dress.

12 of 50

A Bouncy High Ponytail

Blonde smiling blonde bride with high ponytail wearing susnet-hued two piece holding hands with groom in pineapple shirt on beach — Photo by Olivia Rae James

Don't discount high ponytails for wedding guest hairstyles: These bouncy styles can inject some youthfulness into any ensemble, while still conveying an air of elegance. For an ultra-chic ponytail, take a strand of hair from the bottom and wrap it around the base, covering the hair tie. Secure the twisted piece in place with a well-camouflaged bobby pin tucked underneath.

13 of 50

Billowing Strands

Brunette woman with ultra-long goddess braids in green dress posing in front of green velvet couch and cacti at wedding — Photo by Ana Hinojosa

To emphasize long, luscious locks, consider wearing your hair down, billowing down your back and around your shoulders. To flatter your facial features and accentuate the length of your strands, consider parting your hair down the middle.

14 of 50

A Relaxed Updo With Full Bangs

Smiling brunette woman with relaxed updo and full bang in patchwork dress at wedding — Photo by Michelle Scott Photography

If you have full bangs, you won't need to go above and beyond for your wedding guest hairstyle. Let your fringe take center stage by pulling your tresses back into a relaxed, easy updo. You can even pull out face-framing tendrils to add a bit of definition.

15 of 50

A Slightly Undone, High Updo

Woman in Off-the-Shoulder Blue Dress and Messy, High Updo — Photo by Lucy Munoz Photography

On the hunt for wedding guest hairstyles that are on-trend and timeless? Take a look at this slightly undone chignon that's placed on top of the guest's head. With curled, face-framing tendrils and an intentionally loose bun, this hairdo looked regal on display at this French château wedding.

16 of 50

A Natural 'Do

Smiling brunette woman with center-parted afro and barely there makeup wearing slip dress and holding coupe glass at wedding — Photo by Ana Hinojosa

For wedding guest hairstyles that are naturally beautiful, let your inherent texture shine. This attendee's ample mane of springy ringlets stole the show, despite wearing a colorful floral dress and large hoop earrings. The addition of the center part also incorporated balance.

17 of 50

Mermaid Waves

Brunette Guest With Beach Waves Sitting on Couch in Floral Dress — Photo by Audra Wrisley

Looking for wedding guest hairstyles for a coastal soirée? Channel your inner mermaid by crimping your mane. This guest's textured spirals beautifully complemented her vibrant floral-printed dress and the waterfront South of France locale.

18 of 50

Loose Waves

Embed elegance and romance into your wedding guest look with loose waves. Although you can rock this style with any type of hair, longer manes will create more surface area to work with. By parting your hair down the middle, such as this attendee did at a garden-inspired fête in Rome, your locks will look even more bodacious.

19 of 50

A Sleek Knot

Smiling blonde woman with sleek low knot wearing sunglasses and pink newspaper print dress at wedding — Photo by Hailley Howard Photography

One of the most beloved wedding guest hairstyles for fashionistas is the sleek knot. Minimalist, chic, and almost deceptively easy to create, this slicked-back coif is compatible with almost every hair length and never detracts from a fabulous outfit.

20 of 50

An Easy Side Sweep

Smiling brunette bride in with side-swept waves in beaded dress standing with groom in beige suit — Photo by Kristina Adams Photography

We're totally swept away by these romantic locks. A sleek mane with curled ends infuses body and contrast into your head of hair. Pull your strands to one side and let it all fall over one shoulder, exposing your neck and collarbone on the alternate side.

21 of 50

An Unfussy Half-Up, Half Down

Wedding Guest With Half-Up Hairstyle and Floral Dress Hugging Bride — Photo by Clary Pfeiffer

Long, natural locks can stand on their own without needing any embellishment, but for some added freedom, a simple gather can make a world of difference (evidenced by this guest at a pink-hued affair in Chicago). If you want to embrace your authentic texture with some visual intrigue, consider pulling your hair back into a half-up, half-down hairstyle. With this option, you'll embed sophistication into your mane without concealing your inherent hair type.

22 of 50

A Tight Sock Bun

Woman in Black One-Shoulder Dress and High Slicked-Back Bun — Photo by Kelley Williams Photography

Another iteration of the slicked-back bun is one that's situated on the crown of your head. With sleek strands pulled back from the roots and an elegant bun, your mane will look opulent, perfect for black-tie dress codes and upscale venues.

23 of 50

A Twisted Chignon

Man Dancing With Brunette Woman With Twisted Chignon and One-Shoulder Dress — Photo by Rich Lander

Give your updo an unexpected edge by adding twists. At Olympic volleyball player Chase Budinger's classic California nuptials, one guest did just that: Her low updo, set just above the nape of her neck, boasted intricate contortions that gave her simple black dress some extra flair.

24 of 50

Pin-Straight Tendrils

Wedding Guest With Blonde Straight Hair in High-Neck Green Dress With Man in Textured Tuxedo Jacket — Photo by Shannon Yen

There’s something simple yet polished about pin-straight strands. Use a flat iron and hair product to remove frizz and waves and create glass-like shine before you attend the wedding (like this guest did at Dancing With the Stars pro Kiki Nyemchek's forest fête in Oregon). This idea is extremely versatile, whether you’re jetting off to the Bahamas or Lake Como.

25 of 50

A Chic Side Ponytail

Laughing brunette woman in floral dress with side-swept ponytail dancing with man in tux on dancefloor — Photo by Sasithon Photography

This sophisticated ponytail embodies all of the ease and beauty of an ultra-low ponytail, but with the off-center grip, the hairstyle exudes sophistication and romance. Slick back the strands on the crown of your head to call attention to your features, and inject subtle waves for a bit of magnitude.

26 of 50

A Statement Hairpiece

Wedding Guest With High Bun and Barrette Sitting at Table Drinking Water — Lisa Ziesing of Abby Jiu Photography

The easiest way to jazz up a 'do? Add an accessory. Even the simplest and most perfectly undone styles will get a serious injection of elegance and glam from the addition of a gorgeous hairpiece. Take this guest, for example, who added a splash of color to her high bun by clipping a barrette into it for a rooftop New York City wedding.

27 of 50

Cascading Curtain Bangs

Brunette With Hair Down and Curtain Bangs in Blue Dress Next to Dark-Haired Man in Suit — Photo by Rémi Dupac

Whether you're thinking about getting curtain bangs or you already have them, show them off with a low-maintenance down-style. At this extravagant wedding in France, a guest swept back her face-framing bangs and polished off her look with brushed-out, messy waves. This mermaid-like look is ideal for beachside bashes.

28 of 50

A Beaded Pin

Wedding guest with curly, side-parted lob and a low-key pin — Photo by Greg Finck

Shorter lengths with bouncy curls will look instantly retro-chic with the addition of a sparkly hair accessory, such as the gold piece shown above. Use the pins to pull some pieces away from the face on only one side for a vampy, curtain-like effect on the other.

29 of 50

A Sweet Bow

Guest With Half-Up, Half-Down and Blue Bow Hugging Bride — Photo by Jenny Quicksall Photography

No matter what wedding guest hairstyle you wear, a satin ribbon will give your look a playful, delicate flair. This guest, for instance, tied a baby blue bow into her half-up, half-down hairstyle at this garden wedding in California. For a color-coordinate outfit, be sure to match the hue of the accessory to that of your dress.

30 of 50

A Twisted Topknot

Smiling brunette woman with sleek, glam topknot and sequin one-shoulder dress dancing at wedding — Photo by Second Shots Photography

Give your slicked-back bun an upgrade with a twisted topknot infused with glamour. The ultra-sleek, glossy look will look gorgeous at black-tie functions, especially if your gown has a high neckline or low back.

31 of 50

Floral-Embellished Curls

Wedding guest with a flower-adorned curly hairstyle — Photo by Lauren Baker Photography

This bridesmaid accented her tight spirals with drooping flowers that mimicked her hair's natural springiness. The best part? This wedding guest hairstyle works on ringlets of any length. This look is particularly apt for garden nuptials in the springtime.

32 of 50

Twisted Tresses

Bridesmaid zipping bride into dress with half-up half-down hairstyles — Photo by Edward Winter for Readyluck

Tousled half-up, half-downs are sweet-yet-sophisticated wedding guest hairstyles to consider for a friend or family member's big day. Give yours a refreshing upgrade with the addition of an unexpected twist: This attendee twisted the front strands backward before securing them into place.

33 of 50

A Whimsical Fishtail

Wedding guest with a classic easy fishtail braid accented with tiny flowrs — Photo by Kristen Kilpatrick

Fishtail braids are whimsical wedding guest hairstyles that will add visual intrigue to your attire. Although this idea is best for more experienced stylists, novices can always follow a tutorial to pull off this look. After twisting your mane into an intricate plait, consider adding tiny flowers for an enchanted, princess-inspired vibe.

34 of 50

Voluminous Waves

Wedding Guest in Purple Sparkly Strapless Dress and Hair Down in Waves — Photo by Andrea Camarena

Wedding guest hairstyles brimming with magnitude are none other than big, bouncy waves. To channel a more pronounced effect with maximum volume, don this look on medium to short hair and style your 'do without exhibiting a part (as demonstrated by this guest at a "beach glam" affair in Mexico).

35 of 50

A Floppy Hat

Wedding Guest in Floppy Hat and Printed Wedding Guest Dress — Photo by Sophie Epton

If you've been invited to a warm-weather wedding with a festive or location-specific dress code, one fun hair accessory to consider is a floppy hat (like the one this guest wore to a castle affair in Portugal). Whether you wear your hair down or twisted in a braid, we love this look for beach settings or aesthetics and colorful gowns.

36 of 50

Milkmaid Plaits

Wedding guest with milkmaid braids and flowers tucked into base — Photo by Liron Erel & Co.

If you love the look of a braid but you want to sport something unexpected, consider a plait that wraps around the crown of your head. These milkmaid braids are whimsical and delicate, making them a great choice for any summertime wedding. Nestle a few buds at the base for a truly enchanting look.

37 of 50

Side-Parted Bombshell Curls

Laughing brunette woman with side parted old-hollywood curls dancing in red velvet dress — Photo by Second Shots Photography

A sultry side-part and bombshell curls never go out of style. Shiny, blown-out tendrils with textured, voluminous waves will give a burgundy-hued, velvet-clad gown an Old Hollywood feel.

38 of 50

An Edgy Pixie Cut

Wedding Guest With Blonde Hair and Pixie Cut in Gold Dress — Photo by Jenn Emerling

If your hair is neat and trim in a pixie cut, you can keep your locks as is, but you can also freshen up your tendrils before the big day. Consider injecting choppy layers that still look soft and touchable throughout your mane, which is what this guest did at her moss-filled soirée in California. With a low-maintenance hairstyle, you have more leeway to sport statement earrings and a bold dress.

39 of 50

A Knotted Braid

Wedding guest in a red strapless dress and blonde hair in knotted chignon hairstyle with date — Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography

Another iteration of a braid for wedding guest hairstyles is fusing elaborate plaits with a low updo. This attendee demonstrates a knotted braid that weaves down to the nape of her neck before twisting into one large, interwoven chignon. We recommend this unique look for beach nuptials or formal dress codes.

40 of 50

Various Down-Styles

Group of Women Wearing Their Hair Down and Colorful Dresses — Photo by Sophie Epton

If you're thinking about wearing your hair down for the wedding, there are so many different styles to consider. These guests exemplify a few of the many options: subtle, brushed-out waves; tight ringlets; and sleek, pin-straight locks. Each look matched the attendee's personal style and face shape.

41 of 50

An Unkempt Updo

Smiling woman with perfectly imperfect updo holding parasol at wedding — Photo by Adriana Rivera

For a low-maintenance coif that looks professionally styled, consider a tried-and-true unkempt updo. The beauty is all in the intentionally disheveled details, so this is one hairstyle that just gets better and better as the night goes on.

42 of 50

A Cascading Braid

Draped twists, tiny floral hairpins nestled throughout, and playfully curled ends are the quintessential bohemian wedding guest hairstyle. Pair this whimsical style with a lace dress or fringe-covered ensemble to match the aesthetic.

43 of 50

Ample Texture

Wedding guest with naturally curly hair dancing — Photo by Lauren Baker

Embrace your natural hair texture for a larger-than-life 'do. Sporting your authentic tresses will help instill confidence on the big day, and it will save you hours manufacturing your wedding guest hairstyle.

44 of 50

A Boho Braid

French braid in an updo — Photo by Kristin Sweeting

Want a bohemian take on an updo? Incorporate a French braid. This thick plait, which starts at the crown of the head, extends into a messy updo, eliciting an unfussy, effortless look.

45 of 50

Tousled Tresses

Laughing blonde women with relaxed tousled waves and center parts dancing at wedding — Photo by Janine Licare Photography

These slightly undone, tousled locks emanate a relaxed and laid-back vibe that will surely dazzle, no matter what you're wearing and where you're celebrating. Shine and bounce of this caliber will have everyone asking for your hair secrets.

46 of 50

A Big Ballerina Bun

An ample topknot makes for an appealing complement to a high neckline, as it draws the eyes upwards and elongates the neck. Don't be intimidated by its size; this bodacious bun is easy to create with a hair sponge.

47 of 50

A Slightly Damp Look

Wedding guest with combed back wet hair taking photos — Photo by Matt Mendelson

The combed-back wet look makes for a runway-ready contrast to an otherwise soft and feminine ensemble. We love the sleek, minimalism of the style on shorter strands, but the mermaid vibes of longer lengths can be equally alluring.

48 of 50

Half-Up, Half-Down With Peekaboo Braid

Smiling brunette woman with wavy half-up, half-down hair and peekaboo braid touching nodes with blonde bride with ponytail holding bouquet — Photo by Cait N'Her Camera

A well-placed braid can do so much for a humble half-up, half-down wedding guest hairstyle. This peekaboo plait grips the hair into the coif in the most aesthetically pleasing way. The guest's lace gown also matches the romantic vibe of the twisted hairdo.

49 of 50

A Half-Up Messy Bun

Bridesmaid with half-up, half-down style and messy bu holding bouquet with groomsmen — Photo by Maya Marechal

This tousled half-up, half-down hairstyle gets a refreshing upgrade with the addition of a fun, messy bun. If you've mastered a traditional half-up style, this one's just as easy to recreate. Just swirl the gathered ends into a little bun and pin in place.

50 of 50

Curled Ends

Elegant wedding guest with effortless straight hair turned inward at the ends — Photo by Joey Willis

Instead of straightening your hair into a sheath of straight strands, slightly curl the ends inward for a more glamorous aesthetic. Add a little bit of volume throughout the tendrils to keep the look soft and not too sleek.

FAQ

Should I go to a hairstylist or create my own wedding guest hairstyle?

While practice makes perfect, there are some hairstyles that may be too difficult to do on your own. When in doubt, don't be afraid to enlist the help of a professional hairstylist.
Do I need to try out my hairstyle before the wedding?

Not just reserved for the bride-to-be, a wedding hair trial is a great way to see your hairstyle perfected before the big day. Beyond mastering your 'do, you'll also make sure that you know how to keep it in place all day.
What products do I need to use if I do the hairstyle myself?

The products that you use for your wedding guest hairstyle depend on your style of choice, your hair type, and the climate of the venue. For instance, if you’re headed to an island soirée or your locks are prone to frizz, you’ll probably want to fight humidity with an anti-frizz spray.