When should I get my hair cut before the wedding?

One to two weeks before the big day is perfect for a quick trim, but don't make any major changes at that time.

Do I need to hire a hairstylist for the day of my wedding?

It depends on how comfortable you are with doing your own hair. Many brides opt to hire a pro because it's one less thing to worry about. Consider how intricate the style you want is, and how much time you have to practice when making the decision.

40 Curly Wedding Hairstyles We Love

bride looking over her shoulder while posing for her portraits in an open field, wearing a strapless wedding dress and curly long hair — Photo by Sydney Noelle Photography

Though every hair type is beautiful, there's something special and alluring about individuals with curly hair. Between the texture, dimension, and voluminous shape, a luscious head of spirals, coils, or waves is just utterly breathtaking—not to mention, a curly mane serves as the perfect base for wedding day hair. So once it's time to select your bridal beauty look, letting your curls be the star of the show is the best way to make the ultimate statement. Plus, embracing your natural locks allows you to show off your personality and be authentically you.

“Your wedding day is all about being authentically you and celebrating the love for yourself and your partner, so showing off your natural, textured hair is a great way of embracing your true self," shares Rose Ovensehi, a natural hair specialist and the founder of Flora & Curl. "There are many styles for textured hair that can compliment every type of wedding dress, whether you prefer an up-do or a more relaxed look." Simply put, your tresses carry their own style, which is why we highly recommend you take pride in and advantage of your curly 'do.

Meet the Expert

Rose Ovensehi is a natural hair specialist and founder of Flora & Curl, a curl-care hair line.

Need some inspiration finding the best coif? Here, we put together a roundup of 40 wedding-worthy styles for brides with curly hair.

01 of 40

Voluminous Curls With a Side Part

Smiling brunette Bride with side-parted mid-length spirals — Photo by Franklyn K Photography

We can't get enough of this bride's whimsical 'do, which features a crystal hair accessory that sweeps her tresses to the side. It's also the perfect beauty look to complement a sleeveless, open-back wedding dress silhouette.

02 of 40

A Classically Styled Low Bun

bride with curly hair in a bun wearing a strapless ball gown — Photo by Ledia Tashi

Look to this bride if searching for a classic style for your curly hair. However, preparation is key to achieving this coif, notes Ovensehi. "The month before your wedding (or earlier, if possible) be sure to start deep conditioning and caring for your hair, as nourished and hydrated hair will perform better on your big day," she explains. "Hydration is vital for textured hair—the more textured a person’s hair is, the more moisture it needs to receive to stay healthy."

03 of 40

A Slicked-Back Bun With Pearls

close-up photo of a bride with a bun that's embellished with pearls — Photo by Alexandra & Vladimir Nadtochiy

Need an easy 'do for your big day? Draw inspiration from this bride, who sported a slicked-back bun embellished with pearls. "Great and easy-to-do wedding styles for textured hair include a low or high puff, a big and low bun supported by extensions that match your texture," shares Ovensehi. "The front of your hair can be gelled down, while you opt for a parting in the middle or a side part. Find the parting or (non-parting) that works for your wedding bun!"

04 of 40

A Curly Lob With Fresh Blooms

Smiling brunette bride with curly lob accented with pink flowers holding bouquet in front of balcony overlooking the ocean — Photo by Monica Leggio

Pretty blooms are the perfect accessory for curly locks. Just ask this bride who sported lush, lob-length ringlets to create a perfect anchor for her flowers.

05 of 40

Long Spiral Curls With a Headband

a bride and groom holding hands and gazing at each other — Photo by Lance Nicoll

While most curly girls tend to wear hairclips, this gorgeous bride proves that long curls and pearl headbands go together effortlessly. Headbands are also the perfect accessory to pair with a simple tulle veil for a look that's at once stylish and modern.

06 of 40

A Low Chignon With Long Twist Outs

couple embracing while the bride holds a fall-inspired bouquet — Photo by Hugo Coelho

Long twist-outs lend a fresh feel to the traditional chignon, as beautifully seen on this bride. Her thick spirals add a gorgeous texture that ups the ante, and we especially love how she paired her locks with a fierce side part and a cluster of face-framing curls.

07 of 40

A Low Curly Chignon

Bride in lace dress with curly hair in low chignon with white rose tucked into the base — Photo by Elizabeth LaDuca Photography

For a more refined approach, this raked-back style is one to know. While the elegant chignon is gorgeous on its own, it is further romanced by the addition of creamy white roses and greenery.

08 of 40

Complementary Long Curls

Smiling brunette bride in strapless lace dress with long curly hair holding hands with brunette bride with curly chignon bun and crystal hair vine halo — Photo by Natura Collective

These brides gorgeously showcase the versatile range of wedding hairstyles for natural curly hair. One let loose, glossy curls cascade freely about her bare shoulders, while the other tucked them into a curvy chignon with tons of volume at the crown.

09 of 40

Long Loose Curls

a photo of a bride's back with long curls and a strapless wedding dress — Photo by Sydney Noelle Photography

We can't decide what we're more obsessed with: this beauty's curls or her gorgeous hair color. We're also in love with her strapless wedding dress silhouette, which perfectly pairs with her hairstyle of choice.

10 of 40

A Mini Fro With a Side Part

Bride with pixie cut in blush gown — Photo by Picture Me & U

We love how this bride styled her mini fro with fresh blooms and a side part. The entire 'do is at once unique, contemporary, and absolutely beautiful.

11 of 40

A Low Chignon With Dimensional Highlights

Blonde bride in cape-sleeve wedding dress wearing curly hair in low chignon with dimensional highlights putting on rings — Photo by Sarah Falugo

Gather your ringlets in an elegant chignon for a twist (pun intended) on the traditional updo. The shape of each strand will add considerable volume and texture to the coif, especially if your hair features a few soft highlights.

12 of 40

A Relaxed Low Bun With a Veil

Brunette bride with curly hair in relaxed low bun and veil smiling up at groom in black tux while holding bouquet — Photo by REBECCA YALE

An effortless, messy bun is perfect for brides who just want to keep it simple on their big day. Additionally, when paired with a gorgeous tulle veil, this minimalist look transforms into an elegant aesthetic, perfect for those hosting a fairy-tale wedding.

13 of 40

Playful Bouncy Ringlets With a Center Part

Brunette bride with center-parted bouncy ringlets laughing while holding bouquet — Photo by A HEART STRING Photography

This playful, curly lob is totally dreamy and adds a touch of youthfulness and bounce to this bride's overall aesthetic. We love how the center part accentuates the balanced symmetry of the square neckline, as well.

14 of 40

A Romantic Loose Updo

a bride wearing an off-the-shoulder lace gown and a curly updo — Photo by Megan Robinson

Keep things secure with a romantic loose updo. Curly tendrils are perfect for this effortless vibe, as illustrated by this exuberant bride who left out a side bang for added fun.

15 of 40

Swept-Back Half-Up, Half-Down Style

Smiling red-haired bride with long curly hair in half-up half-down hairstyle standing in front of windows holding bouquet — Photo by Henry + Mac

This easygoing style was the ideal choice for this bride's organic summer wedding in Maine. To get the look, drench hair with oils high in fatty acids, like coconut, to deeply penetrate the hair shaft and loosen the coil. Then sweep your locks back to let your beautiful features take center stage.

16 of 40

A No-Fuss Natural Style

a bride and groom posing on a dirt pathway — Photo by Jana Williams Photography

This bride decided to let her natural curls shine for her Santa Barbara wedding, and the result was a perfectly coifed, no-fuss style. "Currently, natural, untouched hair is trending," shares Ovensehi. "Many people now prefer to embrace their authentic texture rather than creating a perfectly-placed up-do—but it’s important to remember that your big day is all about you, so choose a hairstyle that you feel most comfortable wearing."

17 of 40

Mermaid Waves With a Side Part

Laughing bride in sequin dress with side-parted curly hair standing in the sand — Photo by OLIVIA MARKLE

This mermaid hair moment is a showstopper for sure, especially when worn at a beach or summer wedding. While tightly-wound coils and zig-zagged kinky curl patterns are enviably voluminous, they are prone to splitting, so look for ingredients like black oat extract to smooth out any frizz and prevent frayed ends.

18 of 40

Half-Up, Half-Down With Sunny Highlights

Smiling bride with side-parted, half-up half-down wavy hairstyle with dimensional sunny highlights — Photo by Ryon Lockhart

When in doubt, pull a few tendrils back to expose your features while letting the rest fall around your shoulders for a classic and sophisticated bridal moment. This beaming bride, in particular, makes a solid case for the sweet style with honey-hued highlights, calling attention to her natural wavey texture.

19 of 40

Long, Soft Curls With an Off-Center Part

Smiling blonde bride in lace a-line wedding dress with soft curls guiding blond groom through meadow — Photo by Tec Petaja

This bride's long, flowing spirals were the perfect complement to her light and airy dress. In fact, the whole look had a romantic and boho vibe that fit her mountainside nuptials nicely. The slightly off-center part also subtly reinforces the relaxed feel of it all.

20 of 40

A Voluminous Ponytail With a Birdcage Veil

Brunette bride with voluminous curly ponytail in birdcage veil and strapless wedding dress holding bouquet — PHOTO BY KELLY GIARROCCO

This curly ponytail is nothing short of epic. The generous spirals come together to create the fluffiest of glam updos. And that birdcage veil? *chef's kiss*

21 of 40

A Tousled, Perfectly Imperfect Bun

Red-haired bride in tiered lace wedding dress with tousled messy bun kissing blond groom with glasses in black tux — Photo by Katherine Ann Rose

Tousled waves are probably the most go-to style in the bridal space. So, if you're lucky enough to come by them naturally, you're already winning. As seen on this bride, these impressive copper waves do all the work in creating the perfectly imperfect bun.

22 of 40

A Pinned-Up Curly Updo With Bangs

Brunette bride with curly pinned-up hair, bangs, and floral hairpins — Photo by Mashaida Co.

This beauty pinned up her spirals in a stunning mass and scattered a few crystal hairpins for good measure. We love how her curly bangs gently graduate into the style for the most harmonious composition.

23 of 40

A Curly Fro With Big Blooms

Brunette bride with flower-adorned curly lob and bangs kissing bald groom in black suit — Photo by Chi Chi Ari Love

Two romantic blooms play up this bride's natural curls to form an utterly romantic hairstyle. To care for natural coils, it's best to limit the amount of time you shampoo, opting to refresh your tresses with a co-wash instead. You should also detangle wet hair with a wide-tooth comb, and protect your curls by drying them with a microfiber towel instead of a coarse terry cloth.

24 of 40

Shoulder-Length Curls With a Full Fringe

Brunette bride with tight, shoulder-length curls and fringe holding out long veil — Photo by Amy Anaiz

Who says you can't let your mane run wild on your big day? This hairstyle is larger than life and brimming with personality, much like the bride herself we assume.

25 of 40

Half-Up, Half-Down Ringlets With Fresh Blooms

Brunette bride in floral robe with long ringlets in half-up, half-down style with fresh roses tucked into hair — Photo by Gillespie Photography

These bountiful ringlets look absolutely captivating. The half-up, half-down style showcases all of their glory without weighing too heavily around the face.

If you’re accessorizing with flowers or jewelry, secure them with U-shaped hairpins, which hold more hair than bobby pins.

26 of 40

A Low Messy Bun With a Flower Crown

Brunette with relaxed low Messy Bun with White and pink Flower Crown wearing plunging v-back dress — Photo by Volvoreta

Even the simplest of messy buns can be elevated by a gorgeous curl pattern. This effortless, low tuck is as sweet as can be with rogue tendrils spilling out to emphasize the deep V-back of the wedding dress. Topped with a tender flower crown of daisies and greenery, this look is pure magic.

27 of 40

A Stacked Updo With Face-Framing Spirals

Brunnette bride with curly hair pinned high atop her head touching noses with bald groom with beard — Photo by Luma Weddings

Take those curls to new heights by stacking them atop your head for a retro feel. This bride piled her ringlets in a gorgeous coif and let just a few scintillating spirals frame her sky-high cheekbones. If your nuptials are taking place in a hot or humid locale, this is the perfect style to give your neck some breathing room.

28 of 40

A Voluminous Bun

Black bride in a tulle ballgown by Allure Bridals and pearl hair clip, holding bouquet of white florals and greenery — Photo by Phillip Van Nostrand

This bride tucked her coils away in a voluminous updo. The best part? Her style is extremely secure and will stay in place through a night of dancing and celebration.

29 of 40

A Relaxed Low Bun With Pearl Barrettes

a bride and groom embracing during golden hour — Photo by Porterhouse Los Angeles

This bride's pearl barrette sits perfectly on her near-perfect coils, making for a breathtaking combination with her lace gown.

30 of 40

A Sweetly Cropped Bob

Brunette bride with short curly bob wearing sweetheart neckline wedding dress and holding bouquet under tree with Spanish moss — Photo by Jessica Brees

The shorter the hair, the greater the volume, which is due to the fact that curls seem to expand when untethered from the weight of longer hairstyles. This cropped bob, in particular, is absolutely lovely—especially when paired with the sweetheart neckline of an A-line gown.

31 of 40

Retro Brushed-Out Waves

Natural texture and brushed-out curls take on a decidedly 70's vibe when kept to a single, long length. For this bride specifically, the topper of dried botanicals, in lieu of a more vibrant flower crown, further grounds the earthy look.

32 of 40

A Raked-Back Voluminous Messy Bun

Brunette bride with curls raked back into voluminous messy bun holding bouquet and smiling up at bearded groom in black suit — Photo by Lauren O'Brien

This big, raked-back bun seriously takes the cake (just notice how lush and touchable those curls look). The major proportions of the updo also create the perfect hold to secure a weighty, billowing veil.

33 of 40

Side-Swept Curls With a Gold Floral Hairpiece

Brunette bride with lob-length curls pinned up on one side with large rose-gold floral hair piece looking down at bouquet — Photo by Samantha Clarke Photography

Vintage-inspired and totally cool, strategically placed pins can keep hair out of your face and secure any style. This bride, in particular, utilized a clip to sweep her generous curls up and over to one side, while the rest of her hair fell freely about her face.

34 of 40

A Wind-Swept Wavy Lob and Curly Shag

Brides with curly shag and windswept waves in winter coats sitting on urban stoop — Photo by Krisanne Johnson

These gorgeous ladies are proof of the beauty in any curl pattern. We also can't decide which we love more: the classic wavy lob or the cool curly shag.

35 of 40

Bohemian Curls With a Flower Crown

groom kissing the bride on the cheek, the bride is wearing a lace wedding dress and flower crown — Photo by Volvoreta

Here's a style all boho brides will love. If hosting a laid-back celebration, let your curls flow freely down your back for an effortless look. You can even adorn your mane with a flower crown to pull everything together.

36 of 40

Long Spirals With a Full Bang

Smiling brunette bride with long curly hair and bangs wearing big flower crown and veil — Photo by Love and Wolves

Can't decide between a veil or a flower crown? Luckily, you don't have to! This stunning bride proves that long spirals (and a curly full bang!) look delightful with a whimsical flower crown and cascading veil combo.

37 of 40

Long Bohemian Waves With a Side Part

Blonde bride with long relaxed boho waves and side part dancing — Photo by Rach Loves Troy

Let your waves flow freely for an unfussy look à la the bride above. This boho style was made for swinging around while on the dance floor, especially since soft, bouncy curls are the perfect option for radiant, romantic brides.

38 of 40

A Relaxed and Glossy Low Chignon

Bride with curly hair in smooth low chignon and veil holding hands with laughing groom in black tux in front of altar — Photo by Gaby J Photography

Glossy spirals like these were made to be showcased. The low woven chignon proudly puts them on display, shining a spotlight on the undulating waves. We're also obsessed with the frothy veil spilling out from beneath the coif in the most angelic fashion.

39 of 40

A Side-Parted Curly Lob

Smiling brunette bride in multicolored robe with side-parted curly lob wearing diamond ear cuffs — Photo by Sandy SooHoo

Play up your hair's natural texture for an effortless 'do with a side part. To achieve this look, let your hair dry naturally and try not to touch it, even when you’re adding styling products.

40 of 40

A Lob With Baby's Breath

Brunette bride with babys breath in naturally curly, lob-length afro sitting on bench in strapless wedding dress looking at bouquet — Photo by Clean Plate Pictures

Sometimes curls can be an accessory in themselves, as illustrated by this bride who embraced a soft, lob-length 'do that was perfectly framed by her wedding dress. A posie of baby's breath nestled on the side is all she needed to complete the bridal look.

FAQ

When should I get my hair cut before the wedding?

One to two weeks before the big day is perfect for a quick trim, but don't make any major changes at that time.
Do I need to hire a hairstylist for the day of my wedding?

It depends on how comfortable you are with doing your own hair. Many brides opt to hire a pro because it's one less thing to worry about. Consider how intricate the style you want is, and how much time you have to practice when making the decision.