The hairstyles for wedding guest and attendees typically depend on the type of wedding you have been invited to.
But they also depend on location, the season, and of course, your outfit.
Also, even though weddings are still considered formal events to which black tie must be worn, they are becoming increasingly popular and casual.
If you want to make a statement, try the high messy bun. This hairstyle requires little effort, and it can be done at home. You can use bobby pins or curling iron to create a glamorous look. It works great with straight and curly hair.
The voluminous low chignon is another versatile updo that can be styled with a Spanish accessory, flamenco accessory, or sparkling tiara. It looks stunning with a backless dress.
For a more low-key, simple look, consider a braid crown. In this hairstyle, the crown is secured with bobby pins, but the rest of the hair is left loose around the face, which is a great way to keep your hair out of the way while you are taking photos, or for the reception.
If you have long, thick hair, you can go for a big bun. These buns look elegant, and they allow you to move freely. If you do not have enough hair to create a large bun, you can try a French braid or a fishtail braid ponytail. Just remember to leave the rest of your hair loose and soft around your face to give your hairstyle a softer finish.
For short or medium-length hair, a side swoop with bangs is an ideal choice. This is the most common updo for short hair, and it is a great way to frame your face.
Take a look below to see the many ways you can style your hair and look classy or sassy!
1. The Twisted Waterfall Braid
Let’s start off with a type of braid that has been all the rage since it appeared! This is the waterfall braid, named thusly because the strands that come out of it look like a waterfall.
It’s perfect when it comes to hairstyles for wedding guest. You could wear it even if you are the bride!
2. Flower Braid Hairstyle for Wedding Guests
Nothing says wedding better than flowers. Did you know that this tradition dates back thousands of years ago to the ancient Romans and Greeks?
Their brides carried wheat and other such aromatic sprigs for fertility and good luck.
3. The Blake Lively
We have a number of celebrities gracing our list of hairstyles for wedding guest and bridesmaids, and actress Blake Lively is just the first one. Here she is with a messy crown braid in her signature blonde hair.
4. High Hairstyle for Wedding Guest
This low bun has a high and dramatic top that will definitely be the center of attention. You can pair it with a set of equally oversized earrings as well as a sequin dress that will dazzle everyone.
5. Messy Hairstyle for Wedding Guests
Here’s a lovely bun held together at the back of your head with bobby pins. What’s pretty about it is that it’s messy and has strands of hair coming out of it, which makes it look effortless but chic at the same time.
6. Classy Hairstyle
This is a very classy and classic low chignon that you see at almost every wedding. It has been a preferred choice for the female auditorium including the bride herself, her bridesmaids, and the guests.
7. The Emma Watson
Here’s actress Emma Watson at a red carpet event wearing a hairstyle and makeup that you can easily copy for a wedding. It’s a crown braid for very short hair pinned in the back with a smoky eye and oxblood lipstick.
8. The Jennifer Lawrence
Before she went platinum blonde, actress Jennifer Lawrence used to sport a lot of these more matronly styles which you can now use as inspiration as hairstyles for wedding guest. This is a messy side bun.
9. Ponytail Hairstyle for Wedding Guest
A ponytail can easily transform from a day-to-day casual hairstyle into a party one if you know how to style and accessorize it properly.
Wear it with a flamboyant dress and theatrical makeup and you’re all good to go!
10. The Rose Byrne
Here’s another example of a fantastic side bun. Actress Rose Byrne also has a set of long, angular bangs that elongate her face and make the whole hairstyle look a lot more elegant and classier.
11. The Kate Middleton
You cannot go wrong if you decide to style yourself after Kate Middleton because she is literally the next Queen of England. Here she is in an amazing turquoise dress and an intricate braided low bun.
12. The Kate Beckinsale
Here’s another type of ponytail that you can wear when it comes to hairstyles for wedding guest ideas. This one is modeled by actress Kate Beckinsale, and it’s a much shaggier one with lots of layers and a few curls.
13. The Jessica Alba
As beautiful and elegant as this chignon may be, the real star of the show here is the gorgeous curl in the front. It’s easier to get than you may think as well. All you need is your hair curler and some hairspray.
14. The Cheryl Cole
Here’s singer Cheryl Cole at the premiere of Foxcatcher in 2014, during the 67th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. She wore a lovely swirled chignon coupled with her signature bouffant in the back.
15. The Jennifer Hawkins
Speaking of messy and bouffants, here’s Jennifer Hawkins taking it to another level in terms of hairstyles for wedding guest and bridesmaids.
You can also wear this matronly hairstyle if you’re the mother of the bride or of the groom.
16. Lilac Hairstyle
Don’t shy away from non-natural colors because they are the biggest trend of the season. What started as a music festival fad quickly turned into a full-blown mania that spread like wildfire into pop culture.
17. Wavy Hairstyle
If you have wavy or loosely curly hair, this idea might be appropriate for you. Try a loose bun that will show off your waves rather than a tight one that might actually come undone and bother you as the day progresses.
18. The Ralph Lauren Look
Here is an haute couture example of hairstyles for wedding guest and bridesmaids if you want to look flawless on the big day. This is a snippet from the Ralph Lauren 2013 Spring show at the New York Fashion Week.
19. Peony Hairstyle for Wedding Guest
We’re back to flowers to show you one more example of how beautiful you can look if you incorporate blossoms in your bridal look. This is a diagonal messy braid with a large, blooming, pink peony.
20. Purple Hairstyle
Here’s a purple ombre that will make you stand out in all the wedding pictures of the day. The shade is vibrant and gorgeous, but be careful what color you choose for your dress. We suggest going for lavender or pink.
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21. The Julia Roberts
Let’s see some more celebrities and their outstanding looks created by the best stylists in the world. You can get inspired and copy these looks and hairstyles for wedding guest and bridesmaids.
22. The Jenna Dewan
This is a masterclass in matching colors. Her hair is a dark brunette, and she’s wearing a brilliant, white dress dotted with 3D black beading.
Therefore, her lipstick is a contrasting shade of fiery red that sets off her green eyes.
23. The Claire Danes
There’s nothing better than flaunting your natural beauty when you’re just as gorgeous as actress Claire Danes. She wears a shade of golden blonde matched by her gold earrings and very little makeup.
24. Large Low Bun
If your hair is not thick or long enough to pull off this voluminous bun, you can always wear some extensions or a weave on the day of the wedding. No one will know the difference, and you will look stunning.
25. The Zendaya
This is a very simple, yet highly effective hairstyle for wedding guests and bridesmaids.
Actress and singer Zendaya is wearing a low ponytail with a straight middle parting. Her brunette hair has been straightened and slicked.
26. The Cara Delevingne
Model Cara Delevingne knocked it out of the ballpark with this stunning ensemble.
Her dark honey blonde hair is swept all to one side, and she has some beach waves going one.
Plus, have you noticed the Spanish-inspired earrings and crushed berry lipstick?
27. Bob Hairstyle for the Big Day
If you style yourself correctly and elegantly enough, you don’t even need to get a fancy hairdo for the wedding. Your simple hairstyle will be enough, such as this choppy and slightly messy shoulder-length bob.
28. The Dolce & Gabbana Look
It’s time to take a look at another major brand and how they style their models. This is Dolce & Gabbana in one of their most famous shows to date where they literally decked the models in ruby red roses and carnations.
29. The Olivia Palermo
This is the type of hairstyle you should go for if you’re planning on wearing an over-the-top dress. Your hair and makeup should be subdued so as not to risk the ensemble looking more like a costume in a play than a party dress.
30. The Selena Gomez
Normally, stylists advise against your perfectly matching your eye makeup and lipstick to the shade of your dress. However, Selena Gomez did such an incredible job here that you might as well give it a go yourself!
31. 90s Hairstyle for Wedding Guest
The 90s are back, we all know that. So, why not try to bring some of that into your party style as well?
This is a typical prom or wedding look from the 90s with a high and textured bun plus the iconic strands curtaining the face.
32. The Shay Mitchell
From the 90s it’s straight to the end of the 2010s for us, meaning a cool 30 years later.
Here’s Shay Mitchell modeling one of the coolest and sexiest looks we’ve seen so far, the wet hair trend.
It’s a comb over look that requires a lot of hair gel.
33. The Flamenco Chignon
Another type of hairstyles for wedding guest and bridesmaids you can try if you want to add a little international flavor to the mix.
This is a voluminous low chignon with a Spanish or flamenco accessory added to it.
34. The Jessica Biel
If you go for this low-key, everyday type of low ponytail, you will make room for some truly spectacular jewelry.
Take some inspiration from actress Jessica Biel and her dramatic golden jewelry. Keep your makeup to a minimum as well!
35. The Rosie Huntington-Whitely
You can also try the vintage Hollywood look. It works great with a set of ruby red, diva lips, eyeliner, and a pair of diamond earrings to match.
Not to mention that it’s incredibly easy to do at home!
36. The Rachel McAdams
This sweetheart of the silver screen found the perfect hairstyle for her emerald green dress, seeing as it has such a high collar. Obviously, if this is the case with you as well, you will need to pull all your hair up in an updo.
37. Pretty Hairstyle for Wedding Guest
The same goes for this type of dress. It’s an off-shoulder gown that needs to be shown off. Therefore, go for a low bun placed on one side of the head, where your bare shoulder would be.
38. The Michelle Williams
Actress Michelle Williams complements her blonde hair and yellow gown with dark red lipstick.
The ensemble makes her look sunny, happy, and feminine. In other words, perfect for a garden wedding!
39. Teased Hairstyle
If you’re planning on wearing a simple dress, then you must go all out on your hair and makeup.
This dramatically teased ponytail with very long bangs adds all the theatre and jazz you need for a night you will never forget.
40. The Carrie Underwood
Singer Carrie Underwood models a wedding hairstyle for all the good girls out there who want to look like little princesses at this party.
It’s a straightforward side ponytail which has been curled up a little with long, side-swept bangs.
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41. The Plaited Ponytail
Speaking of ponytails, here’s another pretty one which you can try out. It’s a little higher than the last one and half of it has been French braided to make it more interesting. It goes great with backless dresses.
42. Decorated Messy Bun
Sometimes, it’s all in the details. You don’t need a big accessory to make a point. This small, decorated, low bun is very bridal in its nature yet low-key and sophisticated and classy enough to be worn anywhere else.
43. Half Up Half Down Style
We love this particular half up half down hairstyle for wedding guest and bridesmaids because it’s very easy to do at home by yourself.
This means that you will be saving a fortune at the stylist’s and not burning a hole through your budget.
44. High Teased Ponytail
We’ve seen many ponytails on this list of hairstyles for wedding guests and bridesmaids, and now it’s time for one more.
Here’s a very high and teased ponytail that works even better if you’re wearing a weave or some extensions.
45. Intricate Hairstyle for Wedding Guest
Does it get any better or more classical than this? Think about it! How many times have you been to a wedding and seen this exact hairstyle?
Now you can wear it yourself with some help from your stylist and a handful of extensions.
46. Decorated Half Up Hairstyles
Another example of a classic wedding hairstyle is this metallic crown with crystals beads.
It is meant to represent baby breath flowers but in a much more stylized way. Try a waterfall braid and then decorate with this soft, metallic crown.
47. Trendy Hairstyle
Modern hairstyles dictate that your hairstyle should be as loose and messy as possible, even though a wedding is quite a formal event.
The times are changing, and you must attune. Otherwise, you run the risk of looking a bit outdated.
48. Messy Knot Hairstyle
A good example of how you can follow the above is this messy knot that you can do yourself at home.
But, here’s a tip! Just make sure you have plenty of hairspray on hand because you will need to secure it all through the day and night.
49. Relaxed Hairstyle
This is a festive hairstyle that simply screams wedding. It’s a popular updo for long hair that you typically see at weddings, and one could honestly say that it has become part of the wedding ensemble by now.
50. Top Bun
If you want to copy this top bun, you will need a doughnut. Or a sock if we are to believe the multitude of online tutorials. However, the spongy doughnut is still the best option you have to recreate this wonderful look.
So, What Is YOUR Hair Motivation?
As we’ve seen from this exhaustive list, there are a plethora of wedding guest hairstyles you can try.
What you end up choosing will depend on your needs, budget, mood, and the type of wedding you’re attending.
What you also need to remember is that times are changing, and wedding etiquette is becoming more and more relaxed.
So, which one of these did you end up choosing?
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Lorene Kendall is a professional hairdresser who has been around in the industry for quite some time. She has traveled to different countries and cities because of her undeniable passion for styling. Her creativity and eyes for fashion are what make her stand out the most. With her talent, she provides service that will beautifully translate what her clients want into actual art.
