31 Wedding Guest Hairstyles for Any Vibe or Venue
You’ve RSVP’d yes, found the perfect wedding guest dress and picked out the best wedding gifts from the registry. Now all that’s left is deciding on the best wedding guest hair look. Whether you’re attending a tropical destination wedding or something more local and low-key, weddings are the perfect opportunity to finally debut that hairdo tutorial you’ve saved while scrolling through your feed.
If you’re bored with showing up to wedding season in the same basic updo every time, try inviting some braids, curls, and embellishments to the party. For the ultimate inspiration and hairstyle ideas, we asked celebrity hairstylists to share the best wedding guest hairstyles.
How should I wear my hair to a wedding as a guest?
Start with the clothes you’re wearing and work from there. Celebrity hairstylist and Unilever hair expert Lacy Redway—who counts Laura Harrier, Tessa Thompson, and Sadie Sink as clients—recommends using your outfit as reference. “I always allow the neckline of my outfit to guide my hairstyle,” says Redway. “If I have a high neckline, I put my hair up. For something strapless or anything with exposed shoulders or a plunging neckline, I like it free-flowing.”
As for wedding guest hair trends, Cosmo Prof artistic team member Jon Carlos De La Cruz points to Paris Hilton’s wedding updo as an example. “It was elegant and classic,” he says. “I see the clean, chic updos making a comeback for sure.”
Among his clients, he’s noticed brides, bridesmaids, and wedding guests waiting until after the big day to experiment with their looks. “Clients are letting their hair grow for their weddings and making transformation choices for after,” he says. “The popularity in style and color for weddings is always to go for something timeless, that will look great in memory photos for years to come.”
How do you wear a ponytail to a wedding as a guest?
When it comes to easy wedding guest hairstyles, stylists love ponytails due to their versatility. Celebrity stylists Kristin Ess and Glenn Ellis both love a textured and bouncy “party pony,” while Gregory Patterson, DIY color and styling expert for Sally Beauty, likes a more elegant Bardot ponytail.
Should wedding guests wear hair accessories?
Hair accessories are a great way to elevate your wedding guest look. From trendy headbands and scarves to oversized bows and bobby pins, adding an extra pop to your hair style is something celebrity stylists highly recommend. “Top off the look with a chic hair accessory,” says Patterson, who has styled wedding guest hair styles with delicate headbands and romantic flower crowns. Ess is a big fan of adding decorative pins, scarves, and even scattered flowers to her looks. “There’s no better time for some sparkle than during a celebration,” she says.
Ready to get inspired? Scroll through our expert-approved list of ideas for every length, texture, and hair type. Below, the 31 best wedding guest hair ideas for any vibe or venue.
1/31Soft Siren Waves
There’s nothing more glamorous than Old Hollywood waves. The style is easy to DIY but requires a bit of patience. “Wrap one inch sections around a curling iron barrel after spraying with a heat protectant, like this Heat Protecting Smoothing Spray by Ion,” says Patterson. “On the front, back, and left, wrap all the hair in the same direction, then repeat on the opposite side.”
It’s important to let the curls fully cool down and set before carefully brushing them out in a side part. “Using a wide tooth comb, soften up the waves, then take a Mason Pearson brush and lightly underbrush section by section to push volume up from underneath,” he says. “Spray with finishing spray.”
2/31Bardot-Inspired Updo
Patterson loves a Bridget Bardot–inspired updo with lots of volume. “Create this by using a texture spray like Eva NYC’s City Grit Matte Texture Spray, or powder at the root area and back-comb to create volume and texture,” he says. “Secure with a bungee and hide bungee with hair wrapped around, then secure with a pin.”
3/31Soft Chignon
When in doubt, a classic chignon will always be chic and timeless. To get the look, Patterson recommends curling hair in alternating directions throughout to create texture.
“Brush through to soften and leave front pieces out to frame the face,” he says. “Create a soft, loose ponytail and secure with a bungee. Then twist into a chignon—pinch pieces of the ponytail twist to loosen, and wrap and secure with hair pins.”
Secure using firm hold spray, like this Hard to Hold Hair Spray by Ion.
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4/31Sleek Blowout
Whether you visit the salon or DIY, a sleek blowout is simple but effective. “A sleek blowout complements any attire and is a go-to style all year round,” says Ellis. For bombshell volume, he recommends prepping the hair with a thickening spray like Milbon Thickening Mist at the root.
“You can also opt for a mousse as well; I have been loving the Mousse Au Lotus Volumatrice from Leonor Greyl,” he says. “Work section by section, and set the section with Velcro rollers, This is the secret to getting that fresh blowout look. Finish with a light hairspray such as the Moya Hold from Shu Uemura.”
5/31Messy Pony
Dance the night away at the reception in a tousled ponytail. It will keep hair out of your face, but some disheveled dance floor messiness also lends itself well to the look.
Ellis uses a 11/4-inch curling iron to curl the hair. “Using a boar bristle brush or a comb, bring the hair up into a pony,” he says. “To really elevate the ponytail, I take a small section of hair and wrap it around the hair tie, securing it under the base of the pony with a couple of bobby pins. I recommend leaving a few tendrils out around the ears and the face to frame it.” Finish off with strong-hold hairspray.
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6/31Boho Waves
“You can never go wrong with tousled waves,” says Ellis. For an effortless look, curl away from the face and leave the ends out. “I go in with a 1-inch curling iron to achieve this look, making sure all the curls go away from the face,” he says. “To finish off the look, I recommend using a texture spray like the one from R+Co Bleu and a little bit of styling cream. My favorite is the Shu Uemera Essence Absolue, to set down any flyaways.”
Kristen Ess7/31Pumped-Up Ponytail
A hairstyle that actually looks better as the night goes on is rare but possible. Kristin Ess, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Kristin Ess Hair, relies on this trick whenever she attends a wedding. “I almost always start with waves of some kind, typically soft Old Hollywood waves or beachy waves,” she says. “By the end of the night, I end up with a party pony.” To get the look, just sweep your waves into a high ponytail and add a few pumps of KEH Working Texture Loose Styling Powder to fluff it out. “It just gets bigger and better throughout the night,” says Ess.
Kristen Ess8/31Party Pearls
Pearl Party bobby pins are the prettiest way to instantly upgrade any style, from ponytails to updos. “Pearls look incredibly chic with any hair color or texture,” says Ess. “If you’re stuck and don’t know what to do, break out the pearls!” Ess likes to scatter them randomly to create a cluster effect, then finish off with KEH Beach Wave Spray for extra shine. For some extra sparkle, try adding these pearl and crystal flower pins from Emi Jay.
Kristen Ess9/31Scarf-Studded Braid
For a style that matches your outfit perfectly, find a scarf in a similar or contrasting fabric and weave it through your hair. Ess uses a clear elastic to secure the scarf before incorporating it into a braided updo, but you could also tie it in a bow to accent a ponytail or to double as a headband on shorter styles. “Just remember to stick a small safety pin through the middle of the bow so it doesn’t come undone,” she says.
Kristen Ess10/31Disco Curls
Bouncy, voluminous curls like these were made for all-night dancing. “Always lean your head over when you diffuse if you want lots of volume,” says Ess. For maximum movement, she likes layering in a dollop of Kristen Ess Hair Curl Leave In Cream and Curl Defining Jelly before diffusing. If you have bangs, keep them free of forehead sweat and oils by dusting them with a little dry shampoo.
Kristen Ess11/31Scattered Florals
We’re obsessed with these delicate floral accents, which cling to your hair all night thanks to Ess’s genius hack: lash glue. Recreate the look with your favorite fresh or fake flowers, scattering them randomly over your hair. “To remove, them, just spritz a little water and wait a couple of minutes,” she says. “Then you can just comb them right out.”
Kristen Ess12/31Braided Chignon
Chignons are a wedding guest favorite for a reason: They’re fast, gorgeous, and hold up all night if you use the right tools. Ess updates her version with a braid that adds a fun textural element to the classic style. Don’t hold back on the hairspray if you’re going for this look. “I love using my Signature Finishing Spray for updos because it’s like liquid bobby pins,” she says. For extra grip, use a French pin to secure the style, wiggling it as you insert it so that it weaves through your hair and holds tighter.
Kristen Ess13/31Celestial Braids
This gorgeous braided half-up hairstyle gets a sparkly accent from Ess’s Celestial bobby pins. “There’s no better time for some sparkle than during a celebration,” she says. “I love these because they look elegant and fun at the same time.” As with pearl bobby pins, you can add these to any hair length, texture, or style. Ess also loves hiding them at the base of a high bun, so that they peek out and catch the light behind you. Not into pins? Try a barrette instead.
Lacy Redway14/31Cascading Braids
These dreamy braids are ideal for an outdoor summer wedding. “Something about the effortless feel of braids really helps wedding guest hairstyles not feel too serious,” says Redway. For fun variations, add embellishments like pearls, shells, stars, or bows, and add a pump of Tresemmé Flawless Curls Moisturizing Mousse to minimize flyaways. Redway also loves using Tresemmé One Step Wave Mist on box braids with human hair to keep them smooth and protected in humid settings.
Lacy Redway15/31Sculptural Updo
Add a sleek, sculptural aesthetic to your updo with clean lines and contrasting shapes. “There are so many great variations of an updo that you can take,” says Redway. Take inspiration from the silhouette of your outfit to guide the shape, and build your base with plenty of Tresemmé One Step Style Smooth Cream. If you want an especially sleek finish, squeeze a little hair gel on your fingers and run them over your hair to keep everything in place.
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Lacy Redway16/31Contrasting Curls
If you’re going to an especially formal wedding, play up contrasting vibes by pairing a formal gown with organic, effortless curls. For big curly hair that stays hydrated and defined, Redway recommends mixing Tresemmé One Step Volume Mist with Tresemmé Flawless Curls Defining Cream. Set it with curl rods before going in with a blow-dryer and diffuser for the prettiest volume.
Lacy Redway17/31Tousled Waves
These wedding-ready waves work perfectly for outdoor weddings, with just the right amount of movement to still look good even if they get a little tousled. Redway recommends setting your hair with volumizing mousse for a more defined look. Her tools of choice for any hair length are the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer and a round brush. Keep your heat setting on medium and let your hair cool as it’s wrapped around the brush before you release it to lock your look in place.
Lacy Redway18/31Played-Up Pixie
Short hairstyles like pixies offer endless variations for styling, from headbands to fun accents. But you can also keep things simple by playing up your natural texture. “No matter how you style it, hydration is key,” says Redway. After shampooing and conditioning, spritz your hair with Tresemmé One Step Texture Mist to create a matte finish and add grip to your style. If you want to minimize unwanted volume and set your style, use creaseless clips to keep your hair in place until it’s time to go.
Justine Marjan19/31Flowing Waves
Celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan chose classic waves for her own bridal glam, which also happens to be an ideal option if you’re attending a wedding. “It’s a simple, understated style that feels timeless,” she says. Prep dry hair with plenty of hairspray, then brush through before curling—Marjan’s favorite hot tool for waves is the GHD Classic Curl 1" Curling Iron. Let your waves set for at least half an hour before brushing them again for a flowing finish.
Justine Marjan20/31Low Ponytail
Low ponytails and backless dresses are an iconic summer wedding duo. “The key is making sure the front looks polished,” says Marjan. To create a smooth finish around her face, she adds a small amount of Ouai Matte Pomade to a toothbrush and combs any face-framing pieces. Keep the texture of your ponytail soft and tousled for an interesting textural contrast. If you want to make it a little fancier, you can customize your hair elastic with a ribbon that matches what you’re wearing.
Justine Marjan21/31Modern French Twist
It may not be the most low-effort hairstyle on this list, but this modern update on the French twist deserves a moment for more formal weddings. Marjan says you might want to ask a hairstylist to recreate it for you if you’re not familiar with the technique, which you’ll need plenty of bobby pins for if you want to DIY. To ensure it stays in place for hours, throw a mini hairspray and toothbrush in your bag for touchups.
Justine Marjan22/31Bow-Tied Chignon
To add a celebratory touch to a polished chignon, finish it with a bow. You can grab a satin one as Marjan did here, or give it an evening upgrade with velvet—both Redway and Marjan love this PatBO x Tresemmé version. For a look this sleek, secure it with a strong-hold gel and a smoothing brush before you head out.
Justine Marjan23/31Single Braid
Another great option for backless dresses or high necklines is a single braid, which you can style high for drama or low and loose as a side braid for a breezier effect. If you’re going for a high ponytail braid, Marjan advises pulling all your hair back from the middle part and slicking it down with Tresemmé Tres Two Extra Firm Control Gel. Continue adding more gel to your braid as you work to keep every single strand in place. If you don’t have long hair, hair extensions brands like Bellami, Luxy Hair, and Great Lengths all make ponytail extensions to cheat XXL strands.
Justine Marjan24/31Half-Down Waves
For a romantic spin on half-up hair, add flatiron waves with the GHD Platinum+ Styler. Marjan sprays Unite Texture Spray throughout to impart some piecey movement, then gathers two pieces from the front and wraps them into a small bun, securing them with bobby pins. You can also pile on some hair accessories for an even more eye-catching affect.
Justine Marjan25/31Supersized Headbands
Can wedding guests wear headbands? In short, yes! Headbands work on literally any hairstyle, and the more dramatic, the better. If you’re styling them on short hair specifically, Marjan recommends using the GHD Helios Dryer and a round brush to turn the ends of your hair inward. Prep damp hair with Dae Cactus Fruit Styling Cream for your bounciest, shiniest blowout.
26/31Textured Waves
Unlike siren waves, which have hair curled in the same direction, soft textured waves change curl direction with every pass, creating dimension in the curl pattern.
“Use a 11/4-inch barrel iron, without holding for too long, and change directions of curl every time,” says celebrity hairstylist Clariss Rubenstein. For these loose waves on Allison Brie, Rubenstein used Monat Dry Texturizing Spray. “It’s just enough hold and gives you a tousled look. You can deactivate it with your hands throughout the night.”
- Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images27/31
Sleek Bun
“Use a smoothing boar-bristle brush to get hair into a ponytail, and follow it with a shiny pomade for a glassy, flawless finish,” says Rubenstein, who created this minimalist low bun on Eiza Gonzalez. “Monat Molding Shine Pomade is perfect for this.”
28/31Brushed-Out Waves
Brushing out waves will give you an extra bump of volume. “This smooth fluffy look is classic and timeless,” says Rubenstein. “Curl hair all in the same direction, making sure not to leave the ends out. Let all hair cool completely and sit for a while. Brush out with a boar-bristle brush and finish with a flexible hairspray.”
- Steve Granitz29/31
Asymmetrical Bob
Halle Berry brought back the asymmetrical bob at the 2023 Oscars red carpet. Celebrity hairstylist Sara Seward described the style as a “classic 1940s wave, deconstructed in a modern way.”
Seward prepped Berry’s wet hair with Virtue’s Curl-Defining Whip, then mixed Virtue’s Curl-Defining Gel with Virtue’s Healing Oil in her palms and applied it throughout Halle’s hair to create finger waves.
Next, Seward set Berry’s hair under the dryer, breaking it apart and manipulating the bottom curls with more Curl-Defining Whip. After allowing Berry’s hair to air-dry, she touched up the ends with Virtue’s Split End Serum, and finished off the look with a bit more hair oil.
- Kevin Mazur/Getty Images30/31
Half-Up Bun
Looking for half-updo wedding guest hairstyles? Celebrity hairstylist Marc Mena created this elegant top knot on Mindy Kaling. “On damp hair, I applied the Fable & Mane’s MahaMane Smooth and Shine Hair Oil before blow-drying the hair sleek with a defined center part, creating the perfect foundation for relaxed, smooth waves,” Mena says. “With a flatiron, I created a sleek wave by using a rocking motion up and down as I slid the iron through the hair. Using a boar-hair brush, I then brushed the top half of Mindy’s hair into a ponytail.”
Next, Mena took small sections of the ponytail and twisted them as she pinned them into a bun shape, section by section, creating a textured look to elevate the half-up style. “I finished by giving the hair a spritz of hairspray and applied a few more drops of the Maha through the ends of the hair to give a soft finishing sheen.”
- Kevin Mazur/Getty Images31/31
French Roll
An elegant French roll looks romantic and effortless. To create Winnie Harlow’s style, celebrity hairstylist Davontae Washington prepped her natural hair texture with leave-in conditioner and heat thermal. “Use a round brush on the hair to straighten any natural textures or bends,” Washington says. “Next, take a wand and curl the hair, then divide the hair in two. French-roll the back with bobby pins, but not too tight because you still want it to have texture.”
Next, gently tease the top for volume, and pin remaining pieces into the French roll. “We finished the look using Kiss Colors & Care Maximum Hold 2-in-1 Super Stay Freezing Spray, and glazed her edges back with the Kiss Colors & Care Edge Fixer Hair Wax Stick in Sweet Peach,” he says.
