Elegant Wedding Guest Hairstyles You Can Do at Home (2024)

Got a million weddings to go to? We gotchu.

By Brooke Shunatona
Elegant Wedding Guest Hairstyles You Can Do at Home (1)

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Who doesn’t love a good wedding? Free food, plenty of drinks, a dance floor, and the perfect excuse to get all dressed up and have something new to post on the ’gram. And even better if you’re not actually in the wedding as a bridesmaid, since you get to do and wear whatever the hell you want (within reason, I guess).

What about your hair though? Because you're gonna need more than one look. To help you out faster than a Pinterest board, check out these 20 wedding guest hairstyles to get you through the rest of 2019.

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1

Barrette Ponytail

The tiniest switches sometimes make the biggest impressions. If you favor the low ponytail, swap your hair tie with a statement barrette or two instead.

2

Bouncy Curls

Once you've mastered styling your own curls, every day will be a good curl day. Bouncy hair like this is perfect for any occasion, including weddings.

3

Low Bun and Lots of Barrettes

The secret to not overdoing it with over-the-top hair barrettes is by balancing it with a simpler style, like this low loose bun.

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4

Long, Low Ponytail

A sleek and sexy ponytail like this one is equally as stylish as it is functional. When the bouquet toss comes, you'll be more than ready with your hair tied back.

5

Beachy Low Bun

If beach waves are kinda your thing, no need to totally change them. With a soft, low bun like this one, you'll get the same effortless vibe but with a little more effort put into it.

6

'90s Blowout

If you're tired of the long, loose waves of the last few years, revisit the trends of another decade. Who knew a late '90s/early '00s hairstyle could feel so refreshing? This voluminous blowout would go perfectly with a simple slip dress.

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7

Voluminous Low Ponytail

Be careful with this dreamy ponytail—it's so good, you just might take the attention away from the bride.

8

Faux Fringe

The love between the couple is real, but your bangs don't have to be. When you can make fake fringe look this good, why even bother going through the grow-out process later on? Leave the tail out of your high bun and you'll have everyone thinking they're legit.

9

Loose Twist

If you're in the wedding, you might not want to be too trendy, but if you're a guest, you can lean as far into the '90s trend as you want. This style is the updated, upside-down version of the fountain ponytail. It's a twist on a twist, if you will.

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10

Slicked Back Strands

Outdoor weddings are unpredictable. Start with a wet look like the one shown here, and you won't be stressed about your hair if it starts to rain.

11

Tousled French Twist

Updos like the French twist usually suck to try to do on yourself. One tiny bump or rogue hair and you have to start completely over. But if you keep it tousled like this, loose strands are the goal.

12

Half-Up Ponytail

Think your hair's too short for a ponytail? Well, it ain't. Pull the front up as high as you can, leave the back down, pull some pieces out around your face, and boom. You've got yourself a short ponytail.

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13

A Braided Updo

Braids are one of those hairstyles that just looks good from all angles. Wear yours down, or pull them up in a style like this one. You really, really can't go wrong.

14

Soft Waves

If your hair is short and fine, add a little body and movement with loose, airy waves. Best part with a soft look like this? It's okay if your curls fall out throughout the night (that's kinda what you're going for).

15

Soft and Slicked Strands

Ceremony in the front, reception in the back. This look features both slicked strands (key for keeping your hair out of your face) and romantic loose waves.

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16

Double Buns With Bows

Sure, the day isn't about you, but you still want to look fire, right? It's totally acceptable to put a little more time and effort into your hairstyle than usual, but this one only looks complicated. If you can twist your hair into a bun, you can copy this updo yourself. Slap a few velvet bows on it, and you're set.

17

Topknot

With all the wind and humidity of a beach wedding, don't try to do too much with your hair (because spoiler: it won't last). A simple high bun suits the carefree vibes of an outdoor ceremony.

18

Raked Back Strands

If you always style your short hair the same way, you're missing out on a lot of good hair moments. Take this look for instance. With a little styling cream and a rake of your fingers, you can transform your everyday bob into a look fit for a wedding.

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19

Half-Bun

Torn between wearing your hair up and wearing it down? That's why this half-up hairstyle was invented. Like two looks in one, the half-bun gives you the best of both styles.

20

Sleek Bun

When you're out of breath and covered in sweat from all the Cha-Cha-Sliding, you'll be thankful you went with a tight bun like this.

Elegant Wedding Guest Hairstyles You Can Do at Home (22)

Brooke Shunatona

Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan.com.

Elegant Wedding Guest Hairstyles You Can Do at Home (2024)

FAQs

How can I style my hair at home as a wedding guest? ›

Try a half-up, half-down style, but instead of pulling some of the hair back, braid it instead. It will still show off your length while giving you plenty of textured goodness. Look for medium-length wedding hairstyles for guests. Try this gorgeous braided bob, and make sure there is a deep side part for extra drama.

How should I do my hair to attend a wedding? ›

Formal wedding guest hair etiquette

Hair should be well groomed. You want to look dressy, sleek and polished - aim for short, slick side partings, barrel tonged waves, ballerina buns and textured updos.

What is a mid length hairstyle for a wedding guest? ›

Rustic wedding guest hairstyles for mid-length hair

A side-parted roll, low chignon, and messy bun can look super chic. Keep hair in place with plenty of bobby pins and use an strong hold hairspray to protect your hair from the elements.

What are the best hair styles for wedding guests? ›

Here, 37 wedding guest hairstyle ideas inspired by celebrity looks.
  • Mussed Top Knot. ...
  • Bouffant and Loose Lengths. ...
  • Sculptural Chignon. ...
  • Romantic Half-Up. ...
  • Coifed Curls. ...
  • Top Knot With Face-Framing Strands. ...
  • Bombshell Blowout. ...
  • Curly Updo.
Oct 5, 2023

Is it better to wear hair up or down for wedding? ›

Consider Your Wedding Dress Neckline

"If you are wearing a strapless dress, either hair down or half up, half down will look pretty and feminine while still showing off the neckline," advises Mar. Loose waves and a soft, flowing style is key. If your dress has a higher neckline, our pro says to consider an updo.

Should hair or makeup be done first wedding guest? ›

Should a wedding guest do hair or makeup first? Simple: “Hair always goes first,” Jafri says. “Usually, washing or application of product is involved, both of which could disturb makeup.”

What is more elegant hair up or down? ›

If you're having an evening wedding, an updo can create a more formal and elegant look. If you're having a daytime wedding, a down hairstyle can create a more natural and relaxed look that is perfect for the daytime.

Should I wear my hair up or down with a fascinator? ›

Try and coordinate fascinator size with hairstyle (more on what hairstyle to choose below). Hair up and slicked back - small fascinator. Hair up in a loose style - medium fascinator. Hair down with a bit of volume, especially if you have thinning hair - large fascinator.

Can I wear my hair down at a wedding? ›

Unless the bride has made specific demands of her guests/bridal party, you are free to wear your hair in any style that makes you feel beautiful. The only thing you need to avoid is any outfit/hairstyle/makeup that could possibly outshine the bride. Keep it tasteful and simple, and you'll be just fine.

What are three classic Updo techniques? ›

From the pompadour to the chignon, these three classic weddings updos are always in style.
  • Pompadour. This style describing the top of the hair can be applied to your choice of braid, bun, or ponytail. ...
  • Chignon. A low, bun or bun-like style that sits at the nape of the neck.
  • Bouffant.
Mar 12, 2019

Should you wear your hair down for wedding? ›

Consider Your Wedding Dress Neckline

"If you are wearing a strapless dress, either hair down or half up, half down will look pretty and feminine while still showing off the neckline," advises Mar. Loose waves and a soft, flowing style is key. If your dress has a higher neckline, our pro says to consider an updo.

Can I wear my hair up to a wedding? ›

Unless the bride has made specific demands of her guests/bridal party, you are free to wear your hair in any style that makes you feel beautiful. The only thing you need to avoid is any outfit/hairstyle/makeup that could possibly outshine the bride. Keep it tasteful and simple, and you'll be just fine.

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