33 of the Best (and Easiest) Wedding Guest Hairstyles (2024)

With wedding season in full swing, we've been busy cherry-picking the bestwedding-guest dressesand deciphering the biggest bridal trendsfor the rest of the year. What can I say? We're in the mood for love. But what about those finishing touches? More specifically: I'm talking wedding-guest hair.

Havingpersonally experienced the panic of trying to secure a pearl hair clip when you're meant to be jumping in a taxi for the church, I am all about putting as much thought into special occasion hairstyles as I would my dress. (After all, nobody wants to be the person who arrives to a wedding after the bride—especially when you've only got a hair accessory to blame.) So to prevent you from reliving my own last-minute hair panic, I've rounded up a whole lot of wedding-guest hairstyle inspiration so that you can plan ahead.

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(Image credit: @JEANNINE.ROXAS)

To keep things super straightforward, I've identified a few simple styles that will take just minutes to do and work for all hair types. Think buns, twisted updos, and ponytails.Keep scrolling for 33 of the best (and easiest) wedding-guest hairstyles for a stress-free wedding season.

1. Buns and Updos

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(Image credit: @AYSHA.SOW)

This elegant bun will keep your hair off your face all day and is also the perfect hairstyle for showing off your wedding-guest earrings.

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Even short hair can make a bun work asTyLynn proves. Just wear yours low, at the nape of your neck and team with statement earrings for added impact.

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(Image credit: @LINDSEYHOLLAND_)

A simple low bun takes seconds to do, is perfect for keeping your hair off your face during a summer wedding and looks even more stylish when you leave a few strands loose around your face—see above. (A definite plus if you aren't the best at styling your own hair!)

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(Image credit: @NNENNAECHEM)

Nnenna takes the low bun to the next level with her covetable hair clip stack. I love how she's teamed the eclectic accessories with a printed dress for a maximalist approach to wedding-guest dressing.

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(Image credit: @SASHA.MEI)

A chic low bun is both easy to achieve and a perfect way to let statement earrings do the talking.

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(Image credit: @SYLVIEMUS_)

Proving thathair clips aren't just for casual weekend topknots,Sylvie twists her hairfrom the nape of her neck and secures with a single claw clip for a sophisticatedstyle. If you've got a fringe, leave this loose for a cool-girl finish.

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(Image credit: @PEONYLIM)

All of our fashion friends are wearing hair scarves right now, and when they look as elegant as Peony's, it's easy to see why. Tie one around a high bun and leave the ends loose for a romantic wedding-guest look.

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(Image credit: @STEPHANIEBROEK)

A more modern take on Johanne's butterfly clip, Stephanie's dishevelled hair twist is all about the statement hair clips. Leave some hair loose around your face, and let the ends of your hair poke out for a boho vibe.

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The half-up, half-down hairstyle takes approximately 30 seconds to do and genuinely looks great on everyone. It's a great option if, like me, you prefer wearing your hair down but want to try something a little different for a special occasion.

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(Image credit: @ADA_OGUNTODU)

What's better than one bun? Two, of course. Ada's high bunches look as cute as a button and are a great option for a more unique wedding-guest hairstyle.

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(Image credit: @ROSIEHW)

Rosie is the queen of simple red carpet dressing—and her hairstyles are no exception. Unlike some of the buns above, this one is all about that sharp middle parting and sleek strands. So elegant.

Shop Our Favourite Styling Product For Buns & Updos:

33 of the Best (and Easiest) Wedding Guest Hairstyles (13)

Hair by Sam McKnight

Modern Hairspray Multi-Task Styling Mist

Secure your updo of choice with the Who What Wear UK team's favourite hairspray.

2. Ponytails

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(Image credit: @CASSKLATZKOW)

Cassandra's low ponytail not only looks super luxe but draws attention to the back detailing on our slinky orange dress perfectly.

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Coolgirls likeElif are opting for simple plaits kept in place with neutral hair ties. Love it.

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Aude-Julie'ssuper-high ponytail plait is giving me major '90s vibes, and I'm here for it.So fresh.

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(Image credit: @SORAYABAKHTIAR)

If you have long, thick hair, then a high ponytail is the perfect way to show it off. Curl your lengths to add even more texture and movement.

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(Image credit: @PEONYLIM)

Alow ponytail with an outfit-coordinated scrunchie likePeony's manages to be both practical and cool.

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There's a definite risk of upstaging the bride if you went for this full J.Lo ensemble, but this sleek ponytail will look stylish whatever wedding-guest dress you're wearing.

(Image credit: @SYMPHANISOTO)

Symphani's smoothed-back ponytail and perfectly curled face-framing strands are so damn chic.

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I'm in love with Laura's bouncy ponytail. The wavy ends create a really glam look that is perfect for the evening wedding reception.

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In a rush? You can't go wrong with a sleek, straight ponytail.

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(Image credit: @VICTORIABECKHAM)

VB keeps it classic as always with a skinny twist of black ribbon to secure her swept-back pony.

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(Image credit: @JORJASMITH_)

High ponytails are clearly having a moment—which is why they're a perfect wedding-guest option. Jorja Smith keeps things sleek at the root and volumised through the ends.

Shop Our Favourite Styling Product For Ponytails:

33 of the Best (and Easiest) Wedding Guest Hairstyles (25)

BeautyPie

Coconut Water Heat Shield Blow Dry Spray

Get a shiny, glossy pony with BeautyPie's hero spray.

3. Hair Down

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(Image credit: @SABOTAJ)

For fun,party-led weddings a diamanté clippairs perfectly withtousled waves like Timaj's.

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(Image credit: @EMMANUELLEK_)

Make like Emmanuelle and jazz up a down 'do with double the hair clips.

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Opt for a deep side parting like Freddie to transform your hair down game for wedding season.

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Holly's beachy waves + embellished hair clips = the dreamiest wedding-guest hairstyle.

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Celebrities are going wild for headbands, and so are the fashion set, as demonstrated by Monikh. This is the fascinator of 2023.

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(Image credit: @YARASHAHIDI)

The combination of a side parting and a hair clip seems to be the way that cool girls like Yara are embracing special occasion hairstyles this year.

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(Image credit: @BRITTANYBATHGATE)

Jazz up a simple hair-down style by adding in some cute hair clips on either side of a centre parting like Brittany. It's still within your hair comfort zone but has a special-occasion edge.

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(Image credit: @LIVINGWITHLOTTE)

So sleek. So simple. Lotte's straight bob is anything but basic with this embellished hair slide. This would look great with literally any wedding guest outfit.

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Sometimes you just want to go glam, and EmRata's voluminous retro waves are simply perfect.

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Make like the French girls and keep your hairstyle simple and your headbands sleek, just like Chloé.

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(Image credit: @MARISSA.MARINO)

Selena's vintage waves and hair slide would pair perfectly with a tea dress for the prettiest of wedding-guest outfits.

Shop Our Favourite Styling Product ForWearing Your Hair Down:

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Jennifer Behr

Juno Set of Five Gold-Tone Crystal Hair Slides

Add a touch of sparkle with these pretty slides.

This postwas originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated

NextUp:5 Wedding Hairstyles That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Experts

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33 of the Best (and Easiest) Wedding Guest Hairstyles (2024)

FAQs

How should I wear my hair to a wedding as a guest? ›

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 the most popular wedding hairstyle? ›

Half up, half down hair is one of the most popular wedding hairstyles for short and long hair. This timeless look will never go out of style. Half updos are the perfect fit for veils and other accessories. It can also be paired with all the styles mentioned above.

Can I wear my hair down at a wedding? ›

If you plan to wear a strapless dress, you might opt to wear your hair down, since you won't have to worry about your locks obscuring the gown's neckline. Styles featuring soft, loose curls or perfectly coiffed waves may frame your face, enhance your eyes, and pair beautifully with your veil while swaying in the wind.

How do I put my hair up for a wedding? ›

30 Best Wedding Hair Updos
  1. Twisted Wedding Hair Updo With Pearls. ...
  2. Loose High Bun With Star Clips. ...
  3. Curly Sleek Bun With Hair Clip. ...
  4. Twisted Bohemian Hair Crown. ...
  5. Low Bun Updo & Tiara. ...
  6. Low Wedding Updo With Mini Beehive. ...
  7. Boho Plaited Wedding Updo. ...
  8. Sleek Side Bun With Hair Accessories.
Feb 29, 2024

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

Go with Your Gut

At the end of the day, it really is all about what you want, so trust your instincts and choose the hairstyle you love, regardless of your gown's neckline or what you usually do with your hair. If you've always envisioned yourself with long, flowing waves on your wedding day, go for it.

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

Medium Length Hairstyles for Wedding Guests

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.

What is the number 1 hairstyle? ›

What Are the Numbers in Haircuts? If you ask your barber for a number one cut, you are asking them to cut your hair so it is an eighth of an inch long. If you ask for a number eight cut, the hair left on your head will be one inch.

What is the wedding hair trend in 2024? ›

In 2024, brides are embracing softer, more romantic waves that add a touch of whimsy and effortless elegance to their look. This style works beautifully with a variety of lengths and can be easily adorned with floral accessories or delicate hairpins for an added touch of sophistication.

Is hair up or down more elegant? ›

If you don't mind a romantic adventurous windswept look, then go for it! If, however, you are after a more refined and elegant look, an upstyle is certainly a safer bet.

Is there anything you shouldn't wear to a wedding? ›

Avoid sequined ball gowns, sparkly tiaras, sky-high platform heels, or other articles of clothing that will draw attention away from the bride. A wedding isn't the proper time to make a bold fashion statement. If you're at a complete loss for an outfit, Sabatino suggests sticking with a long or short black dress.

Can I wear a flower in my hair as a wedding guest? ›

It's a rule that only a bride wears a tiara at a wedding or any kind of crown in her hair (like flowers). You may love that festival look and want nothing more than to wear a crown of flowers to your best friend's wedding but leave that part up to her.

Who pays for wedding hair? ›

That said, the bride or the bridesmaids will pay for the bridal party's hair and makeup. Some brides cover the cost of glam as a “thank you” to their friends for supporting the wedding. However, this isn't always the case. Weddings are expensive, and some brides can't afford hair and makeup for a large bridal party.

Should I wear my hair up or down for a formal event? ›

While your dress doesn't have to dictate how you wear your hair, it's still a good check point if you're on the fence. Dresses with high necklines tend to be more formal, so an up-do would be the most appropriate. Plus, an up-do will prevent any hair from getting caught on the dress—a double win!

Should you do your hair and makeup for wedding dress shopping? ›

That being said I have always advised my clients to make sure they have their hair and makeup trial on the day they go shopping for their wedding gown if possible. You get to see and feel like you will on the day you get married. You will get a visual idea of what works for you and what does not.

Is it okay to wear a headband to a wedding? ›

Whether you go floral or simple, the wedding guest headband is a modern accessory that will turn heads. While hats and fascinators have long been a wedding staple, today's selection of headbands provide a contemporary update that's elegant, modern and budget-friendly.

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