25 Easy Wedding Hairstyles for Guests That’ll Work for Every Dress Code

By Kaitlyn Yarborough
January 29, 2019
Credit: @beyondtheponytail
When attending a wedding, no matter if it’s a relaxed beach bash or dressy black tie affair, Southerners take the dress code seriously—from head to toe. Because you might not be walking down the aisle, but you’re definitely getting in on the photo booth and selfie shots all night long. And that means your hair game needs to be as strong as your outfit. Dress up your LBD, match your formal gown, or beat the “mid-summer wedding” heat with these wedding guest hairstyles. Whether going with the classic chignon, easy half-up style, or trendy ponytail, you’ll be ready to take on the reception in style. Find that accessories—like pretty velvet bows or statement-making bobby pins—can take a simple hairstyle to gorgeous new heights, and then wonder why you’ve never thought to add a quick braid to your trusty low pony. You’ll find major inspiration with these 25 easy wedding guest hairstyles that you can do yourself. (And more importantly, that you can do even if you’re running late!) Get ready to be the best-tressed guest.
Start Slideshow

1 of 25

Easy Half-Up Style

Credit: @kyleeheathhair

Ah, the trusty half-up—how we love you so. Simply twist two pieces of hair from each side and secure with a clear elastic. Finish it off with ribbon to match your wedding ensemble, and voilá!

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 25

Simple Chignon

Credit: @nicoledredge

This wedding hairstyle is the ultimate “I’m running late” look, and we’re not mad about it. A chignon is about as classy as it gets. Find a tutorial here.

3 of 25

Pull-Through Braid Updo

Credit: @nicoledredge

Make your fiery red strands really pop with this gorgeous look. A pull-through braid makes for an updo that goes well beyond the basic low bun. Find the tutorial here.

Advertisement

4 of 25

Braided Bob

Credit: @beyondtheponytail

You don’t need long hair to rock a braided ‘do—and here’s the proof. Give your bob a wedding-ready refresh with a quick braid.

5 of 25

Romantic Topknot

Credit: @nicoledredge

It’s your wedding-ready version of a messy bun, and you get bonus points for adding a stylish bun cuff for the occasion. If you want to show off your dress’ neckline, this is a flattering choice.

6 of 25

Curly Side Braid

Credit: @hairromance

Curly girls can get in on the action, too. Start with a diagonal French braid, and pull it into a low side ponytail. Here’s a secret: This curly wedding hairstyle will mask mid-summer humidity like nobody’s business. Find the tutorial here.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 25

Colorful Pins

Credit: @ma_coiffeuse_afro

Nothing brings the party to the reception like this simple bun with colorful pin detailing. Add a pair of statement earrings? Now we’re really talking.

8 of 25

Wrapped Mid-Pony

Credit: @barefootblondehair

Take your ponytail to voluminous new heights, and you’ll be ready to take on the reception. Leave out a piece of hair underneath to wrap around the elastic when you’re finished.

9 of 25

Short Bouffant Half-Up

Credit: @kristin_ess

Cue the bouffant-esque volume, please. This double half-up style gets a charming finishing touch with miniature velvet ribbon.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 25

Knotted Updo

Credit: @beyondtheponytail

If you’re a fan of high updos, this fresh take on a French twist should be calling your name. You can capture the look by layering two twisted buns or by knotting your hair into two buns. Throw in a stylish clip, and you’re really in business.

11 of 25

Short Hair Updo

Credit: @kristin_ess

Pull your long bob into a low bun—and seal it all with a velvet bow. This style is perfect for fall and winter weddings and adds a sophisticated touch to any nuptial guest’s outfit. (We all need inspiration when it comes to short hairstyles for wedding guests.)

12 of 25

1920’s Finger Waves

Credit: @hairandmakeupbysteph

We might just outshine the bride with this glamorous ‘do. (Though we’d never admit it.) The half-up style starts with finger waves up top and ends with volume-packed curls on the bottom.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 25

Floral Side Braid

Credit: @hairromance

This braided style is begging to make an appearance at your next outdoor spring or summer wedding. What’s even better: It takes only a couple minutes to master. Find the tutorial here.

14 of 25

Textured Ponytail

Credit: Pinterest/The Right Hairstyles

Simple and straightforward, this ponytail will feel a little more special than just leaving your hair down as-is. Tease the crown before pulling your strands into a low pony, and it’ll give a good kick of volume.

15 of 25

Glitzy Bobby Pins

Credit: @kayleymelissa

Nothing can cure your last-minute styling stress like quick curls and glitzy accessories. It helps ramp up the wow factor on a simple black tie gown. Find the tutorial here.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 25

Topsy Tail

Credit: @barefootblondehair

Imagine just layering small topsy-turvy ponytails, which is when you flip a regular ponytail inside-out. (It’s actually way easier than it looks.) Check out the tutorial here—it’ll get you started.

17 of 25

Brushed-Out Curls

Credit: @mobileweddinghairsydney

There are few styles more classic than Old Hollywood-esque waves. Simply start with big-barrel curls, let them cool completely after styling, and then brush them out before heading to the event.

18 of 25

Twisted Low Ponytail

Credit: @annette_updo_artist

It might be more ambitious than most low ponytails, but a handful of bobby pins will see you through. Layers of pinned twists dress up a simple ponytail. The tiny bow is just a charming touch.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 25

Bubble Ponytail

Credit: Pinterest/The Blessed Queens

When you’re working with curls, a bubble ponytail is an instant success. Don’t be afraid to tug on the sections to really ramp up the volume.

20 of 25

Chic Chignon

Credit: @thebeautydept

No frills necessary. This classic chignon is perfect for the most dressy of weddings—we’re talking black tie or white tie. Find the tutorial here.

21 of 25

Trendy Ponytail

Credit: @thebeautydept

We’re calling this look the “too-cool-for-you” ponytail. It makes every wedding outfit just a tad bit more trendy. Get ready to rake in the compliments. Find the tutorial here.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 25

Short Half-Up Style

Credit: @kayleymelissa

We’re here for any style that takes only a little time and effort. Dress up your bob with a half-up hairstyle that uses pearl-laden pins. Find the tutorial here.

23 of 25

Upside-Down Braided Ponytail

Credit: @beyondtheponytail

It’s amazing what a braid can add to the simplest of hairdos. It gives an instant injection of style to this high ponytail—with or without the ring accessories! Find a similar tutorial here.

24 of 25

Upside-Down Braided Topknot

Credit: A Beautiful Mess

Statement-making hair color? Check. Statement-making hairstyle? Double check. This upside-down braided bun is the cutest thing we’ve seen all day. Get the tutorial here.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 25

Braided Chignon

Credit: @kayleymelissa

Consider this style the more laidback version of a classic chignon. With a quick braid, you’re set with an easy updo that works from beach wedding to black tie. Find the tutorial here.

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By Kaitlyn Yarborough