35 Easy Wedding Guest Hairstyles For Every Dress Code

Southerners take dress codes seriously—from head to toe. So, if you're attending a wedding in the South this year, no matter if it's a relaxed beach bash or dressy black-tie affair, you'll want to consider your hair.

As a wedding guest, you might not be walking down the aisle, but you'll be posing for pictures and hitting the dance floor, and that means your hair game needs to be as strong as your outfit. Whether choosing the classic chignon, effortless half-up style, or trendy ponytail, you'll be ready to take on the ceremony and reception in style.

With these 30 easy wedding guest hairstyles that you can do yourself, get ready to be the best-dressed guest. Read on for all the inspiration you need!

A Party Pony

Wrapped High Pony — Credit: @kristin_ess

Nothing says "I'm ready to party" quite like a party pony. This style allows you to keep your hair up and out of your face (hello, dancing!). It's also a great choice if you want to show off a statement dress or bold eye.

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Braid with Volume

braided hairstyle — Credit:
@thisislaurendavis

It's no secret that ladies in the South love volume. This look lets you accomplish that with teasing at the hair's crown, but also allows for some fun with a half updo and loose braid and bow in the back.

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Ballerina Bun

Sometimes, simple is best. Pull back a sleek low bun and accent with a clip. Consider leaving out a few strands of hair to frame around the face.

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Slicked-back Pony

Curly Pony — Credit: @ashleyantoinebeauty

Attending a black-tie wedding? Go full-on glam with a hairstyle worthy of the red carpet. This pulled-back pony is done by a professional, but the look is quite easy to accomplish on your own. The trick is in using a hair wax or pomade stick to avoid flyways.

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Romantic Updo

Folded Voluminous Updo — Credit: Pinterest/Once Wed

This updo is romantic enough for a bride or bridesmaid, but that doesn't mean you can't try it as a guest. This is a nice option if you have curly hair.

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Clipped-Back Middle Part

Big Shoulder-Grazing Curls — Credit: @natalieannehair

Whether you have textured curls or a sleek cut, pinning back each side of your part makes a chic option. Accent with clips for a little extra dose of style.

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Messy Bun With a Bow

Tied with a Velvet Bow — Credit:
@clairebalest

Simple, yet chic, a messy bun can work for a special occasion with the addition of a velvet bow. Match the ribbon to your dress, and be sure to keep the overall look in check by spritzing on an extra dose of hairspray.

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A Dressy Headband

Much like a bow, a dressy headband can add that extra "something" to an already gorgeous hairstyle. When dressing for special occasion, just be sure the accessory matches the dress code in both material and style.

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Braided Wraparound Bun

Adding a braid enhances any style, including a low bun. Braid one side all the way down, and then wrap it around the base of your bun.

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Simple Chignon

This wedding hairstyle is the ultimate "I'm running late" look, and we're not mad about it. Find a tutorial here for a chignon that is as classy as it gets.

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Relaxed High Bun With Face-Framing Pieces

Messy Bun With Face-Framing Pieces — Credit:
Instagram/@veronica_nunez

Nothing will pull your look together like a sleek high bun—and no one will be the wiser if you're rocking second-day hair. Leave out side pieces of hair to frame the face.

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Double Knotted Updo

Stack two buns on top of each other for an updo that is so much easier to do than it looks. Use pins to save any strands that might fall out, and it'll also pull the two buns together.

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A Braided Focal Point

Half-Braided Low Pony — Credit: @kathleen_hair

Love the look of a braid but want something more unexpected? Use a tight braid at the base of your neck to tie the hair together, then let your waves shine in a pretty, loose pony.

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Brushed-Out Curls

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

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Super Slicked-back Pony

Super Slicked Low Pony — Credit: @veronica_nunez

This photo is proof of how hair and makeup can work together to accomplish a look. Recreate and draw attention to your face by simply pulling hair back in a center part and adding a statement eye shadow and nude lip.

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Chic Chignon

No frills are necessary. This classic chignon is perfect for the most dressy of weddings—we're talking black-tie or white-tie.

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Short Bouffant Half-Up

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

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Pull-Through Braid Updo

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

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Short Half-Up Style

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.

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Romantic Topknot

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

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Easy Half-Up Style

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

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1920s Finger Waves

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.

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Curly Side Braid

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.

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Colorful Pins

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.

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Wrapped Mid-Pony

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.

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Short Hair Updo

Pull your long bob into a low bun and seal it with a velvet bow. This style is perfect for fall and winter weddings and adds a sophisticated touch to any nuptial guest's outfit.

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Knotted Updo

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 knotting your hair into two buns. Throw in a stylish clip, and you're really in business.

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Textured Ponytail

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.

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Topsy Tail

Imagine just layering small topsy-turvy ponytails when you flip a regular ponytail inside-out. (It's way easier than it looks.) This tutorial will get you started.

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Glitzy Bobby Pins

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.

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Twisted Low Ponytail

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.

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Trendy Ponytail

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.

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Braided Chignon

Consider this style the more laidback version of a classic chignon. With this easy updo, you're ready for a beach wedding to a black-tie event with this quick braid.

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Bubble Ponytail

When 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.

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Floral Side Braid

This braided style is begging you to make an appearance at your next outdoor spring or summer wedding. What's even better: It takes only a couple of minutes to master.