Elegant Mother of the Bride Hairstyles

Adding a floral pin or real flower to a messy, curled up-do makes this a hairstyle more formal.

For an effortlessly stylish look, go with beachy waves. Pin hair from each side back for an easy half-up, half-down hairstyle, but leave your bangs and a few strands in front to frame your face.

With a sleek, pulled-back side bun, a strand won’t be out of place all night. This classic look won’t disappoint.

Don’t feel like you have to style your bangs—a simple, straight style looks just as elegant as a done-up one. Ensure hair stays smooth by finishing with a hair oil and hairspray, and keep a comb in your clutch for you and the bride.

If you have naturally curly hair, you won’t feel like yourself if you let a stylist straighten it or pin it back. Let your curls do their thing.

Your daughter isn’t the only one who’s allowed to wear “something old” on her wedding day. Instead of a flower, style your hair with an antique brooch charm for a sentimental and dressy touch.

No need for fuss—who has time for that on this day? If you have a short cut, use texturizing mousse to give your hair some extra volume and ensure that it will stay. These breezy look is ideal for a daytime wedding.

This simple up-do is dressy, classy, and it will stay put when you want to dance at the reception.

Whether pixie or bob, if your hair is too short for an up-do, think volume. With a teasing comb, hairspray, and a curling iron, take your hair up a notch, literally, and it will look just as dressy as an up-do.

If you have long hair, wearing it down with effortless and glamorous waves will look so pretty in pictures.

Bring on the layers for this modern, stylish look that has movement and texture.

For a breezy look requires no bobbi pins.

Grab the hairspray Mama—we’re going retro.

When put in the hands of a stylist, even a ponytail can be appropriate for a black-tie wedding.

If your hair is too short to put up, add a dressy headband for some flare.

A headband can add some sparkle to an otherwise plain, sleek ponytail, and you won’t be worried about stray strands in pictures.

In the midst of wedding planning, don’t forget to touch up your color and highlights. Don’t try anything new (now is just not the time), and be sure you go to the salon the week of the wedding. You don’t want to be using at-home root touch-up right before the ceremony.

Channel your favorite starlet of Hollywood’s past with luscious curls.

Although the week before your daughter’s big day is no time to get a completely new haircut, if you’ve had the same bob for years and want a fresh, modern look, get your stylist to add a few layers to frame your face. An asymmetrical bob that’s a little longer in the front and shorter in the back is also flattering.

Curling your hair will automatically make your look dressier. For a subtle boost that makes a big difference in pictures, lift up a layer of hair at the crown of your head, tease (not too much!), and lay flat.

For a nighttime wedding, you want to be dolled up. A classic low bun (with some volume, of course) is classy, not fussy. Add a flower or pin for an extra element.