Elegant Mother of the Bride Hairstyles

By Mary Shannon Wells
September 15, 2017
Credit: Pinterest/Pasha Belman Photographer
It’s your daughter’s wedding day–the one both of you have secretly been planning her entire life. And while you would never dare take the spotlight from her on her Big Day (she would not be pleased), you want to look your best, too. Planning this wedding has consumed your life, and it’s finally here. We know you want everything to be just perfect, and you’ll probably be adjusting bridesmaids’ flowers even as you walk into the church. In the midst of last-minute hiccups, lipstick color changes, and bridesmaid dress drama, you can’t forget to take care of yourself. When you get the photos back from the photographer, you will want to look fabulous. To ensure that you do, we’ve found the prettiest mother of the bride hairstyles for all hair lengths and types. Whether you want to go with an updo, like a twisted bun or sleek ponytail, or a hairstyle that’s just like your everyday look (with a little extra “wow”), these hairstyles are for women with short or long hair hair. Remember to bring a picture of your favorite hairstyle to the salon so that there’s no miscommunication with your stylist. It’s always a good idea to do a “trial run” with your hair stylist and makeup artist to avoid a morning-of-the-wedding meltdown. The planning is done, and the wedding is here. With these classy looks, you’ll look and feel glamorous.
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Messy, Curled Up-Do with Accent

Credit: Pinterest/Wedding Forward

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

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Curled Half-Up, Half-Down

Credit: Pinterest/Style Me Pretty/Julie Roberts Photo

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.

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Sleek Side Bun

Credit: Pinterest

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

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Smooth Bangs

Credit: Pinterest/Happy Wedd

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.

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Natural Curls

Credit: Pinterest/Style Me Pretty/Carlie Statsky

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.

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Incorporate Heirlooms

Credit: Pinterest/weddingsonline

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.

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Easy Texture

Credit: Pinterest/Trendy Bride/Josh Elliot

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.

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Smooth, Twisted Bun

Credit: Pinterest/Pasha Belman Photographer

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

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Voluminous Short Style

Credit: Pinterest/Oprah

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.

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Down and Wavy

Credit: Pinterest

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

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Layered Look

Credit: Pinterest/Anne Robert Photography

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

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Tuck a Flower By Your Ear

Credit: Pinterest/Brides/Lane Dittoe Fine Art Wedding Photography

For a breezy look requires no bobbi pins.

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Up-do with Retro Volume

Credit: Pinterest/Weddington Way

Grab the hairspray Mama—we’re going retro.

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Dressed-Up Ponytail

Credit: Pinterest/Florentyna Dawn

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

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Headband with Short Hair

Credit: Pinterest/You & Your Wedding/Ria Mishaal

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

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Headband with Long Ponytail

Credit: Pinterest/Macy's

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

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Touch Up Your Highlights

Credit: Pinterest/Wedding Chicks/Amy Riley Photography

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.

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Old Hollywood Style

Credit: Pinterest

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

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Face-Framing, Styled Bob

Credit: Pinterest/Munaluchi Bride/Your Endless Memories Photography

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.

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Curled with Volume at Crown

Credit: Pinterest/Wedding Party By WedPics

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.

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Classic Bun

Credit: Pinterest/MXM Couture

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.

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By Mary Shannon Wells