A wedding is a special day for everyone involved, making choosing among the best wedding guest hairstyles an important—if somewhat fraught—affair. There are rules, after all. Everyone knows, for example, that white ensembles are a non-starter—but when it comes to your hair, how do you create a look that’s striking but not distracting?
Start by considering yourself an addition to the existing aesthetic rather than an embellishment. “Always make sure that you feel beautiful and confident but never take away from the bride,” says hairstylist Ricky Fraser. “A wedding guest should always follow the lead of the bride and the setting of the event.” Fraser suggests avoiding extravagant or over-the-top styles in favor of romantic classics like a low ponytail or a chic chignon.
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“Try to keep it on the semi-formal side,” adds celebrity hairstylist Ahn Co Tran, who recommends keeping hair accessories minimal and overall styling soft.
The conversation around bridal styling (and those of the revelers) is ever-evolving, and a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, a wealth of beauty inspiration exists courtesy of the red carpet.
Here, find 45 wedding guest hairstyle ideas inspired by celebrity looks.
1. Sleek Midi Ponytail
A pitch-perfect ponytail is always the right choice. To help make it wedding-worthy, opt for a slicked texture at the crown, a midi positioning, and a brushed, polished ponytail. (And when in doubt, add a ribbon!)
2. Partially Pinned Waves
Even the most mussed of air-dried texture is provided some polish with this simple Taylor Swift-approved trick. Pin back one side of your loose lengths, leaving tendrils loose in front of the ears for some spritely glamour.
3. An Organic Updo
Another variation of the piled-high updo, FKA Twigs’s coils and curls help to create an organic and sculptural style. Taut tendrils help to keep the style gentle and wedding-worthy.
4. Tightly-Curled Updo
Kerry Washington’s natural texture is the star of this piled-high updo. Curls and ringlets spill over the forehead and around the crown for a striking, stylish, and effortlessly glamorous look.
5. Sleek Updo
If your aim is to get your hair out of your face, there’s nothing quite like a sleek, partially pared updo. Twist in a neat midi knot or pin in a looser twist for a personalized style.
6. Ribboned Braid
A black satin ribbon is an undoubtedly romantic hair accessory. A low braid with bangs is transformed into a wedding-ready style with the addition of a binding bow.
7. Twisted Low Knot
Parted at the center, twisted at the sides, and secured at the nape of the neck, this slicked style is simple and sophisticated. The hair also keeps focus on the face, creating the opportunity for a makeup moment.
8. Kiss Curl
Whether you’re rocking a sleek updo or a polished pixie a la Taylor Russell, shaping bangs into a neat kiss curl channels the romance of the day. Be sure to finish with a mist of hairspray so the style stays in place.
9. Finger-Raked Ponytail
Whether worn high, at mid-level, or bound at the nape of the neck, a classic ponytail is made more romantic through finger-raked texture, loose flyaways, and some natural wave.
10. Braided Updo
Florence Pugh is known for her artistic updos, and this one is worthy of recreation. Sleek and slicked-back, a single braid leads to a braided bun in a style bound to inspire ample (but not too much!) attention.
11. Slicked Midi Knot
Slicked back translates to instantaneous style. Tracee Ellis Ross’s midi knot is a study in the art of the sleek and simple updo, one that oozes chic nonchalance and modern romance.
12. Loose and Low Ponytail
The ease of a low ponytail is elevated by finger-raked texture and freed, softly curled strands. While Gemma Chan dresses up the style with earrings, a well-placed diamanté barrette could have a similar effect.
13. Tousled Texture
There’s no need to over-complicate things—sometimes, tousled lengths are the quickest route to an idyllic look. Lean into subtle waves maximized by natural shine, demonstrated here by Kaia Gerber.
14. Updo With Bangs
Some updos are better with bangs. Selena Gomez’s sumptuous updo is framed by full, glossy bohemian bangs slightly separated at the center and giving way to loose, wavy tendrils.
15. Woven Top Knot
This top knot is super stylized, but not so much that it detracts from the couple’s star power. Comb lengths into a high-slung pony before braiding or twisting sections into a confectionary knot.
16. Mussed Waves
Channel your inner Parisian with easy and mussed (yet shiny) waves. Whether you come by the texture naturally or rely on a curling iron, this loose and romantic style is further by a few flyaways.
17. Piled-High Updo
Hair worn piled high on the head exudes a soft and sultry style. Make like Kendall Jenner and into the nature of this updo by parting the front section and loosening strands strategically.
18. Midi Knot With Baby Bangs
Another sleek style that focuses on the fringe, Zoe Kravit’s slicked-back midi knot becomes sweet and classic with the addition of soft and slightly side-swept baby bangs.
19. Soft Curls
When in wedding guest doubt, you can’t go wrong with a mane of soft curls. For a touch of extra glam, take a cue from Laura Harrier and part to the side rather than down the middle.
20. Bangs and Tendrils
Rowan Blanchard’s confectionary updo is further sweetened by rounded baby bangs and a wealthy of loose, curled tendrils. The delicate ringlets scream Old World romance.
21. Straight Lengths
For a loose style that’s a little less on the nose, straight and polished lengths are a simple win. Make like Olivia Rodrigo and go for perfected, not-a-hair-astray gloss to keep the style formal enough for wedding wear.
22. Half-Up Bouffant
This half-up style is defined by waves, ample face-framing strands, and a bouffant-inspired lift at the crown. Though honoring the general shape is important, it’s best not to be too precious with this sort of style—the charm is in the ease.
23. Adorned Updo
This unique sculptural updo maximizes Lupita Nyong’o’s natural texture, and is made all the more occasion-worthy with the addition of a gold chain woven throughout. Consider supplementing any updo with a similar accessory.
24. Old Hollywood Waves
One cannot discuss long hairstyles without considering Blake Lively’s contribution to the canon. Here, the actor’s deep part and polished waves offer an allusion to Old Hollywood glamour.
25. Bombshell Updo
A loose, effortless updo is an option for all hair lengths and textures. Simply part hair to the side, sweep lengths up, and pin in place, leaving a wealth of loose strands to frame your face.
26. Low Knot With Kiss Curls
Yara Shahidi’s low-slung sleek knot could skew severe, were it not for the trio of kiss curls gelled along her forehead. The whimsical edges function as something of an accessory.
27. Low Ponytail With Twists
Twists on each side of the style are a quick and pretty means of elevating your parted low ponytail. This style can be easily individualized with soft braids, details creating a subtle crown effect.
28. Romantic Waves
Hailey Bieber’s softly kinked waves are made more striking through their seemingly air-dried texture. Opt for your natural part and apply a favorite hair oil for shine and polish—it is a special occasion, after all.
29. Windswept Bouffant
A classic updo is the perfect choice for a wedding look. Rather than wearing your bouffant polished in place, opt for a touch of flyaway texture for a sweet and accessible look.
30. Mussed Top Knot
Another take on the top knot, Emily Blunt’s updo has a finger-raked feel. On closer inspection, a small braid at the center adds structure (and visual interest) to the style.
31. Bouffant and Loose Lengths
Camila Morrone’s mane strikes a balance between waves and straight, sleek sections at the front giving way to more organic texture throughout. But the real star here is the slight lift at the back, creating the look of a subtle bouffant.
32. Sculptural Chignon
The romance of a classic chignon gets a modern upgrade when created with taut, interwoven twists. Gabrielle Union achieves extra drama with a super deep side part.
33. Romantic Half-Up
Soft waves are afforded more sophistication when partially pinned. Nicole Kidman’s half-up style is easy to execute and individualize—secure sections as loosely or tautly as you please.
34. Coifed Curls
Natural texture makes for a striking statement, particularly when paired with a stylized cut. Jodie Turner-Smith’s cropped curls are romantic all on their own, especially when finished with easy bangs.
35. Top Knot With Face-Framing Strands
The easy and timeless top knot is easily personalized for wedding guest wear. This version, worn by Miranda Kerr, centers on loose, face-framing strands that help soften the style.
36. Bombshell Blowout
You can’t go wrong with loose lengths, and Margot Robbie’s somewhat structural bombshell blowout is undeniably striking. Be sure to style with products for shine and hold—this look is all about finished, glossy texture.
37. Curly Updo
Another updo made more effective with the help of organic texture. Lori Harvey’s curls transmute a standard top knot into something more, that feels furthered by tendrils left to fall around the face.
38. French Roll
The French roll is back in a big way, and the luxe throwback style is an ideal wedding guest look. The updo’s elegance is tempered by a cool, ’90s feel.
39. Flippy Bob
A flippy bob is chic yet jaunty, and a step up from your usual styling. The key to this look is a polished, flyaway-free finish. Bedhead girlies, scroll on.
40. Classic Bun
The midi ballet bun is always event-ready. A barely-there center part and teeny-tiny loose tendrils strike the perfect balance between modern and romantic.
41. Boho Midi
Midi pony, but make it boho. The easy style gets an instant upgrade when set off by soft curtain bangs, along with an extra loose strand or two at the front.
42. Low Pony
This low pony packs all of the appeal of a mane of mermaid waves, with a refined twist. Secured at the nape of the neck and with a romantically raked crown, this pony can be pulled over one shoulder or left to swing down the back.
43. Demure Pony
Make like Ariana and take your beauty cues from Bridgerton. With a gently swept baby bang, the high pony is suddenly swept into a Rengency-era affair.
44. Swept-Up Half-Up
In true bridesmaid fashion, a wedding-ready updo is always better with a little lift. Half-up hair swept back and teased up offers an element of softness ideal for the occasion.
45. Polished Updo
When in doubt, slick it back. Whether you prefer a knot, bun, or pony, immaculate sleekness separates the updo from everyday to special day.
Meet the Experts
Ricky Fraser is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist whose clients include Kali Uchis and Nicole Richie.
Ahn Co Tran is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist whose clients include Gwyneth Paltrow and Maya Hawke.
