33 of the Best (and Easiest) Wedding Guest Hairstyles (2024)

With wedding season in full swing, we've been busy cherry-picking the bestwedding-guest dressesand deciphering the biggest bridal trendsfor the rest of the year. What can I say? We're in the mood for love. But what about those finishing touches? More specifically: I'm talking wedding-guest hair.

Havingpersonally experienced the panic of trying to secure a pearl hair clip when you're meant to be jumping in a taxi for the church, I am all about putting as much thought into special occasion hairstyles as I would my dress. (After all, nobody wants to be the person who arrives to a wedding after the bride—especially when you've only got a hair accessory to blame.) So to prevent you from reliving my own last-minute hair panic, I've rounded up a whole lot of wedding-guest hairstyle inspiration so that you can plan ahead.

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(Image credit: @JEANNINE.ROXAS)

To keep things super straightforward, I've identified a few simple styles that will take just minutes to do and work for all hair types. Think buns, twisted updos, and ponytails.Keep scrolling for 33 of the best (and easiest) wedding-guest hairstyles for a stress-free wedding season.

1. Buns and Updos

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(Image credit: @AYSHA.SOW)

This elegant bun will keep your hair off your face all day and is also the perfect hairstyle for showing off your wedding-guest earrings.

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Even short hair can make a bun work asTyLynn proves. Just wear yours low, at the nape of your neck and team with statement earrings for added impact.

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(Image credit: @LINDSEYHOLLAND_)

A simple low bun takes seconds to do, is perfect for keeping your hair off your face during a summer wedding and looks even more stylish when you leave a few strands loose around your face—see above. (A definite plus if you aren't the best at styling your own hair!)

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(Image credit: @NNENNAECHEM)

Nnenna takes the low bun to the next level with her covetable hair clip stack. I love how she's teamed the eclectic accessories with a printed dress for a maximalist approach to wedding-guest dressing.

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(Image credit: @SASHA.MEI)

A chic low bun is both easy to achieve and a perfect way to let statement earrings do the talking.

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(Image credit: @SYLVIEMUS_)

Proving thathair clips aren't just for casual weekend topknots,Sylvie twists her hairfrom the nape of her neck and secures with a single claw clip for a sophisticatedstyle. If you've got a fringe, leave this loose for a cool-girl finish.

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(Image credit: @PEONYLIM)

All of our fashion friends are wearing hair scarves right now, and when they look as elegant as Peony's, it's easy to see why. Tie one around a high bun and leave the ends loose for a romantic wedding-guest look.

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(Image credit: @STEPHANIEBROEK)

A more modern take on Johanne's butterfly clip, Stephanie's dishevelled hair twist is all about the statement hair clips. Leave some hair loose around your face, and let the ends of your hair poke out for a boho vibe.

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The half-up, half-down hairstyle takes approximately 30 seconds to do and genuinely looks great on everyone. It's a great option if, like me, you prefer wearing your hair down but want to try something a little different for a special occasion.

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(Image credit: @ADA_OGUNTODU)

What's better than one bun? Two, of course. Ada's high bunches look as cute as a button and are a great option for a more unique wedding-guest hairstyle.

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(Image credit: @ROSIEHW)

Rosie is the queen of simple red carpet dressing—and her hairstyles are no exception. Unlike some of the buns above, this one is all about that sharp middle parting and sleek strands. So elegant.

Shop Our Favourite Styling Product For Buns & Updos:

33 of the Best (and Easiest) Wedding Guest Hairstyles (13)

Hair by Sam McKnight

Modern Hairspray Multi-Task Styling Mist

Secure your updo of choice with the Who What Wear UK team's favourite hairspray.

2. Ponytails

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(Image credit: @CASSKLATZKOW)

Cassandra's low ponytail not only looks super luxe but draws attention to the back detailing on our slinky orange dress perfectly.

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Coolgirls likeElif are opting for simple plaits kept in place with neutral hair ties. Love it.

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(Image credit: @AUDE_JULIE)

Aude-Julie'ssuper-high ponytail plait is giving me major '90s vibes, and I'm here for it.So fresh.

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(Image credit: @SORAYABAKHTIAR)

If you have long, thick hair, then a high ponytail is the perfect way to show it off. Curl your lengths to add even more texture and movement.

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(Image credit: @PEONYLIM)

Alow ponytail with an outfit-coordinated scrunchie likePeony's manages to be both practical and cool.

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There's a definite risk of upstaging the bride if you went for this full J.Lo ensemble, but this sleek ponytail will look stylish whatever wedding-guest dress you're wearing.

(Image credit: @SYMPHANISOTO)

Symphani's smoothed-back ponytail and perfectly curled face-framing strands are so damn chic.

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I'm in love with Laura's bouncy ponytail. The wavy ends create a really glam look that is perfect for the evening wedding reception.

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(Image credit: @TAMARAMORY)

In a rush? You can't go wrong with a sleek, straight ponytail.

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(Image credit: @VICTORIABECKHAM)

VB keeps it classic as always with a skinny twist of black ribbon to secure her swept-back pony.

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(Image credit: @JORJASMITH_)

High ponytails are clearly having a moment—which is why they're a perfect wedding-guest option. Jorja Smith keeps things sleek at the root and volumised through the ends.

Shop Our Favourite Styling Product For Ponytails:

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BeautyPie

Coconut Water Heat Shield Blow Dry Spray

Get a shiny, glossy pony with BeautyPie's hero spray.

3. Hair Down

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(Image credit: @SABOTAJ)

For fun,party-led weddings a diamanté clippairs perfectly withtousled waves like Timaj's.

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(Image credit: @EMMANUELLEK_)

Make like Emmanuelle and jazz up a down 'do with double the hair clips.

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Opt for a deep side parting like Freddie to transform your hair down game for wedding season.

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(Image credit: @PATSYONEILLMAKEUP)

Holly's beachy waves + embellished hair clips = the dreamiest wedding-guest hairstyle.

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Celebrities are going wild for headbands, and so are the fashion set, as demonstrated by Monikh. This is the fascinator of 2023.

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(Image credit: @YARASHAHIDI)

The combination of a side parting and a hair clip seems to be the way that cool girls like Yara are embracing special occasion hairstyles this year.

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(Image credit: @BRITTANYBATHGATE)

Jazz up a simple hair-down style by adding in some cute hair clips on either side of a centre parting like Brittany. It's still within your hair comfort zone but has a special-occasion edge.

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(Image credit: @LIVINGWITHLOTTE)

So sleek. So simple. Lotte's straight bob is anything but basic with this embellished hair slide. This would look great with literally any wedding guest outfit.

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Sometimes you just want to go glam, and EmRata's voluminous retro waves are simply perfect.

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Make like the French girls and keep your hairstyle simple and your headbands sleek, just like Chloé.

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(Image credit: @MARISSA.MARINO)

Selena's vintage waves and hair slide would pair perfectly with a tea dress for the prettiest of wedding-guest outfits.

Shop Our Favourite Styling Product ForWearing Your Hair Down:

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Jennifer Behr

Juno Set of Five Gold-Tone Crystal Hair Slides

Add a touch of sparkle with these pretty slides.

This postwas originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated

NextUp:5 Wedding Hairstyles That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Experts

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33 of the Best (and Easiest) Wedding Guest Hairstyles (2024)

FAQs

How should I wear my hair as a guest at a wedding? ›

Formal wedding guest hair etiquette

Hair should be well groomed. You want to look dressy, sleek and polished - aim for short, slick side partings, barrel tonged waves, ballerina buns and textured updos.

What is the easiest wedding hairstyle for a guest? ›

A twisted half-up half-down style is the ultimate wedding guest hairstyle because it looks like you spent a lot of time on it. Take two pieces of hair from the front of your head and twist them. Pin them together in the back of your head, and you're done.

Is it better to wear hair up or down for wedding? ›

Consider Your Wedding Dress Neckline

"If you are wearing a strapless dress, either hair down or half up, half down will look pretty and feminine while still showing off the neckline," advises Mar. Loose waves and a soft, flowing style is key. If your dress has a higher neckline, our pro says to consider an updo.

What is the most popular wedding hairstyle? ›

Half Up, Half Down Hair

Half up, half down hair is one of the most popular wedding hairstyles for short and long hair. This timeless look will never go out of style. Half updos are the perfect fit for veils and other accessories. It can also be paired with all the styles mentioned above.

Can you wear your hair up as a wedding guest? ›

Unless the bride has made specific demands of her guests/bridal party, you are free to wear your hair in any style that makes you feel beautiful. The only thing you need to avoid is any outfit/hairstyle/makeup that could possibly outshine the bride. Keep it tasteful and simple, and you'll be just fine.

What is the hair color for weddings in 2024? ›

Pastel Elegance: Embracing the whimsy of spring, pastel hair colors are making a statement in 2024. Subtle pastel pinks, blues, and lavenders add a playful and modern twist to traditional wedding looks. Bold Reds: Breaking away from tradition, some brides are opting for bold reds to make a striking statement.

Who pays for wedding hair? ›

The Answer: It Depends. There's no definitive answer of who foots the bill on bridal party glam. That said, the bride or the bridesmaids will pay for the bridal party's hair and makeup. Some brides cover the cost of glam as a “thank you” to their friends for supporting the wedding.

How do you coordinate wedding hair and makeup? ›

A Bride's Guide to Creating a Hair and Makeup Timeline for the Wedding Morning
  1. Determine who will be getting hair and makeup done professionally.
  2. Secure your hair and makeup team.
  3. Figure out when you'll need to be in your wedding dress.
  4. Put together a backwards timeline.
  5. Give yourself more time than less.
Sep 4, 2019

How do I organize my hair and makeup for my wedding? ›

First, start with 30 minute time increments and then add columns to match the number of artists you have. You can then start plugging in names and figuring out who should go first, second, third etc. Make sure you decide if you would like to go first versus last and add yourself in.

Can I wear my hair down at a wedding? ›

Unless the bride has made specific demands of her guests/bridal party, you are free to wear your hair in any style that makes you feel beautiful. The only thing you need to avoid is any outfit/hairstyle/makeup that could possibly outshine the bride. Keep it tasteful and simple, and you'll be just fine.

Can you wear your hair down for wedding? ›

Hair-down looks work great with strapless gowns or spaghetti straps. If your dress has a detailed back or a high neck, you may want to consider an updo or a half-up, half-down style. Be sure your stylist knows what your dress looks like, and they can help you find a hairstyle that works from all angles.

Should I wear my hair up or down for a formal event? ›

While your dress doesn't have to dictate how you wear your hair, it's still a good check point if you're on the fence. Dresses with high necklines tend to be more formal, so an up-do would be the most appropriate. Plus, an up-do will prevent any hair from getting caught on the dress—a double win!

Can I wear a ponytail as a wedding guest? ›

An ultra-sleek ponytail looks downright regal at any wedding, particularly when it's paired with statement earrings and a bold cat eye like actress Lana Condor. Bonus: This is an simple wedding guest hairstyle to do yourself.

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