Pretty Wedding Hairstyles for Your Bridesmaids (2024)

The best hairstyles for your bridesmaids, since the bridal party's look doesn't stop at the dress.

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Pretty Wedding Hairstyles for Your Bridesmaids (1)

You've asked your closest girlfriends to stand with you on the big day, and now you want to make sure they look and feel beautiful from head to toe. A hairstyle can be the finishing touch that keeps your girls in sync even if they're wearing mismatching bridesmaids' dresses. Or, vice versa, hairstyles can offer individuality—mismatched 'dos are a cool option, too. Either way, you may want to have a say in how your ladies wear their tresses. Bridesmaid hairstyles run the gamut from modern, wavy blowouts to natural, flowing locks topped with flower crowns. You can even ask your 'maids to give their favorite hairstyle a wedding-worthy upgrade with chic accessories. The options are endless.

In search of hairstyle inspiration for your bridesmaids? You can't go wrong with any of these looks. From buns to bombshell waves and everything in between, we've got plenty of ideas to bring to the hairdresser's chair. Get your beauty wheels turning by clicking through our favorite wedding hairstyles for 'maids here! Hey, they might even inspire your bridal hairdo—they're seriously that stunning. Give snapshots of your favorites to the stylist you've booked so that they can practice if they've never done them before. Or, share them with your squad via text—we doubt they'll protest these pretty options!

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Sleek and Straight

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Many women turn to curls for big events, but why not embrace naturally-straight hair? Alternatively, wavy-haired 'maids might want to switch their typical look up by using a flatiron.

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Short and Braided

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This bridesmaid wore a tight braid and loose ribbon curls.

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Loose Braids

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Short hair can be braided, too! Opt for a purposely-messy style to account for hairs that won't stay put.

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Dynamic Duo

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We love how these beautiful bridesmaid hairdos contrasted with the bride's own style.

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Bombshell Waves

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Go full-blown glam with bombshell waves, and your bridesmaids will be radiating confidence.

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Twisted to the Side

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This bridesmaid's simple updo was accented with a thick side twist. The style adds more volume to the look and is an easier alternative to a side braid.

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Mixed Updos

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These bridesmaids all wore updos, but they didn't lose their personal style. Different women wore different hairstyles for a not-quite-matching look.

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Half Ponytails

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For something casual but still pretty, try this half-up, half-down style. These 'maids' hairstyles were effortlessly beautiful thanks to simple, mini ponytails.

See Brides Who Wore Wedding-Worthy Ponytails

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Ribbon Crowns

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To make your girls' flower crowns extra unique, tie them in the back with ribbons.

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Matching the Bride

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Tradition had it that bridesmaids were supposed to match the bride. If you're not set on assigning them white dresses, consider having their hair mimic yours.

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Pulled Back

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The ladies in this bridal party stuck with a classic half-up, half-down style.

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Side-Braided Buns

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Braids and buns go together gorgeously. For bridesmaids with short hair, keep the side braid, but eschew the updo.

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Completely Down

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Each bridesmaid in this entourage wore their hair down. Their beauty looks appeared totally effortless as a result.

Go Inside This Fiesta-Inspired Wedding

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Sky High

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This bridesmaid's hair had plenty of volume thanks to a teased updo.

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Creative Parts

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Playing with parts is a fun way to let your hair make a wedding-worthy statement.

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Braided Up Top

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Braids above the forehead pull hair back while still allowing it to be worn down. They're also genius for taming bangs that may be growing out.

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Side-Clipped

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This clipped-back style works great for longer bangs, or just to keep strands out of bridesmaids' faces.

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Bumped Up

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A bumped-up look is an easy way to elevate a typical half-up, half-down style. Anna Nuet created these hairstyles.

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Twisted with Flowers

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Instead of a flower crown, try inserting stems into an intricate and ethereal braided look.

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Fishtail Braids

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For brides sick of the standard French braid, consider a fishtail look instead. We love it worn to the side for a relaxed, slightly-undone vibe.

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Voluminous Updos

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Who doesn't want a little volume on the big day? Full updos look great with face-framing tendrils.

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Side-Swept and Down

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Each of these bridesmaids sported loose, wavy locks, which they draped over one shoulder.

Go Inside This Colorful Wedding

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Thick Braided Crowns

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We have a soft spot for a classic milkmaid-inspired braid. It's a pretty hairstyle option for bridesmaids, especially at an outdoor wedding when they'd like to keep their hair in place.

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Pulled Back and Twisted

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This 'maid's hair had tons of texture, and her wrapped and twisted strands were especially elegant.

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Opposites Attract

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Matching dresses meant these 'maids could sport totally different hair.

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Down and Braided

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This braided look keeps hair off of the face, while also showcasing any earrings you've picked out.

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Mixed and Matched

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At this wedding, some bridesmaids donned braids, others wore twists, and one put a flower in her hair.

Find Out What Your Wedding Hairstyle Says About You

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Curled and Braided

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A braid around the crown paired with pretty curls is a foolproof hairstyle option.

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Ribbon-Tied

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How sweet is this half-up 'do, tied with a ribbon that matches the bridesmaids' dresses?

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Casual Blend

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Here, sleek ponytails with loose strands were mixed with other pulled-back styles.

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Something Special

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This stunning bridesmaid added pops of pink to her hair for extra flair.

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Flower Crowns

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A spring or summertime wedding is a perfect opportunity for fresh floral crowns, and a surefire method for making your BFFs standout from the rest of the guests. Pick flowers within your color scheme, or choose blooms that complement your wedding bouquet.

Go Inside This Greek Wedding

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Formal Updos

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Sweeping hair back into an updo creates a bridesmaid look that is elegant and formal. And with hair off of your bridesmaid's shoulders, this look becomes all about the dress you chose for the occasion.

See More from This Minneapolis Wedding

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Beachy Waves

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If you're throwing a seaside soirée, choose a hairstyle for your girls that complements the beach-chic vibe. This hairdo looks great on all hair lengths, and is especially appropriate for nautical-inspired celebrations.

Go Inside This Relaxed Wedding

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Elegant Chignons

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Chignons are a classic French look, and are a sophisticated style for your 'maids. It's also a timeless look that you'll look back on in 10 years and still love.

See More from This Romantic Wedding

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Half-Up, Half-Down

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Not sure if you want your bridesmaids to have their hair all up or all down? Combine the two with a pretty half-up, half-down look instead. Each girl can decide if she wants a center or side-part, or no part at all, so she chooses what looks most flattering for her face.

Go Inside This Cozy Wedding

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Relaxed Updos

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You'd like for your best friends to wear hair up, but still want to keep things casual. Consider a relaxed updo like this one, with loose, wind-swept pieces around the face.

See More from This Australian Wedding

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Headbands

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If you're more glam than boho, swap the flower crown for a bejeweled headband. The festive topper adds a little sparkle too, which lessens the need for extra jewelry.

Go Inside This Dreamy Wedding

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Glamorous Blowouts

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Long, beautiful hair was made to be let down. And if your bridesmaids happen to have hair just like that, a pretty and full blowout always makes for an aisle-ready hairstyle.

See More from This Indian Wedding

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To Each Her Own

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Perhaps your friends are all wearing the same shade, and that's enough to keep your group wedding photos on point. Let each bridesmaid show off her individual style by giving her carte blanche when it comes to hair. Some will wear their hair down, others in a fancy fishtail or classic updo.

Go Inside This Seattle Wedding

Pretty Wedding Hairstyles for Your Bridesmaids (2024)

FAQs

What is the best hairstyle for a bridesmaid? ›

Bridesmaid Braid Hairstyles. Braids are a great option for bridesmaids because they're so versatile. Doing a sleek, tight braid can look more formal and feel more low-maintenance. A loose, slightly messy braid can give off more of a casual, bohemian vibe that still works with a formal gown.

How should a bridesmaid wear her hair? ›

"The bride's opinion, your bridesmaid dress, the wedding venue, and time of year are all important factors when deciding on a look," says Lo, but truly the most important thing is to find a hairstyle that makes you feel like yourself." Translation: If you never wear your hair up in everyday life, don't feel pressured ...

Should bridesmaids have the same hair as bride? ›

Does the bride select the bridesmaids' hairstyles? As the bride often selects the bridesmaid dresses, the bridesmaids tend to choose their own hairstyles for the wedding. But remember it's your wedding, so just as the bridesmaids' dresses should complement your wedding dress, their hair needs to complement yours.

Should bridesmaids get hair done? ›

Uniformity and Cohesion

Having your bridesmaids' hair and makeup professionally done ensures a unified and harmonious appearance for your bridal party. Expert makeup artists and hairstylists can create a consistent look that perfectly complements your wedding theme, resulting in stunning group photos.

Do brides pay for bridesmaid 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. However, this isn't always the case.

Do bridesmaids pick their hairstyle? ›

Let bridesmaids choose their hairstyles.

As with gowns, there are not many hairstyles that flatter every person, and bridesmaids may feel they will look their best if they have a choice in the matter, thus feeling more relaxed and confident on your wedding day! Don't forget that you can always Coordinate the Details.

What not to do as a bridesmaid? ›

10 Things a Bridesmaid Should Never Do-But Always Unknowingly...
  • Complain about how she looks on the wedding day. ...
  • Drink too much. ...
  • Forego sunscreen. ...
  • Harp about costs. ...
  • Buy a size-too-small bridesmaid dress because she's sure she'll lose weight. ...
  • Play the martyr. ...
  • Weigh in on wedding decisions.
May 26, 2014

How long should bridesmaid hair take? ›

For your typical wedding hair, allot this time for each party member or guest: Brides: 60 to 90 minutes. Bridesmaids: 30 to 45 minutes. Mother of the Bride and Mother-in-Law: 30 to 45 minutes.

How to choose bridesmaids hair? ›

Tips for Choosing and Coordinating Bridesmaids Hairstyles
  1. Choose Hairstyles That Complement the Bride's Look. ...
  2. Keep in Mind Each Bridesmaids' Hair Length. ...
  3. Think About Which Hairstyles Will Enhance the Bridesmaid Dresses. ...
  4. Decide if You Want the Bridesmaids To Match Completely. ...
  5. Seek Professional Guidance.
Jan 26, 2024

Is it rude not to pay for bridesmaids hair and makeup? ›

Fortunately, covering the costs of hair and makeup services is definitely not required. If you can't pay for the services, you can still help everything go smoothly by procuring prices from your hair and makeup stylists and offering to book services for your bridesmaids in the bridal suite.

Should a brides hair be up or down? ›

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.

Who pays for bridesmaid dresses? ›

In the US, the tradition is for the bridesmaids to each pay for their own dress, regardless of who is making the final call on what the dresses will look like. The bride should try to be flexible about the kind of dresses she chooses for her girls.

Do bridesmaids give a wedding gift? ›

Standard etiquette rules state that bridesmaids should plan on gifting their friends a wedding gift. You can either pick out an item from the registry (if the couple has one) or purchase a meaningful and thoughtful piece, like monogrammed pillows for the pair's home or a photo of the duo in a flower-stuffed frame.

Do bridesmaids need to wear makeup? ›

Some people just don't wear that much makeup — and that's OK. While every bride has a very specific vision about how they want their wedding to look, there are some things that simply aren't worth "requiring" — and having your bridesmaids get their makeup done should be one of them.

How can I look better in a bridesmaid dress? ›

5 Ways to De-Uglify Your Bridesmaid Dress
  1. Wear Your Favorite Shoes. If the bride is lax about what kind of shoes you can wear underneath your dress, pick a pair that show off your personality and style. ...
  2. Add On Some Jewels. ...
  3. Get a Bold and Bright Purse. ...
  4. Alter It Just a Bit. ...
  5. Find the Right Bra.
Jun 20, 2016

Can bridesmaids have their hair down? ›

But your bridesmaids may also want to consider the style, season and vibe of your wedding. As such, we've got bridesmaids hair down styles aplenty that will work for a variety of celebrations. Be it a beach wedding, a city occasion or boho spring nuptials.

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