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Let’s face it: Sometimes, attending weddings can be stressful. Whether it's in the thick of a standard wedding season, where you're attending two a month or more, or whether you're planning for the first you'll attend post-COVID restrictions. We get it; you’ve got to put together a whole look on par with that of bridesmaids and the guest list, even though you’re just a (valued) guest. You don't have a sense of the wedding's look and feel, save for the couple's wedding website, and the attire listed on the invitation. How are you to know which hairstyle will best match your look and the setting? Or, how much volume is too much volume? Lucky for you, celebrity hairstylists (and we at BAZAAR Bride) are here to give you answers.
“It’s not often you can dress up and put your hair into an elaborate updo,” explains Ryan Richman, a celebrity hairstylist who works with stars like Sarah Hyland, Alexa Demi, Madelaine Petsch, and more. “Weddings are a special occasion where you get to bump your glam and style up a notch. Longer, more volume, cool updos, and elaborate hair accessories are all appropriate at weddings,” affirms Richman.
If all this talk of wedding hairstyles sounds super fun to you—have fun and go big. But, if you’re still stuck on where to go with your wedding guest look, there are a few pointers to keep in mind. “First, have an idea of what style of wedding you’re attending,” Richman explains. “For a casual daytime wedding, you may not want an intricate updo. Pick a style that isn’t outside of your comfort zone; if you’re not used to wearing your hair up or don’t like your hair up—choose a different style.” Whatever you feel fits the occasion and works for your personal comfort level and style should be the look you choose to go for.
You are likely going to need some tools and products to execute your style of choice. "One of the most important items you’ll want in your repertoire is a great hairspray that moves well," says Bryce Scarlett, Moroccanoil celebrity hairstylist for Brie Larson, Margot Robbie, Miley Cryus, and more. “Even if your hair is clean, spray some dry shampoo at your roots before you style, in case you break a sweat dancing. Also, a travel size product for your purse is a great call for touch-ups at the wedding itself.” As for visuals to show a hairstylist or to base your self-styling on, keep reading for the best wedding guest hairstyles to wear in 2021 and beyond.
1
Soft Curls with Side Part
These super soft curls with a deep side part are an elegant-yet-simple approach for daytime or evening.
Get The Look: Finish off your sleek curls with a medium-hold hairspray—that also happens to smell amazing.
2
Ballerina Bun
Let your face be the star of the show with this clean-looking top knot.
Get The Look: This matted pomade will tame any flyaways and help you maintain a super-sleek look.
3
Middle Part Party
A middle part with big waves is a classic for a reason. This look shows you're put together without trying too hard—and isn't difficult to execute on your own.
Get The Look: Use hot rollers to achieve these soft, big waves that offset the middle part.
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4
Feed-In Braids
These feed-in braids are not only gorgeous, but they'll complement just about any outfit you're wearing, too.
Get The Look: A good edge control gel will keep your baby hairs along the hairline in a sleek, wavy pattern.
5
Half-Up, Half-Down
A half-up, half-down look is a wedding-day classic, and it will keep your hair out of your face while you kill it on the dance floor. Rather than going all up, this go-to still gives you some length at the back.
Get The Look: Add some (great smelling) texture spray to the section you're placing up to keep the volume going all night long.
6
Braided Bun
Got box braids? Twist them into an intricate braided bun that'll look chic on your friends' big day.
Get The Look: Try a bit of this restoring balm with castor, sunflower, and olive oils if your scalp is starting to feel dry or itchy.
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7
Pulled Back Pony
This pulled back pony includes all the pretty details. It's got braids at the bangs and the back, while also being slick on the sides.
Get The Look: This shine mist will give your braids an extra oomph of glow.
8
Chic and Short
Add some color to your cropped curls for a blonde, bold, short wedding guest style.
Get The Look: This hair mask will keep your top curls looking hydrated and shiny.
9
Easy Side Sweep
Keep your wedding guest look to the side for a contained, soft curl look.
Get The Look: Make sure your curl swoop stays in place with this super strong hold hairspray.
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10
Slick Wave
Got cropped hair? This throwback-inspired, slick wave will stay in place the entire wedding day while also looking elegant to boot.
Get The Look: Use a strong hold gel to hold your look in place all night long.
11
Clips Galore
Sometimes an indication of style comes not from the hair itself, but from your accessories. This easy style on Solange is case in point.
Get The Look: You don't have to empty out your wallet to get a slew of cute clips for this look. In this pack you'll get 120 clips— for just under 10 dollars.
12
Loose Bun
A loose, carefree bun is the perfect accent to almost any look, and adds a bit of effortlessness to a simple slip, or a bold look with loads of accessories, a la Margot Robbie's red carpet look, pictured here.
Get The Look: Use a curling iron to give your bang or tendrils a little bit of wave.
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13
Pulled Back Long Locks
Make your long locks (or extensions) shine with this pulled back, long, layered style that has soft curls at the ends.
Get The Look: Loosen your curl ends with a paddle brush for soft, lush-looking waves.
14
Beach Waves
Beach waves are super easy to execute—and they'll make you look like the fun, easygoing guest at the wedding—that also happens to have epic style.
Get The Look: This dry volume spray will keep your roots from falling flat.
15
Sleek Bun
A sleek, small bun is a low-maintenance look that will make your outfit and pretty face the center of attention.
Get The Look: Secure your bun with lots of bobby pins to make sure it stays in place for hours on end.
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16
The Big Bang
Big curtain bangs? Yes, yes, yes. They're bold, pretty, and can easily make a tousled hairstyle look very put together.
Get The Look: Use these no-mark clips to style your bangs while they're damp so that they sit right above your eyes once dry.
17
Elegant Pony
This elegant pony has a quirky twist, with pretty braids coming down along the sides of the ears and face.
Get The Look: This edge tool will seal fly aways on your scalp and leave your style looking super smooth.
18
All the Romance
A simple headband with loose tendrils, bangs, and/or baby hairs will make you look like a romantic fairy on the big day which will suit the vibe of the day.
Get The Look: A paired back headband is something you can use at the wedding and beyond—so it's definitely worth a splurge.
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19
Sleek Side Braids
Sleek side braids give you a put-together look that'll take you from the ceremony to dancing around at the reception—and into the wee hours of the after party.
Get The Look: Use a tailed comb to create a strong middle part that sets the braids on each side of your face.
20
High Pony
Nothing can stop this super high pony, which not only says you have daring style—but a big personality, too.
Get The Look: Wrap one of your ponytail strands around the base to cover any hair ties, then secure with bobby pins and shaping hairspray.
Janell M. Hickman-Kirby
Janell M. Hickman-Kirby is a writer and editor based in New York.
