Elegant Wedding Guest Hairstyles You Can Do at Home (2024)

Elegant Wedding Guest Hairstyles You Can Do at Home (1)

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Who doesn’t love a good wedding? Free food, plenty of drinks, a dance floor, and the perfect excuse to get all dressed up and have something new to post on the ’gram. And even better if you’re not actually in the wedding as a bridesmaid, since you get to do and wear whatever the hell you want (within reason, I guess).

What about your hair though? Because you're gonna need more than one look. To help you out faster than a Pinterest board, check out these 20 wedding guest hairstyles to get you through the rest of 2019.

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1

Barrette Ponytail

The tiniest switches sometimes make the biggest impressions. If you favor the low ponytail, swap your hair tie with a statement barrette or two instead.

2

Bouncy Curls

Once you've mastered styling your own curls, every day will be a good curl day. Bouncy hair like this is perfect for any occasion, including weddings.

3

Low Bun and Lots of Barrettes

The secret to not overdoing it with over-the-top hair barrettes is by balancing it with a simpler style, like this low loose bun.

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4

Long, Low Ponytail

A sleek and sexy ponytail like this one is equally as stylish as it is functional. When the bouquet toss comes, you'll be more than ready with your hair tied back.

5

Beachy Low Bun

If beach waves are kinda your thing, no need to totally change them. With a soft, low bun like this one, you'll get the same effortless vibe but with a little more effort put into it.

6

'90s Blowout

If you're tired of the long, loose waves of the last few years, revisit the trends of another decade. Who knew a late '90s/early '00s hairstyle could feel so refreshing? This voluminous blowout would go perfectly with a simple slip dress.

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7

Voluminous Low Ponytail

Be careful with this dreamy ponytail—it's so good, you just might take the attention away from the bride.

8

Faux Fringe

The love between the couple is real, but your bangs don't have to be. When you can make fake fringe look this good, why even bother going through the grow-out process later on? Leave the tail out of your high bun and you'll have everyone thinking they're legit.

9

Loose Twist

If you're in the wedding, you might not want to be too trendy, but if you're a guest, you can lean as far into the '90s trend as you want. This style is the updated, upside-down version of the fountain ponytail. It's a twist on a twist, if you will.

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10

Slicked Back Strands

Outdoor weddings are unpredictable. Start with a wet look like the one shown here, and you won't be stressed about your hair if it starts to rain.

11

Tousled French Twist

Updos like the French twist usually suck to try to do on yourself. One tiny bump or rogue hair and you have to start completely over. But if you keep it tousled like this, loose strands are the goal.

12

Half-Up Ponytail

Think your hair's too short for a ponytail? Well, it ain't. Pull the front up as high as you can, leave the back down, pull some pieces out around your face, and boom. You've got yourself a short ponytail.

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13

A Braided Updo

Braids are one of those hairstyles that just looks good from all angles. Wear yours down, or pull them up in a style like this one. You really, really can't go wrong.

14

Soft Waves

If your hair is short and fine, add a little body and movement with loose, airy waves. Best part with a soft look like this? It's okay if your curls fall out throughout the night (that's kinda what you're going for).

15

Soft and Slicked Strands

Ceremony in the front, reception in the back. This look features both slicked strands (key for keeping your hair out of your face) and romantic loose waves.

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16

Double Buns With Bows

Sure, the day isn't about you, but you still want to look fire, right? It's totally acceptable to put a little more time and effort into your hairstyle than usual, but this one only looks complicated. If you can twist your hair into a bun, you can copy this updo yourself. Slap a few velvet bows on it, and you're set.

17

Topknot

With all the wind and humidity of a beach wedding, don't try to do too much with your hair (because spoiler: it won't last). A simple high bun suits the carefree vibes of an outdoor ceremony.

18

Raked Back Strands

If you always style your short hair the same way, you're missing out on a lot of good hair moments. Take this look for instance. With a little styling cream and a rake of your fingers, you can transform your everyday bob into a look fit for a wedding.

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19

Half-Bun

Torn between wearing your hair up and wearing it down? That's why this half-up hairstyle was invented. Like two looks in one, the half-bun gives you the best of both styles.

20

Sleek Bun

When you're out of breath and covered in sweat from all the Cha-Cha-Sliding, you'll be thankful you went with a tight bun like this.

Elegant Wedding Guest Hairstyles You Can Do at Home (22)

Brooke Shunatona

Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan.com.

Elegant Wedding Guest Hairstyles You Can Do at Home (2024)

FAQs

How can I style my hair at home as a wedding guest? ›

Try a half-up, half-down style, but instead of pulling some of the hair back, braid it instead. It will still show off your length while giving you plenty of textured goodness. Look for medium-length wedding hairstyles for guests. Try this gorgeous braided bob, and make sure there is a deep side part for extra drama.

What is the easiest wedding hairstyle for a guest? ›

Easy Half-Up Style

Ah, the trusty half-up—how we love you so. Simply twist two pieces of hair from each side and secure them with a clear elastic. Finish it off with ribbon to match your wedding ensemble and voilá!

Should you wear your hair 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 wedding guest wear flowers in hair? ›

It's a rule that only a bride wears a tiara at a wedding or any kind of crown in her hair (like flowers). You may love that festival look and want nothing more than to wear a crown of flowers to your best friend's wedding but leave that part up to her.

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 should I wear my hair to try on wedding dresses? ›

If you're planning on wearing your hair down on your wedding day and, therefore, want to do the same during your bridal appointment, it's best to bring a hair tie or clip in case you need to put your hair up while trying on certain styles.

Is it okay to do your own hair and makeup for wedding? ›

While most brides enlist a professional makeup artist to help them look and feel their best on their wedding days, doing your own glam is a worthwhile alternative to consider. For one, going the DIY route gives you full control over your look, says makeup artist Reina Kim.

Should I wash my hair before getting it styled for a wedding? ›

With a freshly shampooed and conditioned head of hair, your stylist can create a custom co*cktail of products to help achieve the perfect look. Instead of washing 2-3 days prior, we suggest shampooing/conditioning the night before at the very earliest. Even better, shampoo and condition the morning of the wedding!

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