39 wedding guest hairstyles so you can show up and show out (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.

Among the anti-prim hairstyles we love are slick high ponytails, ultra-sleek, ultra long plaits, braids and pigtails, '90s loose updos worn with a modern spin, cute baby braids, mussy, sexy texture (or sexture) and accessories: the more the merrier.

Medium Length Hairstyles for Wedding Guests

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.

Consider your everyday hairstyles.

"If you usually wear it down, look for bridal blowouts. If you wear it up, look into updos or a formal ponytail. This way, when you look back at the photos from your wedding, you look like yourself, albeit a more formal version."

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.

Women should embrace wrap dresses, midi dresses or elegant jumpsuits. For men, if it's a daytime wedding, a light sport jacket, button-down shirt and relaxed chinos fit the bill. In the evening, go for darker colors, as later weddings tend to be more formal.

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.

Often done as a surprise to guests and even their new spouse, a bride will steal away before the reception or cake cutting to take some length off their tresses and have a grand reveal.

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. Weddings are expensive, and some brides can't afford hair and makeup for a large bridal party.

Medium-Length Cut with Long Layers

Hemple says long layers always give off a youthful appearance. She adds that off-center or side parts that "fall naturally in place can make the eyes seem wider to give you a more youthful appearance."

Should wedding guest dresses be short or long? ›

Women should wear a floor-length gown that does not reveal the ankles, in sumptuous fabrics like silk and organza. If the wedding seems a bit less formal, however, a sophisticated co*cktail dress might be acceptable, but be sure to consult with the bride first.

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.

It depends on what am I planning to wear as well as what kind of a wedding is it that I am attending. Usually, if I am wearing any outfit (saree, lehenga or gown) with heavy embellishments or bright shades, I prefer to tie my hair in a bun. A simple tight bun will make sure a clean look.

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 can, of course, wear your hair down - it really depends on the wedding and look you're trying to achieve. If the dress code for the wedding is formal, then you might want to follow suit with your hairstyle and go for an up-do.

Low ponytail

Like the low bun, the relaxed ponytail sits below the line of a floppy or wide-brimmed hat to finish your perfect mother of the bride look. Make sure the ends of your hair are well cared-for and healthy, and this hairstyle can look unique and classic at the same time.