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 bridesmaids have their hair? ›

If you want your bridesmaids to have the same hairstyle, keep the style simple so that it can be adapted. For example, if you were to choose a half-up half-down style, you would then look at each bridesmaid and consider how it can be adjusted slightly to make it suit their face shape and hair type.

Is it normal to ask bridesmaids to pay for hair and makeup? ›

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.

How much should a bridesmaid pay for hair? ›

Typically, brides pay around $300 on average for hair and makeup, depending on the type of hairstyle, products, and wedding makeup used. Bridesmaid Hair and Makeup Costs: Around $150 per bridesmaid in your bridal party. This average cost estimates $75 for makeup and $50-75 for hairstyling.

What is the trend hair for wedding guests? ›

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.

Should bridesmaid hair be up or down? ›

A tousled up-do is one of the most popular updos for brides and bridesmaids. You can also complete it with any hair accessory, depending on your wedding style! Add some loose curls to frame the face and add definition to the look! Up-dos are also a perfect style for weddings in the heat of the summer season!

Should bridesmaids all have the same hairstyle? ›

No rule says your bridesmaids have to rock an identical look, although that's one of the options available to you (and is more traditional). These days, just like many brides are choosing to follow the mismatched bridesmaid dress trend, they're also allowing their bridesmaids to wear a hairstyle of their preference.

Who pays for bridesmaids hair? ›

The bride may agree to pay for makeup while the bridesmaid pays to get their hair done, for example. Depending on their ability, a bridesmaid may choose to do either their hair or makeup on their own to save herself or the bride money, says Shackleton.

What do brides pay for bridesmaids? ›

It's standard for the bride to cover the cost of bouquets, transportation to and from the wedding venue, and a gift to her bridesmaids. Optional costs may include hair and makeup, hotel accommodations, bridesmaids' dresses, and a bridesmaids' luncheon (if hosted by the bride).

Who pays for bridesmaids 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.

Is it rude to ask bridesmaids to pay for bridal shower? ›

Modern bridal shower etiquette states that the shower host is responsible for paying for it. Depending on the circ*mstances, this can be a lot for one person to handle, and there is nothing wrong with delegating both costs and duties.

Who chooses the bridesmaids hairstyles? ›

Some brides have total control of how their bridesmaids look and wear their hair, and other brides are more relaxed, giving the bridesmaids a choice or complete decision.

Should bridesmaids get their nails done? ›

The bride isn't the only one expected to look glammed on her wedding day. As members of the bridal party, bridesmaids should also look their best, which includes a fresh manicure.

When should bridesmaids pick out their dresses? ›

In general, you should shop about six months out to allow for the order to arrive and any alterations needed.

Should bridesmaids hair all be the same? ›

No rule says your bridesmaids have to rock an identical look, although that's one of the options available to you (and is more traditional). These days, just like many brides are choosing to follow the mismatched bridesmaid dress trend, they're also allowing their bridesmaids to wear a hairstyle of their preference.

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

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