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.

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.

Wedding guest hairstyles for medium length hair

“Generally, high necklines should be 'shown off' by wearing the hair up, and low necklines are offset by loose, free-flowing hair. Low ponytails are both simple and sophisticated and usually work with anything.

Go with Your Gut

At the end of the day, it really is all about what you want, so trust your instincts and choose the hairstyle you love, regardless of your gown's neckline or what you usually do with your hair. If you've always envisioned yourself with long, flowing waves on your wedding day, go for it.

The weather will actually play quite a big part in your decision. A lot of brides I photograph choose to wear their hair down during the summer months but for autumn and winter weddings updos are still more popular.

Unless the bride has made specific demands of her guests/bridal party, you are free to wear your hair in any style that makes you feel beautiful. The only thing you need to avoid is any outfit/hairstyle/makeup that could possibly outshine the bride. Keep it tasteful and simple, and you'll be just fine.

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.

Hair-down looks work great with strapless gowns or spaghetti straps. If your dress has a detailed back or a high neck, you may want to consider an updo or a half-up, half-down style. Be sure your stylist knows what your dress looks like, and they can help you find a hairstyle that works from all angles.

Women are more than welcome to wear a floor-length dress, but if you prefer a dressy, knee-length co*cktail dress, then feel free. Just make sure the dress isn't too revealing.

What is more elegant hair up or down? ›

If you're having an evening wedding, an updo can create a more formal and elegant look. If you're having a daytime wedding, a down hairstyle can create a more natural and relaxed look that is perfect for the daytime.

The main difference between a blowout and a special event hairstyle/updo is that a special event hairstyle does not involve washing the hair and is a more formal hairstyle.

There's nothing more classic than a little black dress. If you're going to a formal function then updos will work perfectly. They're elegant, sophisticated and classy. But if you want to stand out for a co*cktail party, go with something that lays low as most other people will have gone up.

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.