31 Wedding Updos We Love

By Emily Platt
Updated June 17, 2020
Adrian Jon Photography

These gorgeous ideas include all of your favorite hairstyles, from romantic braids to modern ponytails.

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Adrian Jon Photography

Whether you always wear your hair back or you just want to switch your look up for the big day, you've decided you want to style your hair in a bridal updo for your wedding. You're certainly not alone—tons of women choose to. In turn, there's a huge amount of inspiration out there. Before you get overwhelmed by the options, browse through the following slides. We've compiled a manageable list of some of our favorite wedding updo ideas to make your search simple.

One of the most popular ways brides wear their hair up? In a chignon, of course! That's why we've included a number of those, including everything from a classic version and a more unique rendition. We've also come across our fair share of brides who chose a beautiful braided look. Rest assured, we've included some of those, too. Also in the mix are modern ponytails—yes, you can pull one off on your wedding day—and hairdos accented with pretty accessories (think: flowers, crowns, clips, and more). We've spotlighted styles for all types of women, whether they have long hair, medium hair, or short hair, and we've also made recommendations for different textures, from curly and wavy to pin straight.

Click through this gallery and get inspired. There's bound to be a wedding updo that suits your celebration and personal sense of style. There's also an idea for any need, no matter if you want something simple to DIY, something that'll stay put as you bust a move on the dance floor, or something complex and totally unforgettable.

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Sparkle and Shine

Sacia Matthews

A sparkling headpiece from Pantora Bridal completed this bride's classic hairstyle by Brides by Zarielle; the low bun reinforced the off-the-shoulder neckline of her wedding dress, also by Pantora.

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Twisted Knot

Clary Pfeiffer Photography

This bride went with a classic twisted bun for her big day.

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Braided Crown

Kayla Rocca Photography

We're obsessed with this bride's messy Justin Rousseau bun with a braided crown.

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Side Bangs

Emma Shourds Photography

Emily Lynn + Co. swept this bride's long bangs to the side and pulled the rest of her hair back.

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Side Braid

Amy Fanton Photography
See More Braided Wedding Hairstyles

How lovely was this braided updo by Storme Make Up?

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Curled Ponytail

Hannah Costello
See More Brides Wearing Ponytails

The Livingroom Salon gave this bride's high pony a slight and simple curl.

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Segmented Ponytail

Hugo Coelho

Not only was this ponytail chicly segmented, but it was spruced up further with floral accessories. Espaço L' Image was the genius behind the look.

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Braided Bun

Freckle Photography

This bride beautifully transformed her braids into a high bun.

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Loose Updo

Michael Radford

Don't be afraid to let some face-framing strands go free, like Tawni Yoko Jones did for this bride.

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Long Braid

Shannon Rosan
See More Wedding Hairstyles for Long Hair

Pacific Artistry designed this tousled and twisted braid.

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Simple Chignon

Abby Jiu Photography
See More Simple Wedding Hairstyles

You can't go wrong with the wedding favorite—Sisterly Love styled this example.

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Thick Braid

Lauren Apel Photo

Sometimes, bigger really is better, as this Hair & Makeup by Syd braid went to show.

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Sleek Bun

Perregaux Wedding Photography

This couple's New York Fashion Week-themed nuptials were all about sleek, refined moments—something the bride's chic updo, arranged by Cynthia Jean of D'Dami Salon, tapped into.

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Sideswept Bun

Lauren Louise Photography

This classic look by Natalya Diamond went well with the bride's simple wedding dress.

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Elegant Updo

Liz Banfield

Ash Franke Styles did this bride's hair. "I didn't want to be messing with it the day of, so I wore it up," she said.

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Inspired Updo

Michael & Carina Photography

Grace Kelly inspired this bride's clean chignon by 10.11 Makeup.

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High Updo

Terralogical

The higher the hair, the closer to heaven—or at the very least, bridal bliss. This leading lady's updo (by Sami Knight) was seriously incredible.

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Unique Hairstyle

Orange Photographie

This bride's hairstyle wasn't your typical bun—her strands were sectioned off by Brette Malmberg for an extra dose of pretty.

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Veiled Updo

Blush Wedding Photography
Learn More About Wedding Veils

If you're wearing a veil, a sleek updo like this Carol Hung Makeup Artistry one is never a bad option.

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Twisted Chignon

Mallory Dawn

We love the romantic tendrils left out of this bride's chignon by Kristen Motooka.

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Crowned Hairstyle

Maria Lamb Photography
See the Best Hairstyles for Every Wedding Dress Neckline

A Mignonne Handmade crown completed this regal twisted updo.

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Loose Curls

Sally Pinera Wedding Photography

Deidra Chattams of My Root Therapy pulled this bride's curls off her shoulders, twisting them into a loose bun at the base of her neck. A few tendrils framed her face, lending a romantic vibe come portraits.

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Floral Updo

Bonnie Sen Photography
See More Alternatives to a Wedding Flower Crown

Brides have been wearing flowers in their hair for years—why not join the club? Portland Makeup & Hair styled this tousled updo.

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Timeless Bun

Rachel Havel Photography

"It felt timeless and I knew I would want my hair out of my face," this bride said of her The Side Door Salon look, which featured a middle part.

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Intricate Updo

Lott's

A bohemian milkmaid braid by Emily van den Broek completed this bride's outfit perfectly.

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Undone

Du Soleil Photographie

With the help of Vera Wedding Hair, this bride wore an effortlessly loose, but still secure updo that held up even after hours on the dance floor.

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Braided Chignon

Lauren Peele Photography

Step up your chignon by adding in braids, as Denice Rey Hair did here.

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Voluminous Updo

Erich McVey

No flat hair here! This bride's hairstylist, Lona Makeup, bumped her 'do up.

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Styled Updo

Lindsay Hackney

Joseph Battisti Salon swept this bride's hair back for an easy updo.

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