Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Wedding Planning & Advice Wedding Party Bridesmaids Pretty Wedding Hairstyles for Your Bridesmaids By Allison Fox Allison Fox Website Allison Fox was a terribly shy four year old flower girl at her cousin's wedding, which took place in Allison's backyard. You'd think she would feel comfortable on her own territory—but no. When it was her turn to walk down the aisle, Allison clutched the back of her older sister's dress until she reached the altar, never fulfilling her job of sprinkling petals. These days, the MSW contributing writer rides nobody's coattails and can be found on the dance floor during weddings. Unless they are serving dessert, in which case Allison has definitely taken a seat. Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 7, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Michael Radford The best hairstyles for your bridesmaids, since the bridal party's look doesn't stop at the dress. 01 of 42 Michael Radford 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! Get the Best of Wedding Beauty 02 of 42 Sleek and Straight Ether and Smith 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. 03 of 42 Short and Braided Rebecca Yale Photography This bridesmaid wore a tight braid and loose ribbon curls. 04 of 42 Loose Braids Katie Grant Photography Short hair can be braided, too! Opt for a purposely-messy style to account for hairs that won't stay put. 05 of 42 Dynamic Duo Sorella Muse We love how these beautiful bridesmaid hairdos contrasted with the bride's own style. 06 of 42 Bombshell Waves Lauren Peele Photography Go full-blown glam with bombshell waves, and your bridesmaids will be radiating confidence. 07 of 42 Twisted to the Side Marissa Lambert Photography 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. 08 of 42 Mixed Updos Clayton Austin These bridesmaids all wore updos, but they didn't lose their personal style. Different women wore different hairstyles for a not-quite-matching look. 09 of 42 Half Ponytails 2 Brides Photography 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 10 of 42 Ribbon Crowns Brumley & Wells To make your girls' flower crowns extra unique, tie them in the back with ribbons. 11 of 42 Any Which Way Michael Radford These glowing 'maids wore a range of hairstyles, which were just as beautiful as their range of pastel dresses. 12 of 42 Matching the Bride Rebecca Yale Photography 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. 13 of 42 Pulled Back Katie Grant Photography The ladies in this bridal party stuck with a classic half-up, half-down style. 14 of 42 Side-Braided Buns Aria Studios Braids and buns go together gorgeously. For bridesmaids with short hair, keep the side braid, but eschew the updo. 15 of 42 Completely Down Kristen Kilpatrick Each bridesmaid in this entourage wore their hair down. Their beauty looks appeared totally effortless as a result. Go Inside This Fiesta-Inspired Wedding 16 of 42 Sky High Awake Photography This bridesmaid's hair had plenty of volume thanks to a teased updo. 17 of 42 Creative Parts Peaches with Honey Playing with parts is a fun way to let your hair make a wedding-worthy statement. 18 of 42 Braided Up Top Amalie Orrange Photography 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. 19 of 42 Side-Clipped Greg Finck This clipped-back style works great for longer bangs, or just to keep strands out of bridesmaids' faces. 20 of 42 Bumped Up Melissa Jill Photography A bumped-up look is an easy way to elevate a typical half-up, half-down style. Anna Nuet created these hairstyles. 21 of 42 Twisted with Flowers Lauren Peele Photography Instead of a flower crown, try inserting stems into an intricate and ethereal braided look. 22 of 42 Fishtail Braids Michelle Lange Photography 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. 23 of 42 Voluminous Updos Rebecca Hollis Photography Who doesn't want a little volume on the big day? Full updos look great with face-framing tendrils. 24 of 42 Side-Swept and Down Jenny Haas Each of these bridesmaids sported loose, wavy locks, which they draped over one shoulder. Go Inside This Colorful Wedding 25 of 42 Thick Braided Crowns Rebecca Yale Photography 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. 26 of 42 Pulled Back and Twisted Sawyer Baird This 'maid's hair had tons of texture, and her wrapped and twisted strands were especially elegant. 27 of 42 Opposites Attract Jake & Heather Matching dresses meant these 'maids could sport totally different hair. 28 of 42 Down and Braided Rebecca Yale Photography This braided look keeps hair off of the face, while also showcasing any earrings you've picked out. 29 of 42 Mixed and Matched Christine Doneé 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 30 of 42 Curled and Braided Michelle Lange Photography A braid around the crown paired with pretty curls is a foolproof hairstyle option. 31 of 42 Ribbon-Tied Rebecca Yale Photography How sweet is this half-up 'do, tied with a ribbon that matches the bridesmaids' dresses? 32 of 42 Casual Blend Lauren Peele Photography Here, sleek ponytails with loose strands were mixed with other pulled-back styles. 33 of 42 Something Special Jillian Mitchell Photography This stunning bridesmaid added pops of pink to her hair for extra flair. 34 of 42 Flower Crowns Collin Hughes 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 35 of 42 Formal Updos Cadence & Eli 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 36 of 42 Beachy Waves Flora + Fauna 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 37 of 42 Elegant Chignons Weddings by Sasha 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 38 of 42 Half-Up, Half-Down A Bryan Photo 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 39 of 42 Relaxed Updos Jose Villa 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 40 of 42 Headbands Erich McVey 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 41 of 42 Glamorous Blowouts Kat Braman 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 42 of 42 To Each Her Own Belathée Photography 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 Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit