20 Updo Hairstyles for Weddings You’ll Want to Wear This Season | Glamour

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Attending a wedding or two this summer? It’s officially wedding season, which means you’re thinking of unique dresses, shoes, and updo hairstyles for weddings. Whether you’re the bride, a member of the bridal party, mother of the bride, or wedding guest, the first decision when it comes to wedding hair is whether to leave it up or down. “Choosing a hairstyle should be based on the outfit being worn and ultimately whatever makes you feel most comfortable,” says Kelly Rhodes Frank, a licensed cosmetologist and bridal hair specialist based in Charleston, South Carolina.

A quick rule of thumb to help you get started: “If you have fine hair, consider something sleek that will hold all day and stay in place,” advises Frank. “If you have curly hair, maybe a style that is more textured and will complement the curls as you wear the style throughout the night.” Not sure where to begin? Frank recommends turning to social media for inspiration and tutorials (we’ve also got you covered with plenty of looks to re-create ahead).

If you love the idea of an updo, consider your hair length ahead of time. “I prefer working with shoulder to mid-back hair length for updos,” says Frank. “A great way to make styles that much better is to add clip-in extensions for extra length or volume!”

Here, we have all the inspo for updo hairstyles for weddings so getting ready for the party will be a breeze. For long hair, medium-length hair, and more, there’s a wedding hairstyle look below that we know you’ll fall in love with.

There are two reasons to love a low bun: It never goes out of style, and it’s so quick and easy to create. “Some of my favorite wedding updos are classic low buns,” says Frank.

For a different take on an updo, lean into sculptural hair with the ends peeking out. If you have dry or split ends, apply a small amount of hair oil or serum to get them looking hydrated and healthy.

Frank also recommends elevated claw clip looks for weddings. Twist your hair back into one simple clip, or if you have long hair, stack two for added edge and a runway-inspired look.

This updo is more like a work of art than just a hairstyle. Dress up box braids or other protective hairstyles by creating sculptural shapes.

From fishtail to pigtails, there are so many ways to wear braids. Try this undercut French braid that rolls right into a twisted bun for a fairytale-like finish.

Sofia Richie Grainge is the queen of the slicked-back bun. Go with her everyday look, or dress it up the way she did at the Met Gala 2025. Start by slicking hair back into one low and one high pony. Separate into sections, and twist the hair around itself. Secure the look with French pins and hairspray for any flyaways.

Good news: “Messy or tousled updos are easier than they appear,” says Frank. “Just have fun and make it your own! As long as you have the right tools and products, you can make it happen.” If you don’t know where to start with products, Frank used Unite’s Expanda Dust, Texturiza Spray, and Le:Play Hairspray for this elegant bun.

Want a facelift-like effect? Wearing a high ponytail will automatically snatch your face. Simply brush your hair back and gather it into a pony so it sits on the crown of your head, AS Hailey Bieber’s does, and secure with a stretchy hair tie for extra tension.

Rather than pulling all your hair back for this updo, let your front bangs hang out for a flattering, face-framing look. To finish the style, curl the tendrils around a large curling iron for some dimension.

Not sure if you want to commit to a full updo? No problem—like Zendaya, you can have a little bit of both. Take the top half of your hair and slick it back into a high pony; leave the rest down for an effortless, romantic vibe.

A low bun doesn’t have to mean simple. Gather hair at the nape of your neck, and twist hair into an artistic shape to level up your bun.

Both brides and wedding guests might like a little bling in their updo. “I think a hair accessory is a personal preference and can be beautiful if done tastefully,” says Frank.

Dress up your slicked-back bun with some curls like Bella Hadid’s. To get the look, curl your strands before pulling them back. “For an updo, I always start with dry hair, adding in curls or texture with an iron while using a working hairspray like Unite Le:Play Hairspray or GO365 Hairspray,” says Frank. Don’t forget heat protectant before using your hot tools!

After finishing your updo, why not add a little floral touch? If you’re the bride, using flowers that match your bouquet can really tie together your whole wedding day look.

Curly girls, add some movement to your tresses with a curtain bang cut around your face. Then pull the rest of your hair back into a high pony for a full, voluminous look.

A tightly twisted ballerina bun is oh so romantic. Adding a hair accessory like these floral clips can be “especially tasteful in darker hair to add a little more visual interest,” says Frank.

The French twist is a classic for a reason. It’s not only timeless but completely functional. Keep your hair out of your eyes as you make your way to the wedding dance floor.

These spiky hair buns are way easier than you think. Pull back your hair to wherever you’d like the bun to sit, then twist hair while leaving the ends poking out. For that spiky look, apply hair gel or pomade to ends to secure the shape. Don’t forget to spritz some hairspray all over to keep everything in place.

Some summer wedding nights just feel way too hot to deal. Keep your hair totally off your neck by wearing two fun, laid-back space buns.

Accessorizing doesn’t just mean pearly clips or flower crowns. Incorporating a ribbon into your updo gives it a fairy-tale finish.