Courtesy of Caroline Grace Booth
Caroline's gorgeous creation is perfect for the romantic bride. The style mixes a loose fishtail braid with random twists for a relaxed appearance. Finish the look by bringing out loose strands of hair to the face.
Hairstyle Ideas
61 Braided Wedding Hairstyles We Love
Updated on July 11, 2017
Searching for an elegant, fuss-free wedding hairstyle? Try one of these pretty braided 'dos fit for every kind of bride.
If there's one thing short, long, curly and straight hair all have in common, it's that they all look crazy-good with a braid. Braids experienced a resurgence the last couple of years — and with tons of new ways to rethink the classic plait – from soft and romantic, to classic with modern twist — they are officially here to stay!
"Braids are the first thing I think of when a bride wants a hairstyle that's special, whimsical and fun," says hairstylist Larry Sims. "Plus, you have the major bonus of taking your hair down after the reception and having these gorgeous waves throughout your hair for any post-wedding festivities or the flight on your way to the honeymoon the next day. Braids are unique, but totally timeless too. You won't look back at your wedding day photos in 20 years and regret having a braid in your hair, no matter what style you choose."
See More: 35 Stunning Wedding Hair Accessory Ideas for Every Kind of Bride
That being said, we've searched high and low for some of the prettiest braids, and although it was quite hard, we've managed to narrow down our top plaits. So, whether you're looking for a style that's light and romantic, or on the hunt for something a bit modern, there's a braid for you. Ahead, you'll find 61 swoon-worthy plaits fit for any wedding.
Courtesy of Barefoot Blonde
Barefoot Blonde's zig-zag dutch braid can be easily achieved in a pinch. Start by separating hair into three parts, weaving from the crown, and stopping mid-way before the ends. For extra, oomph, add a minimal pin or pretty blossom.
Courtesy of Katelyn McDonald
Beach brides, this one's for you. As opposed to a traditional half-up, half-down 'do, weave a small fishtail braid using only a section of the crown, and secure with silver or gold pins.
Courtesy of Blonde Chic
A two-strand braid gets a major upgrade with this style.
Courtesy of Barefoot Blonde
Use your hair as a crown! Simple twists instantly perk up signature beach waves.
Courtesy of Balayage Braids
Two braids are better than one. Create a simple fishtail braid at the front of hair, while weaving a two-strand braid in-between for a stylish optical illusion.
Courtesy of Audra Wrisley
Relaxed yet elegant, use a dutch braid as a crown (or headband) for a no-fuss finish.
Courtesy of Katherine Dalton
A waterfall braid adds instant volume, in addition to looking pretty darn good on a long set of locks.
Photo by Kristen Kilpatrick
An effortless fishtail braids gets a touch of romance with small flowers in-between strands.
Courtesy of Monika Ottehenning
We can't help but swoon over this style. A plush fishtail braid stops mid-way before the ends for a carefree pony.
Courtesy of Kristin Ess
Can you believe this braided updo was created with a bob?! Simple yet totally trendy, minimal brides will love this one.
Courtesy of Kayley Melissa
Time to nix the simple side braid! Combine two-strand and dutch braids for an edgier look. If you're unsure where to start, start by dutch braiding the bottom half of hair, while weaving a two-strand braid at the top layer of strands.
Courtesy of Katelynd McDonald
Romantic waves get a pick-me-up with a simple three-strand braid at the crown, which is pinned behind a voluminous fishtail braid.
Courtesy of Heidi Marie Garrett
So much body! To achieve a fishtail braid like this, we recommend adding extensions to the bottom-half of hair, and tease, tease, tease! Of course, don't forget the flowers!
Courtesy of Aurora Braids
Can't decide between a braid or a knot? Why not have both?! A sweeping fishtail braid adds definition to the bottom-half of hair, while two picture-perfect knots keep hair out of place all night long.
Courtesy of Heidi Marie Garret
Classic yet fun, a two-strand waterfall braid adds a playful touch to the traditional bridal bun.
Courtesy of Shauna Elizabeth
Plush fishtail braids are clearly a thing. For a personal touch, add small flowers (or jewelry) in between strands.
Courtesy of Fresh Lengths
For brides with natural hair, add a cute three-strand side braid to an otherwise traditional updo.
Courtesy of Maggie Hancock
This braid is truly something. Start by weaving a waterfall fishtail braid on one side of hair, while simply twisting the other as they meet. Add a tighter fishtail braid to the center of hair, knot towards the end, and finish with a simple three-strand braid.
Courtesy of Katelynd McDonald
Twists are anything but basic in this gorg updo. Add a pearl accent (or a pretty blossom) for a decorative touch.
Courtesy of Jordan Voth
Liven up a milkmaid braid with a stunning jeweled headpiece (or flower crown).
Courtesy of Katelynd McDonald
Perfect for summer weddings, add a waterfall fishtail braid, weaved into a small bun, to soft waves.
Courtesy of Emily Rose Hannon
Emily's never-ending platinum locks are totally swoon-worthy in this two-strand creation.
Courtesy of Paige Christensen
We're head over heel for Paige's side swept four-strand creation.
Courtesy of Twist Me Pretty
Twist Me Pretty's half-up half-down style, which features two-strand and fishtail braids, is a dream for Bohemian brides.
Courtesy of A Beautiful Mess
Create a minimal (yet totally trendy) knot by weaving a two-strand braid into hair and fastening with clips.
Courtesy of Kayley Melissa
A go-to for the casual brides, opt for Kayley's festival-inspired braids to make sure hair stays in place while you're on the dancefloor.
Courtesy of Balayage and Babes
A simple knot adds tons of style to soft waves.
Courtesy of Jordan Voth
Laid-back and effortless, a small three-stand braid to the side of our bridal updo for instant definition.
Courtesy of Twist Me Pretty
A pull-through braid is perfect for brides who don't want to sacrifice volume for a slick back style.
Courtesy of Kayley Melissa
Add a touch of flair to your side braid by adding small pieces of jewelry (or small gold links, as pictured) to every other piece of hair.
Courtesy of Kristin Ess
A milkmaid braid with a modern twist, add a second braid next to the original for depth.
Kristin Ess on Instagram
For a modern take, loosen it up a bit: Stretch out ringlets into a soft wave, pancake your braids for added texture and embrace a few flyaways. This dreamy style is bound to make your wedding hashtag go viral. "This is a happy compromise of having your hair down, but two loose side braids keep most of your hair out of your face," says Sims. "Second-day hair helps sustain the longevity of your braids, but if time isn't on your side, a texture spray will do the trick." Top it off with a sparkly hair accessory to add to its ethereal effect.
Kristin Ess on Instagram
There's much to love about this style: the undone texture, the messy bun, and the barely-there braids. "The braids of today are all about embracing your natural texture, allowing it to have a few flyaways and frizz to give it that cool factor," says Sims. "
Kristin Ess on Instagram
We love the wash-and-go appeal of the popular long bob, which is perfect for a low-key rehearsal dinner or post-wedding brunch. But for the actual walk down the aisle, consider breathing new life into your short hairstyle with rumpled curls and a gorgeous five-strand braid. "Wrapping all your hair around a curling iron sets a great foundation for the braid," says MacKenzie. "It helps encourages the soft bends of the braid, especially if you have naturally straight hair."
Kristin Ess on Instagram
Toss your preconceived notions of ponytails aside—they're no longer meant for just the gym or bad hair days. "This look is great for the outdoorsy bride who wants something easy and romantic or the sporty bride who's used to having her hair out of her face," says Sims.
Christina Butcher for Hair Romance on Instagram
If you spend the time to get a great blowout, show off the sleeker texture with a shiny braided updo. "This smooth and clean look is perfect for the more formal bride that still wants to have a little fun with her hairstyle," says Sims.
BraidsbyJordan on Instagram
An easy way to update a pony is to add some texture-boosting twists. "Create a center part and take a small section of hair on one side, divide it in half and twist the pieces together away from the face," says MacKenzie. "After a few inches, spray the twist with hairspray and pull at the edges to pancake and make it fuller. Continue the twist to the end and clamp it off while you create an identical twist on the other side. Secure them together in the back with a clear elastic. Do it all over again by taking another section on each side of the hair, twisting and securing it in the back with another elastic underneath the previous twist. Continue until you have all the hair into a pony. It's great because it has the look of a braid, but it's still secure even as you loosen it up."
Kristin Ess on Instagram
Contrary to what you might think, you don't need down-to-there layers to inspire a gorgeous wedding hairdo; a short hairstyle is just as versatile. Take this wavy lob, for instance, which was amped up by ruffled, slept-in waves and an off-center braid. "Then punctuate the look with a vintage star comb and it instantly feels rustic and special," says Johnny Rackleff, stylist at Marie Robinson Salon.
Christina Butcher of Hair Romance on Instagram
This look is simple, yet chic and according to Rackleff it's great for anyone with mid-length to long hair.
Sarah Potempa on Instagram
If you already have straight hair, congratulations: You're halfway to getting this pretty fishtail pony. "This is similar to a fishtail, but you keep one piece going over and under, while adding hair, in a figure eight pattern," says hairstylist Sarah Potempa.
Instribraid on Instagram
A chignon looks good on just about everyone, and this loose style is a modern take on the classic bun. "The way the braid gathers at the base of the neck makes this look so interesting," says Ouidad expert, Chadwick Pendley. "After parting your hair, begin to braid working from the front to the nape of the neck. Then, continue the braid until all hair is braided. Fasten the rest of the hair loosely into a twisted chignon. Try to keep the loose feel of this look to maintain its soft and modern finish."
Instibraid on Instagram
The most innovative braids don't have to be the most complicated. Sometimes it's about adding a few tweaks to a classic. "For a more casual boho look, take a small section from above your ear and create a fishtail," says Sophie Rose of Instibraid. "Secure in the back of your head with bobby pins and pull it apart for a thicker braid. Loosen it up to the point where a few pieces start falling out--like you slept on it. Then, style the rest of your strands in beachy waves and a few floral accents."
Instibraid on Instagram
Go all-in on the trend by plumping up a thin braid with texturizing spray and gently tugging at the edges until it's at your desired width. "Or add extensions to get the most voluminous look," says Shir Ben-Zikry of Instibraid. "This hairstyle is a combination of inverse braids and fishtails that were pulled across the back of the head and secured into an updo. Pull out pieces of hair from the front of your face in order to frame your face in a flattering way."
Tessa Barton
The simplicity of this loosely pulled together braid makes it feel that much sweeter.
Lovedale
Braids within a braid, wispy locks, and a gorgeous flower crown would make any boho girl's dreams come true.
Michael Radford Photography
Rather than twisting and tucking your tendrils into a low-lying updo, try using braids as a foundation instead! The result? A classic and elegant look that also stands out.
Rebecca Von Rehn Photography
The ultimate flower-child bride should take note of this airy arrangement of loosely twisted tendrils.
Emm and Clau
The only thing that makes this fairytale destination wedding in Florence that much better is the gorgeous braid leading into her updo (and, of course, the flower crown that's topping it all off!).
Shalynne Imaging Photography
This neat fishtail braid allows the bride's ornate flower and feather headpiece to grab everyone's attention.
Michelle Gardella
A surefire way to make your sidebraid stand out? Add oversized blooms and some lightly curled locks to the look for an extra romantic finish.
Feather and Stone Photography
Unusual accessories — like these bundles of pink berries — make this beloved braided crown something equally sweet and unique.
Evelyn Alas Photography
Here, the bride snuck in a delicate fishtail braid to add texture to classic romantic waves.
Feather & Stone
We love the simplicity of a braided crown for a spring or summer wedding. The addition of a dainty floral headband is so romantic, and can be customized to match your bouquet.
Sunglow Photography
Achieve a half-up braided style by creating a double-layer braided crown that wraps around the top half of your head. The rest of your hair can hang free — straight, as shown here, or curled for a more glamorous look.
Rylee Hitchner
This chic bun gets a hint of cool thanks to a chunky side braid. Keep the style neat — like this bride has — for a classic effect. Looking for something more modern? Go for a "messy" (read: loose, not sloppy) chignon.
Zoe Lonergan
This low bun, complete with a classic French braid, screams garden wedding. Complement the simple look with a pale-hued flower or sparkling accessory.
Jose Villa
A fuss-free French Braid is ideal for an outdoor wedding. Plus, the flower crown helps this look nail the ethereal vibe.
Arina B. Photography
For a boho bride, we love the look of this fishtail style. Leaving the front and sides of your hair untouched, create a fishtail that leads into a simple side ponytail or bun.
Jillian Mitchell Photography
This sweet, simple braided headband would please any kind of bride and any kind of dress.
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