21 Wedding Updos for Every Type of Bride

Buns, knots, chignons—oh my!

by Christa Joanna Lee
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Christa is the Managing Beauty & Grooming Editor at Birchbox, and a freelance contributor whose beauty expertise has been featured in many publications.
Updated 01/21/19

Photo by Sarah Falugo

Tons of wedding trends come and go, but in our book, there hasn't been a bridal bun we haven't loved over the years. The great thing about wedding updos lies in their versatility—that, and the fact that there's a version that looks good on pretty much everyone. "You can play around with your hair's part, the looseness or tightness of the bun, or your hair's texture and it totally changes its vibe," says Brian Zinno, senior education director of Antonio Prieto Salon. "A bridal chignon or bun can nod to the current trends—for instance, with lots of added texture—yet still have that timeless appeal," he says.

Take the elegant style above—one of our favorite wedding updos!—for example. "It has a nice, not overly done hint of wave with all-over volume," says Michael Dueñas founder of Hair Room Service. "To achieve the look, you would set the hair with a 1 1/4" curling iron after a blowout. After gathering all your hair at the nape of your neck, wrap the length of the ponytail around the base working in small sections. The brooch not only follows the shape of the bun in a flattering way, it could also strategically hide some of your bobby pins. And I love that the bun...has a few cool-girl lumps and bumps throughout the 'do, so it reads more modern."

Oh, and that part about a chignon's versatility? Let us count the ways: It shows off a backless wedding dress or a high-neck gown like a dream, it stays put for hours on end (key for getting down on the dance floor), and looks amazing in photos—from every angle! That's what a wedding hashtag is for, no?

Since we wouldn't leave you with just one option to ogle, we found 21 stunning ways to interpret the classic bridal bun. Which one below suits your bridal style?.

01 of 21

Try Braids

back cut out wedding dress

Photo by Trent Bailey Photography

Twisted or braided locks add a boho touch.

02 of 21

Add a Classic Headband

bride and groom

Photo by Volvoreta

Headbands are an unexpected, surprisingly chic accessory to add to a traditional bridal bun.

03 of 21

Add a Hairpiece

Photo by Lauren Alexandra

Voluminous curls and a crystal hairpiece are always glamorous additions to bridal updos.

04 of 21

Go for Effortless

bride getting ready getting ready robe

Photo by Danielle DeFiore

Untuck just a few wisps of hair to make a classic updo a little more relaxed.

05 of 21

Have Fun with a Flower Crown

bride hairstyle curly natural hair

Photo by Volvoreta

Thanks to a certain duchess, undone messy buns are trending amongst brides everywhere.

06 of 21

Tease out Volume

Bride hugging friend

Photo by Rachel Red Photography

Tease the hair at the crown of your head for added volume. It'll keep your pulled-back hairstyle from looking too severe.

07 of 21

Weave Hair into a Twist

back of dress detail

Photo by Olivia Rae James

Interlacing locks of hair give this bun a pretty twist—literally!

08 of 21

Rock a Ribbon

Main Image

Photo by Within This Day

A velvet ribbon adds a modern, feminine touch—and a very Kate Middleton one, at that!

09 of 21

Be Bold with Braids

Bride looking through a window

Photo by Kenzie Victory

A fully braided updo is wholly unexpected and impossibly pretty.

10 of 21

Simple and Sleek

first dance

Photo by Jenny Haas

You can't go wrong with a classic, slick-backed 'do.

11 of 21

Finish with Some Sparkle

bridal hair accessories

Photo by Patricia Lyons Photography

An ornate hairpiece can level-up your already-chic style.

12 of 21

Consider a Chignon

bride in off-the-shoulder

Photo by Leila Brewster

This full and flawless chignon allows this bride to show off the back of her dress in the chicest way.

13 of 21

Think Ballerina Vibes

bride in backless dress on beach

Photo by Lauren and Abby Ross

Without a hair out of place, this bride looked like a bonafide ballerina as she was getting ready for her destination wedding in Anguilla.

14 of 21

Frame your Face

theia dress

Photo by Treebird Photography

This bride went for an effortlessly feminine look with soft strands framing her face and a sparkly hairpiece.

15 of 21

Match your Bouquet

Bride holding bouquet solo shot

Photo by 822 Weddings

Brides rocking down 'dos aren't the only ones who can wear flowers in their hair.

16 of 21

Go for Volume

Bride and groom exchanging vows

Photo by Emilie White

A voluminous chignon (you can always add in extensions!) placed high on the head is a surefire style.

17 of 21

Think Pulled Back and Sleek

Photo by D’Arcy Benincosa

This bride's high, sleek knot is undeniably timeless and refined.

18 of 21

Consider Chic and Casual

bride and groom

Photo by Sara Lobla

At the wedding of model Shanina Shaik to Gregory “DJ Ruckus” Andrews, relaxed femininity was the name of the game, as the bride chose a romantic messy updo for the occasion.

19 of 21

Add a Bow for a Sweet Touch

bride

Photo by Sarah Falugo

A silk ribbon and wispy, loose locks of hair are so Parisian chic.

20 of 21

Incorporate Nature

Bride putting yellow shoes on

Photo by Sean Kim

A touch of greenery adds a relaxed, boho vibe to a traditional updo.

21 of 21

Be Timeless

bridal hairstyle bun

Photo by Sarah Falugo

A classic wrapped bun will never go out of style.

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