35 Wedding Updos Perfect for Long Hair

By
Katherine Santana
Katherine Santana

Katherine is an experienced beauty and celebrity writer who has previously served as an associate digital editor at Brides.

Brides's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on 06/22/22
Newly married couple embracing

Photo by LISA POGGI / Design by Zackary Angeline

Brides, we're gonna call it: Having long hair is without a doubt a labor of love. While your everyday maintenance and style routine is something you could do in your sleep, plenty of other factors come into play for a wedding-day hairstyle for long hair.

Of course, we love those hair-in-the-wind moments. But how do you keep tresses from accidentally whipping in front of your face if you go for a hair-down wedding 'do? Even with a half-up, half-down hairstyle, would your lustrous locks inadvertently be covering the pretty details of your gown's neckline and bodice?

Updos resolve all of these questions and offer long-haired brides so many elegant options. Whether a sleek ponytail, a beautifully braided 'do, or a low-maintenance bridal bun, a wedding updo will keep those strands in place and focus everyone's attention precisely where it should be—on your radiant smile, of course.

Keep scrolling for 35 wedding updos that are particularly perfect for long hair.

01 of 35

A Modern Bouffant

Groom in white dinner jacket smiling at bride in sleek bouffant chignon holding white bouquet and smiling back at him

Photo by AMY ANAIZ PHOTOGRAPHY

We love when brides get creative with the classics—adding small details or playing with the tried-and-true to make the look all their own. Sleek doesn't always have to mean minimalist, and this bride definitely proved that. The retro bouffant gets a significant refresh thanks to loads of smooth volume and the balance of a large low bun.

02 of 35

A Relaxed Curly Updo With Flower Crown

Bride with curly relaxed bun and daisy flower crown smiling and looking back at the camera while wearing lace-cape sleeve wedding dress

Photo by Volvoreta; Event Planning by Kamila at Sonhos Cerimonial; Floral Design by Maria Salazar 

There's no rule that says an updo has to have every strand secured in place. In fact, it's one of the reasons we love this bride's unfussy coif, which is finished with a few face-framing waves and topped with a flower crown. Easy, breezy, and positively beaming—wouldn't you agree?

03 of 35

A Goddess Braid High Bun

Bride in nude cape dress smiling down at vibrant bouquet while wearing long goddess braids wrapped into a high bun atop her head

Photo by FRECKLE PHOTOGRAPHY  

The great thing about long lengths is that they can achieve all kinds of height on a bridal 'do. Whether sweeping your down-to-there braids into an intricate topknot or polishing off a larger-than-life ballerina bun, the high placements always clear the way for some memorable jewelry.

04 of 35

A Low Ponytail

Groom in black suit smiling down at bride with pearl choker wearing low ponytail and veil as she looks up at him. They're standing on top of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Photo by Sasithon Photography

For an updo that spotlights gorgeous long locks but still keeps hair pulled back and secured, you can't go wrong with a ponytail. Soft waves infuse this polished pony with an added dose of romance, which feels so right with the decadent pearl choker.

05 of 35

A Side-Swept Knot Bun With Floral Hairpin

Bearded groom in white jacket passionately kissing bride in embellished dress with side-swept knotted low bun and crystal hair pin. A crowd of guests in white smile and clap in the background.

Photo by Lisa Poggi

So timeless and chic! We love the look of a side-swept bun, which works beautifully for all kinds of hair textures and all sorts of bridal styles, too. Case in point: This lovely bride kept hers polished (and pretty much perfect) for a stunning destination wedding in Tuscany.

If your hair has some natural texture, ask your stylist to keep the 'do a bit more wavy and slightly undone for a more bohemian, romantic vibe.

06 of 35

Relaxed Wraparound Milkmaid Braids

Blonde bride with bold brows wearing thick, relaxed wraparound brides with face-framing tendrils and a peach-hued flower tucked into the back

Photo by Laurken Kendall 

Boho brides will swoon over this milkmaid braided updo, which is such a delightful choice for outdoor ceremonies of all types—from rustic retreats to desert-chic weddings to barefoot on the beach. The softness in this coif is key, keeping the look relaxed and free-spirited rather than too rigid and refined. Add a bit of charm to the style with a small bloom and whimsical earrings.

07 of 35

An Asymmetric Woven Chignon

Brunette bride in low-back wedding dress turning away from the camera to show off asymmetric, interwoven chignon with crystal accent

Photo by ANYA KERNES; EVENT PLANNING BY REKINDLE CREATIVE; HAIR BY SHERILYN BEAUTY

This California winter wedding was a stunning mix of romantic, rocker-chic, and traditional elements—and the bride's glamorous, side-swept updo was no exception. Her dimensional, gathered strands are accented with an eye-catching sparkly creation for the Western-style ceremony. The 'do also spilled out beautifully from the customary Vietnamese áo dài that she changed into after.

08 of 35

A Woven Chignon With Fresh Floral Accent

Bride in silk robe having multi-colored flowers tucked into base of braided chignon as hair stylist and make up artists finish her look

Photo by Stepan Vrzala; Event Planning by Mwai Yeboah of Love From Mwai; Hair by Amida Sama

Talk about a stunning floral display. Draped over this bride's updo of woven plaits and pinned-up curls, the floral posy couldn't be more poetic. We love how the delicate blooms and greenery are so beautifully composed yet wildly romantic.

09 of 35

A Timeless French Twist

Brunette bride in lace wedding dress and french twist with veil smiling at second smiling bride with long brown hair and embellished v-neck wedding dress

Photo by Thierry Joubert

For a chateau wedding in the South of France, what could be more authentic than a classic French twist? The volume of this updo will depend on the length, thickness, and texture of your hair, but it's always a showstopper. Not to mention, a stunning base for a cascading veil.

10 of 35

A Curly Loose Bun

Smiling brunette bride with voluptuous curly messy bun wearing floral lehenga and looking up at groom with beard in traditional clothing

Photo by LOIE PHOTOGRAPHY; EVENT PLANNING BY FEATHERED ARROW EVENTS

When you have long tresses with a ton of natural volume, by all means, work that to your advantage. This traditional, swept-back bun is fully amplified and takes on a more carefree aesthetic. We love the subtle volume at the crown to balance out the visual weight of the updo.

11 of 35

A Dreadlock Bun

Smiling bride in white suit with bermuda shorts and long dreadlocks spiraled in a high bun smiling at second smiling bride in two-piece wedding set and relaxed low bun. They stand in front of a lake.

Photo by Alexandra Lee Photography; Event Planning by Kirstin Basch of LOLA Event Productions; Hair by Hollibeauty

This Chicago bride wouldn't think of giving up her signature dreadlocks on her wedding day—nor should she have to. The high elegant bun sweeps the lengths into picture-perfect refinement that doesn't sacrifice personal authenticity. We adore how the dimensional highlights and intricate beads add drama to the otherwise simple updo.

12 of 35

A Relaxed Low Bun With Pearl Details

Blonde bride with feathered dress and pearls in relaxed low bun

Photo by Photo by Brogen Jessup; Event Planning by Laurel Street Events; Hair by XO Beauty Co.

Be still our beating hearts! This relaxed low bun is all things sophisticated and cool all at once. We love the textured finish of the strands adding that coveted, slightly mussed vibe while the glued-in pearls are positively on-point for the retro-themed wedding.

13 of 35

A Floral-Embellished Braid

Black-haired bride with thick, floral-embellished braid and saffron-hued sari embracing groom in blue-printed kurta

Photo by Edward Winter for ReadyLuck; Hair by Boho Hair Salon; Floral Design by Faye & Renee 

Whether you opt for fresh florals, sprigs of greenery, or delicate hairpins, there are so many ways to dress up a loose braided 'do. We're obsessed with this bride's cultural infusion of flowers and jewelry into her plaits, leaning on customs and traditions throughout her special day. It's safe to say this four-strand plait was full of sentiment.

14 of 35

A Dutch Braided Low Bun

Groom in black suit and tie kissing smiling brunette bride with hair in sleek dutch braided lock bun

Photo by Callaway Gable Studios

This bride went all in with a wholly braided updo for her chic restaurant wedding in Los Angeles. Unlike more relaxed milkmaid braids that err on the bohemian, this tighter composition is much more sleek and elegant. Plus, being so intricately braided, this 'do is sure to last all night on the dance floor.

15 of 35

A Loose Bun With Vintage Hairpiece

Brunette bride with spin tattoo and cape-sleeve wedding dress turning away from the camera to show off old-world hair accessory sitting on top of her relaxed, wavy messy bun

Photo by LAURKEN KENDALL; EVENT PLANNING BY MAE&CO CREATIVE; HAIR BY SARAH WITTAKER FROM SARAH W HAIR DESIGN; HEADPIECE BY ANDY GUERRA FROM TOCADOS ISABELA  

Hair accessories and updos are a match made in bridal heaven. This bride's vintage-inspired hairpiece exquisitely molds to the style—and is an eye-catching statement, too. Not to mention, it was modeled after her grandmother's brooch for the ultimate something old and something new.

16 of 35

The Voluminous Ponytail

Bride with glam, glossy, voluminous high ponytail in magenta lehenga cutting cake as groom in black tux assists

Photo by To The Moon; Hair & Makeup by Karuna; Cake by Delish Caterers

For a pony'd-up 'do with a bit of glam factor, go for big volume up top and finish with long, loose curls. Really, how fitting is this updo, paired with this bride's incredible gown and jewelry? The profile is nothing short of epic.

17 of 35

A Rolled Updo With Floral Headpiece and Veil

Red-haired bride wearing a veil and flower crown in rolled updo hairstyle as she's bathed in the golden light of sunset

Photo by Ang McCabe

Wondering how to pull off a flower crown and a veil? It absolutely can be done, and a rolled updo is just the right base for such an utterly romantic look. The key here is to ensure your floral headpiece connects with the veil for a cohesive look. When choosing botanicals, go for smaller, more delicate options that won't overshadow the rest.

18 of 35

The Textured Curly Ponytail

Bride with naturally curly hair in strapless wedding dress with textured, naturally curly, voluminous ponytail and birdcage veil looking up while holding white and green bouquet

PHOTO BY KELLY GIARROCCO; EVENT PLANNING & FLORAL DESIGN BY LUM EVENTOS; HAIR & MAKEUP BY NATASHA BELLO KOSOKO OF GLOW BY TASHA

Completely unadorned, this bride's ponytail is understated but still so chic. This just goes to show, less can be more—especially if you're bringing tons of luscious curls and natural texture of your own. We also love that this showstopper is secured at the center of the crown rather than at the nape of the neck like the usual bridal ponytail.

You need not show off a hair tie if it isn't part of your bridal look. After setting the ponytail, take a piece of hair from the bottom and work it around the tie, securing the last bit of remaining hair with a pin underneath the elastic.

19 of 35

A French Braided Knot

Bride with french-braided low chignon holding bouquet as groom in white suit pulls her close in front of desert backdrop

Photo by SoCal Standard; Event Planning by Gatherist; Hair & Makeup by Kali Chris Hair & Makeup

While french braids typically lean on the sporty side of the updo spectrum, this style is all kinds of elegant. The full braid tactfully secures all of the bride's hair back before dropping into a pretty knot at the base of the neck. The style works wonderfully for all hair types and textures and can be especially handy for battling environmental elements like a desert wedding in Zion.

20 of 35

Voluminous Low Bun With Crystal Halo

Smiling brunette bride in an off-the-shoulder wedding gown and curly chignon with crystal floral halo exchanging rings with groom in navy suit. They stand in front of the officiant and altar of pampas grass overlooking the ocean.

Photo by Lauren Alexandra 

Pardon us while we drool over this bride's wedding updo all wrapped in sparkle. The voluminous low bun could easily shine all on its own but the leafy halo gives it a little something extra. Choosing an elegant accessory to frame a bridal hairstyle—not just accent it—can give your 'do that much more of a wow factor.

21 of 35

A Braided Topknot

Bride in white suit and glasses with long goddess braids in topknot smiling at second brunette bride in off-the shoulder wedding dress and birdcage veil holding up the bouquet

Photo by Chi-Chi Ari Love

Serve some significant height with a braided topknot like this bride's elopement hairstyle. Not only does it look oh so cool, but also balances out a higher neckline by drawing the eye upwards. While ultra-long goddess braids provide the structure needed to keep this updo sky-high, adding some grit from a texturizing paste or spray can also help.

22 of 35

A Minimalist Low Knot

Blonde bride in low-back halter dress with hair in sleek minimalist, looped low knot hugging groom in black suit

Photo by Kate Headley; Event Planning by Julie Vieira of Vieira Events; Hair & Makeup by Hair and Makeup by Claudine

If minimalism and understated elegance are what you're looking for, then look no further. This chic chignon utilizes that extra length to smoothly create a polished knot that works the securement strategy into the design itself. That means no visible ties or pins in sight.

23 of 35

A Spiraled Side Bun With Floral Hairpin

Groom in navy suit kissing smiling bride in lace dress with side-swept chignon accented with floral clip.

Photo by Jenny Quicksall Photography; Event Planning by Kelly Patrice; Hair by Karla Daniels

If you're planning on having tons of profile portraits taken, might we suggest a side bun? This will fully optimize your long-hair wedding updo for that preferred angle. This bride opted for a romantic spiraled bun with relaxed tendrils falling about for her Malibu wedding. The sweet hairpin only emphasizes the side-swept look.

24 of 35

A Relaxed Bun With Side Braids

Brunette bride with highlights in vintage looking lace dress with long sleeves holding bouquet and looking down. Her hair is in a romantic, messy relaxed low bun with side braids woven into it, flowers tucked throughout, and curled wisps framing her face.

Photo by FEATHER + NORTH 

Lengthy tresses are a stylist's playground, especially when it comes to designing a one-of-a-kind wedding updo. So have some fun and concoct your dream variation of an updo that's all your own. This intentionally undone bun features twists, curls, braids, fresh flowers, and tons of playful, rogue tendrils for a fairytale-worthy updo.

25 of 35

A Braided Low Bun

Smiling groom in black tux holding the bride's bouquet. Bride with black hair in strapless dress with sheer cape overlay opening gift while wearing sleek braided chignon

Photo by Mo Davis Photography; Event Planning by Michelle Norwood Events; Hair & Makeup by Faces of Virtue

This sleek updo offers the best of both worlds: A silky smooth crown with lots of intricate volume in the back. A single braid is spiraled around itself to achieve the woven bun, set at the nape of the neck. The juxtaposition is absolutely gorgeous with the ethereal bridal cape for the timeless New Orleans nuptials.

26 of 35

A Slick Ultra-Long Braid

Bride in strapless a-line wedding dress holding sleek, ultra-long braid as she looks at the potted trees lining the aisle around her

Photo by Mo Davis Photography; Event Planning by Michelle Norwood Events; Hair & Makeup by Faces of Virtue

But wait, there's more: The same glossy updo above is actually a bridal updo twofer. The spiraling braided bun disassembles into a super long rope braid of legendary proportions. If your lengthy tresses can't contend, hair extensions can help fill in those last few inches.

27 of 35

A Twisting Chignon

Grooom in black tux kissing bride in strapless gown wearing hair in low chignon with twisted, overlapping base

Photo by Harwell Photography; Event Planning & Design by Eva Clark Events; Hair by Ana Belén

This masterful coif is positively seamless. The voluptuous chignon is amplified with stunning volume and two twisted strands that wrap around the base. The creation is absolute perfection for the romantic Aspen wedding.

28 of 35

Sleek Low Knotted Bun With Tiara

Black-haired bride with big, slicked-back knotted bun and pearl tiara dancing in long-sleeved wedding dress

Photo by Alicia Mink Photography; Hair by Sharon Spencer of LeShay’s Salon & Spa

The mesmerizing design of a knotted bun always puts us under its spell. In fact, this low voluminous masterpiece is so smooth and glossy there must be magic involved. We adore the addition of the pearl tiara for the regal California wedding.

29 of 35

Romantic Knotted Bun With Veil

Blonde bride with low knotted chignon, face-framing tendrils, and veil holding pink and purple bouquet while kissing groom in black tux

Photo by Ninety Three Creative; Event Planning by A Charming Fete; Hair by Rania’s Salon & Spa

For a more relaxed take on the knotted bun, we suggest a slightly looser hold that won't compromise the smoothness of the style. Then, free some romantic wispy tendrils for a vibe that feels more storybook heroine than queen of the realm. We're picking up all the spring bridal feels from the veiled look at this colorful spring wedding in Cincinnati,

30 of 35

A Basket Weave French Twist

Smiling black-haired bride in red lehenga and basket weave french twist bun twirling in front of happy bridesmaids in blush lehengas with various hair styles

Photo by Scott Clark Photography; Event Planning by Amanda Virga of AMV Weddings; Hair by Vanessa Pesantez

This basket-woven french twist certainly ups the level of bridal updo complexity. While it may not be the most DIY-friendly hairstyle, it definitely makes up for the professional price tag with its stand-out design. This particular iteration looks oh-so sumptuous with a center part and luxurious traditional hairpiece.

31 of 35

Sweet Layered Braids

Blonde bride with updo of low layered braids and long-sleeved a-line wedding dress walking down steps followed by groom in black suit

Photo by Gracie Byrd Jones; Event Planning by Rachael Ellen Events; Hair by Sunnie Rushton

Love the look of milkmaid braids but aren't completely convinced? We understand. While wraparound braids may be a bit harder to wear, these lovely layered braids encapsulate all the youthful charm without being so full-frontal. The plaits are only exposed from the back while the front is kept just as soft as if it were a sweeping chignon.

32 of 35

A Loose Curly Chignon

Blonde bride with voluminous curly hair gathered in relaxed low chignon hugging groom in white tux

Photo by Lyndsey Anne Photography; Event Planning by Angela Mugnai of Italian Eye Events; Hair by Mac Hair Studio

Hey, curly brides! We love to see your ringlets honored in a bridal updo. This loose chignon is practically bursting with all the heavenly volume of those gilded spirals. The relaxed style gives off all the old-world allure of the intimate nuptials in Southern Italy.

33 of 35

A Sleek Curly Chignon

Bride with curly hair in smooth low chignon holding hands with laughing groom in black tux in front of altar

Photo by Gaby J Photography; Event Planning by Scheme Events; Hair by Amelia C & Co.

Don't worry if your waves prefer a bit of structure. The curly chignon at these rustic Las Vegas nuptials is just as dreamy with its smooth, glossy spirals. We love how this particular style seems to cascade and flow naturally with no defined separation between the bun and the crown.

34 of 35

The Bouncy High Ponytail

Bride in a-line dress and high, bouncy ponytail kissing groom in gray suit in front of floral-lined alter as guests cheer them on

Photo by Janine Licare Photography; Event Planning by Audere Events; Hair by Love Is In The Hair

Low ponytails may be sophisticated and glam, but a bouncy high ponytail will forever have our hearts. “I wanted to look and feel like myself,” shares this bride of her elevated Lake Tahoe nuptials. “I essentially had my hair and makeup artist do everything I would normally do myself, but she of course did it much better.”

35 of 35

A Braided Ballerina Bun

Black-haired bride with braided ballerina bun in short-sleeved, a-line wedding dress embracing groom in black tux

Photo by Haseok Chung Studio; Event Planning & Hair by White Collections Bridal Atelier

Ballerina buns always appear so artful and coiffed. We love how this particular beauty was composed of a braid for added depth and dimension for the New York wedding with traditional Korean touches. The height emphasized the gorgeous high neckline of the dress without sacrificing any softness around the face to slick rigidity.

FAQ
  • Should I hire a professional stylist for a long-hair wedding updo?

    This depends on the complexity of the updo and your comfort level with doing your own hair. If you decide to go the DIY route, reach out to a hairstylist for tips and tricks or, better yet, book a wedding hair trial a month or two ahead of the wedding to see how it's done.

  • How do you prepare long hair for a wedding updo?

    Again, be sure to consult your hairstylist for advice regarding what products to use and even when to wash your hair. Depending on the type of hair, you may consider getting a blowout the day before your nuptials to give it maximum volume and texture.

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