21 Ponytail Wedding Hairstyles for the Modern, Romantic Bride

Updated 09/20/20

When it comes to your wedding day, it’s easy to overthink things. Sure, it’s one of the biggest days of your life (gulp), but that doesn’t mean you can’t take it easy on at least some of the details. When you already have enough to stress over, taking the less-is-more approach to your wedding-day hairstyle is the way to go. Enter: the ponytail.

Just hear us out. Ponytails get a bad rap for being basic, and while they may be our go-to on lazy days and trips to the gym, that doesn’t mean we can’t elevate the style. Trust us; it just requires a little strategy. And besides, when every detail of your day is planned to the tee, a laid-back pony is the perfect way to strike a balance. Think of it this way: You won’t have to wake up extra early in order to make it to the altar on time. (You’ll thank us when you don’t have to pack the concealer on those dark circles.) It’s time our beloved ponytail gets the credit it deserves. If you’re thinking the sporty style isn’t wedding-day appropriate, think again, because we have the photos to prove it.

Ahead, find 21 ponytail updos for weddings that are pretty enough for your big day and beyond.

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The Fabulous Fishtail Hybrid

A plush fishtail braid stops midway before loosening into a carefree pony. We love how this style accentuates the stunning back of the dress, creating a cohesive completed look. This pair is a match made in heaven.

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An Ultra-Feminine Finish

All you need is a feminine ribbon to take this simple style up a notch. Make it even more eye-catching by choosing satin in a statement shade.

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Let the Bangs Out

This bride's uncomplicated ponytail is the epitome of California cool-girl chic. Her abundant loose waves were swept into a low ponytail with voluminous bangs left free to frame her beautiful face for the laid-back nuptials.

04 of 21

Toss the Tie

Bride looking out at ocean — WHITE DIAMOND PHOTO

Don't want a hair tie to distract from your style? After securing your pony, pull a piece of hair from the bottom and wrap it around the tie. Then, fasten the strand with a pin beneath the elastic. So simple!

05 of 21

The Voluminous Pony

Voluminous ponytail — Greg Finck; Courtesy of Alexandra Grecco

The juxtaposition between the volume in this ponytail and the shiny, slicked-back front is as playful as it is unexpected. Better yet? This style is pretty reception-proof. It will stay put as you dance the night away.

06 of 21

Tied-Back Loose Locks

As opposed to a slicked-back style, opt for loose, romantic strands. This style has everything you could want: the structure of a traditional pony with the added allure of volume and wispiness.

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Go Shortie

Who said you need long lengths for a bridal ponytail? A cropped cut doesn't mean you can't have a special, stunning style for your walk down the aisle. A minimalist ponytail held with an invisible elastic is fabulously fresh and modern. Not to mention oh-so chic.

08 of 21

The Metallic Pick-Me-Up

Sometimes all it takes is a sparkly accessory to perfect a pony. A metallic wrap around the base of your ponytail is our favorite wedding-day hack for the modern bride.

09 of 21

A Bit of Boho

Ponytail with braid — Julia Elizabeth Photography

Nothing says boho quite like an eclectic braid detail. A French braid adds an unexpected bohemian touch to this dance-floor ready ponytail. The voluminous waves are the perfect finishing touch to the 'do.

10 of 21

Bump It Up

Newlyweds cutting cake — To The Moon; Hair & Makeup by Karuna

Bump up a high ponytail by teasing the bottom strands for some enviable volume and keep the front pieces super sleek for a glam aesthetic. This look makes for some stunning profile shots.

11 of 21

The Fuss-Free Pony

Bride wearing multi-colored crown — Cinzia Bruschini; Event Planning by Savvy Event Studio

Don’t overload your guests with the visuals. Let your gown and your pretty face and maybe a knockout accessory like this bride's regal headpiece take center stage with a relaxed ponytail.

12 of 21

Add Some Subtle Sparkle

Side ponytail with sparkle — Cynthia Chung

Give an unfussy side pony a dose of glam with a subtly sparkly hairpiece. The off-center placement of this beautiful pin not only emphasizes the asymmetric updo but makes for some stunning bridal portraits as well.

13 of 21

A Floral-Wrapped Ponytail

How sweet is this style? This Detroit bride gathered a low ponytail of loose waves at the nape of her neck and decorated the locks with foraged flowers from the morning of her wedding.

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The Preppy Pony

Never underestimate the power of a clean, high ponytail. We can’t think of a better way to show off the details on the back of your beautiful gown. The volume and texture of this particular style give the sleek 'do a slightly undone and sexy edge.

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Tousled Tresses

This tousled, braided ponytail by Lindsey Pengelly is a bohemian bride's dream, thanks to tons of volume and ultra-romantic plaits. This storybook wedding hair is straight out of an enchanted forest.

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The Knotted Ponytail

Groom kissing bride with knotted ponytail — RAW SHOOTS PHOTOGRAPHY; Hair by GAGA BEAUTY

This unquestionably cool style may be a bit deceiving in terms of effort. We see a twisted half-up gathering flowing into a thick rope braid (to achieve that knotted look) and being secured several inches above the bottom for a boho feel. We'd say this look is well worth the effort though.

17 of 21

The Braided Pony

Newlyweds laughing during vow exchange — JENNY FU; HAIR BY ARLENE MARTIN OF SEXY HAIR

The perfect middle ground between a minimalist low ponytail and a textured plait. This bride gives the sporty 'do a romantic contrast with a feminine ball gown silhouette and a statement earring.

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The Floral Embellished Pony

Bride with floral ponytail zipping up dress — WENDY LAUREL PHOTOGRAPHY; EVENT PLANNING BY COUTURE EVENTS; HAIR & MAKEUP BY MEILI AUTUMN BEAUTY

Dot your pony with a few buds of a romantic bloom for an ethereal effect that will look effortlessly gorgeous. We love matching the blooms to your bouquet or the native flora of the setting.

19 of 21

The Double Take

Two is totally better than one. That's exactly why we adore this multi-tiered approach to a ponytail x half-up hybrid. If you're after some Princess Jasmine vibes for your big day, this may be the contemporary way to go.

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Get Low

This bride's ultra-low pony hits right at the nape of the neck creating an alluring juxtaposition between the sleek crown and teased out strands. This style adds just enough of a disheveled charm to freshen up the otherwise soft and romantic dress.

Don't be afraid to play with different textures and finishes on your ponytail. The same style in a matte or super-glossy finish can completely change the look of the 'do.

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The Minimalist

Newlyweds kissing in front of ocean — Betsy Newman

This bride's loose ponytail is the very essence of minimalist chic. The pairing of the simple staple with the softness of the veil is nothing short of heavenly.

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