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RYAN RAY PHOTOGRAPHY
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.
The Fabulous Fishtail Hybrid
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Monika Ottehenning
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.
An Ultra-Feminine Finish
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RED ASPEN PHOTOGRAPHY
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.
Let the Bangs Out
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Leo Patrone
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.
Toss the Tie
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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!
The Voluminous Pony
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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.
Tied-Back Loose Locks
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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.
Go Shortie
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JENN EMERLING WEDDINGS
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.
The Metallic Pick-Me-Up
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SARA LOBLA
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.
A Bit of Boho
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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.
Bump It Up
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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.
The Fuss-Free Pony
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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.
Add Some Subtle Sparkle
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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.
A Floral-Wrapped Ponytail
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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.
The Preppy Pony
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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.
Tousled Tresses
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Danielle Rose Cook
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.
The Knotted Ponytail
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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.
The Floral Embellished Pony
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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.
The Double Take
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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.
Get Low
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Robin Harper
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.
The Minimalist
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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.