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    24 Wedding Hairstyles for Short Hair From Real Weddings

    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 04/19/22
    Bridal portrait

    Photo by Jennifer Young 

    Brides-to-be have the option to do nearly anything with their hair before the wedding, but if you're a bride with a short cut, options may seem almost nonexistent. Not to mention, finding hair inspiration may prove to be a bit challenging. Still, having hair that stops above the shoulders instead of down by your waist doesn't mean you can't have a show-stopping hairstyle as you walk down the aisle.

    "For bobs and lobs, some styling options are beach waves, vintage waves, one side up, and messy up-dos," says celebrity stylist Stacy Pitt. "One side up or one side braided back are good options for an asymmetrical look."

    Meet the Expert

    Stacy Pitt is master stylist and hair artist with over 20 years of industry experience. She is the owner of the StylesOnB award-winning hair studio.

    If you're a long-haired gal and contemplating the big chop, a short style can give you that fresh look you've been craving. Not to mention the way a cropped cut exquisitely frames your gorgeous face and features. Whether you're looking for a pixie cut or something a bit longer, we've curated a gallery of the very best wedding-day hairstyles, shoulder-grazing and up.

    Keep scrolling to browse through some of our favorite short hairstyles from real weddings.

    01 of 24

    A Gilded Accessory

    Bridal portrait in blush dress

    Picture Me&U; Hair by Kudakwashe Magora Mhlanga

    This beauty topped her ultra-short, rich crop with a feminine, floral hair comb. It not only adds warmth to the look but also matches the tone of her earrings perfectly. We love the delicate accent to elevate the simple 'do without overshadowing the magnificent blush wedding dress.

    02 of 24

    Glossy Glam

    Bridal portrait

    Photo by Norman & Blake 

    This fashionista bride clearly knew what she was doing. She expertly juxtaposed a glossy, blunt bob and full bangs with an ultra-feminine wedding gown for her floral-filled wedding in Vermont. The contrast adds a refreshing sleekness to the frothy dress.

    03 of 24

    Old Soul

    Bridal portrait

    Photo by Kelly Anne Berry 

    Perfect for modern brides with old, glamorous souls, brushed-out finger waves can be totally chic. This bride goes above and beyond with hair color that is perfectly harmonized with her skin tone and that incredible veil. Honestly, we can't stop gushing over this look.

    04 of 24

    Deep Side Part

    Bridal portrait

    Photo by Luna del Mar

    This bride paired a deep side part and romantically sweeping side bang with her short lengths for a mountaintop celebration in Aspen, Colorado. Graduated crops with longer length toward the front provide tons of room to play with styling. "Long pixies can even be braided back," notes Pitt.

    05 of 24

    Spiral Out

    Carly Cushnie dancing in wedding parade

    Photo by Fer Juaristi; Event Planning by Marcela Gonzalez

    Romantic curls work on any hair length. Fashion designer Carly Cushnie left her coils longer on top with the sides cut extra short. The results are tons of sexy volume and height that contribute to an effortlessly playful look.

    06 of 24

    Side-Swept Pompadour

    Brides in wedding dress and white suit smiling and holding hands at the altar

    Photo by Abby Jiu Photography; Event Planning by Grit & Grace; Hair & Makeup by Hair and Makeup Artistry by Claudine

    Pompadours don't have to be all about pomp and circumstance. Bride Charisse balances out an immaculate undercut by sweeping her glossy curls to the side for her DC nuptials. We love the extra edge detailing throughout the fade.

    07 of 24

    A Floral Arrangement

    Newlyweds portrait in front of bridge

    Photo by AMBER GRESS PHOTOGRAPHY 

    Add a floral headpiece to give strands that little something extra. We love the choice of sultry, scarlet blooms to complement this bride's flirty, retro style and vixen red lip. "Keep bobs and lobs on the longer side for styling," emphasizes Pitt for anyone going in for their pre-wedding trim. "Not leaving extra length is a big mistake, since you can easily lose an inch once the hair is waved."

    08 of 24

    An Earthy Topper

    Newlyweds on the beach

    Photo by Katch Silva 

    In lieu of flowers, a crown made up of ferns and greenery serves as the perfect finishing touch. This earthy topper brings a rich, organic aesthetic into the otherwise pale, coastal color palette. We love that the bride's natural hair texture shines through—complementing the natural environment—rather than being overly polished and looking out of place.

    09 of 24

    A Bohemian Dream

    Bridal portrait

    Photo by Tida Svy 

    We see you, boho goddess. This lovely lady added some structured spirals to her flirtatiously asymmetrical cut for her desert wedding in Palm Springs, California. The results are super playful and bouncy.

    10 of 24

    A Minimalist Moment

    Bridal portrait

    Photo by Hannah Costello

    Minimal brides will swoon over this sleek crop. Sexy bangs in gradient lengths and a deep side part add some extra oomph to the look. We're obsessed with the unexpected length, and softness of the veil to lighten up the structured 'do.

    11 of 24

    Rocker Chic

    Mom helping bride get dressed

    Photo by Dacia Pierson of Eager Hearts Photography; Hair by Tinika Sadiku for Swivel Beauty

    Cool-girl brides, take note of this statement updo perfect for shorter lengths and bigger personalities. In a crocheted faux hawk, this beauty combines a little bit of edge with a whole lot of glam for the perfect bridal look. (It would seem that style runs in the family with her mom's textured pixie serving some major inspo, too!)

    12 of 24

    A Dainty Headband

    Newlyweds

    Photo by Heidi Lau Photography 

    Play up your bridal look (and hair!) by adding a fun accessory. This bride's full pixie cut and mini bangs have all the makings of an Audrey Hepburn vibe. The gold floral headband is the perfect finishing touch.

    13 of 24

    Layered Lengths

    Jazmyn Simon bridal portrait

    Photo by Funkytown Productions; Event Planning by Gladys Santizo of Saguzo Eventos

    A short, layered bob can give the illusion of length while adding definition. Actress Jazmyn Simon added a sense of vintage femininity to her bridal 'do with shiny waves and a deep, barrette-adorned side part. We're picking up all the art deco vibes and loving every bit of it.

    14 of 24

    A Modern Mix

    Bridal portrait

    Photo by Bonnie Sen 

    This modern bride rocked a slick, barely there crimped texture in her blonde tresses for her nuptials in Washington, DC. Check out how those earrings match the flow of the crimp perfectly. A positively genius pairing!

    15 of 24

    French Accents

    Bridal portrait

    Photo by Our Labour of Love

    Having short hair doesn't mean you have to skip the veil. Pair a chin-length bob and full, brow-skimming fringe with a birdcage veil (set askew, of course) for some serious French-girl chic. Bonus points if the veil matches the length of the hair.

    If a birdcage isn't quite your style, a satin headband can deliver the same aesthetic in a more pared-back approach.

    16 of 24

    On the Edge

    Newlyweds

    Photo by Jacqueline Schlossman 

    An asymmetrical pixie can add edginess to your bridal look. We love the longer lengths and structured spirals framing the face. This style is especially wonderful for any curly brides out there.

    17 of 24

    Windswept Waves

    Winter brides in coats holding bouquets and smiling at each other on city sidewalk

    Photo by Krisanne Johnson for Eloping Is Fun

    Get ready for some epic, windswept bridal portraits. A layered shag creates definition and movement, meaning your gorgeous strands will flow with the wind. Add some texturizing spray for that lovely piece-y look.

    If using hair products to achieve this look, opt for matte finishes for a more effortless vibe.

    18 of 24

    Placement Is Key

    Bridal portrait

    Photo by Ready Luck 

    Fear not, no bloom is too big for a short 'do. This bride's trick is to place the blooms as a headband on the forehead rather than as a crown topper. The fullness balances out the height of her natural 'do without adding any additional inches.

    19 of 24

    A Curly Canvas

    bride with flowers in her curly hair smiling and holding groom's hands

    Photo by Two Twenty by Chi Chi; Event Planning & Floral Design by Eventi Floral & Events; Hair by Vernon Martin's Salon

    Forgo relaxers for natural, full-of-bounce curls. This radiant bride tucked a few blossoms into her tight coils for a feminine and vivacious look. We love that she didn't shy away from mega-watt blooms in lieu of smaller buds for her Maryland garden party wedding. The more delicate sizing would've just gone unnoticed amidst all that covetable volume.

    20 of 24

    A Romantic Outlook

    Newlyweds

    Photo by Jennifer Young

    This bride is the epitome of dreamy. Rich, curly tendrils gently fall around her stunning features as she walks down the aisle at her intimate destination nuptials in Italy. We've got chills.

    21 of 24

    Double Dose

    Newlyweds

    Photo by Jacqueline Schlossman

    In the mood for a sleek crop, or did you have something more voluminous in mind? Either way, these two brides are giving us some serious crop envy. Who said there's no versatility in a short hairstyle?

    22 of 24

    Simply Stunning

    Newlyweds after civil ceremony

    Photo by STEPH WAHLIG PHOTOGRAPHY

    Simplicity can make just as much of a visual impact as more intricate stylings, especially if your aesthetic is more paired back and minimalist. This bride's short crop and natural texture are all she needs to complement her breezy civil ceremony look. The vibe is simply sublime for balmy summer nuptials.

    23 of 24

    A Statement Crop

    Newlyweds

    Photo by Laura Murray

    This bride's short crop couldn't be cooler. And check out those statement earrings adding a pop of orange to the look (a citrusy complement to the vixen-red lippy). The natural minimalism of shorter lengths creates the perfect canvas for rocking bold jewelry.

    24 of 24

    A Full Hairpiece

    Bride with short hair and gold headpiece in satin jumpsuit and cape

    Photo by Love and Wolves; Even Planning by Heartthrob Weddings and Events; Hair & Makeup by Valerie Harvey of Mohawk Makeup; Kerrie Urban of The Wall Group

    Headpieces can pull your bridal look together while still being timeless, or they can be a bit wilder and reflect your outgoing personality. This bride's gilded accent brings just the right amount of charm while being unquestionably on theme. We love how the old-world accessory complements the regal cape and distinguished epaulets for the multiday California wedding.

    FAQ
    • How do I wear a veil with short hair?

      If you have enough hair density to secure a comb, most veil styles can easily attach to shorter lengths. Otherwise, you can wear a veil freely cascading over your crown or choose one that attaches to a headband or hairpiece.

    • When should I trim my short hair before the wedding?

      "Pixies should be cut a few days before the wedding," advises Pitt. "For bobs and lobs, trim two weeks before." Don't forget to keep your wedding hairstyle in mind when you go in. Coifs with waves and curls will naturally appear much shorter when styled.

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