The 10 Most Popular Long Hairstyles for Weddings

Long Hair? ✅
Wedding coming up? ✅
Read on…

If you’ve got long hair and some upcoming nuptials in the diary, and endless Pinterest boards and Instagram Reels have left you feeling a bit overwhelmed, don’t worry - we’ve got you. 

We’ve reached out to our community of customers and polled our team of style gurus and follicle experts to bring you a nice, manageable list of ten wedding styles for women with long hair. Whether you’re the bride, bridesmaid, or an esteemed guest, all of these styles are wedding appropriate and timeless.

We’ve whittled down the list so that all ten of these super popular and achievable looks can be styled at home by you - because wedding season is expensive enough without costly trips to the salon. We’ll throw in a few tips and some product recommendations too.

Without further ado, let’s jump in. In no particular order, here are ten of the most popular wedding looks for ladies with locks.

10. Classic Hollywood Waves

Channel some old‐world glamour vibes with voluminous, smooth waves that exude red-carpet sophistication. 

Waves are a timeless option that complement everything from vintage lace to modern couture, ideal for more chic celebrations. You’ll likely want a curling iron, heat protection and some volumising spray to really nail this look.

9. Loose Cascading Curls / Waves

Soft, cascading curls frame your face, with a feel that’s perfect for outdoor or countryside ceremonies. Lower-effort, vintage-inspired styles like this bring a touch of old-fashioned charm that suits many different looks. A texturising spray or beach waves product is going to help achieve this style at home, paired with a good diffuser attachment on your hairdryer.

8. Classic Chignon / Low Updo

A refined low chignon keeps your long locks neatly gathered at the nape, delivering understated elegance. Its clean, polished look is a bridal staple for both formal and rustic weddings. Have to hand: volumising mousse, hairpins, hairbands and a fixing spray.

7. Half-Up, Half-Down

This versatile look secures the crown while letting flowing strands soften the overall appearance. Not too structured, not too wild. 

Perfect for brides and guests who want to keep hair out of their face but showcase natural length and texture. Hairpins, small hair ties and hairspray at the ready!

6. No-Fuss Ponytail

A solid all-rounder. Sleek, neatly pulled-back ponytails offer a modern yet practical option, keeping hair tidy and off your face all day. If the sun shines or not, or you go berserk on the dancefloor, a ponytail won’t let you down. Low-effort, high reward.

5. Fishtail Braid

Intricate braids, whether as a full updo or a detailed fishtail add texture and a hint of boho elegance. Ideal for country or beach weddings (lucky you), this style mixes sophistication with a more relaxed vibe. You’ll need hair elastics and a texturising spray for this one.

4. Bohemian Braided Crown

Wrap a series of delicate braids around your head for a free-spirited crown look. This boho-chic style is particularly popular for outdoor garden weddings and less traditional venues. Clips and hair ties will help secure the hair, while mousse or styling creams can help refine the finished look.

3. French Twist

A sleek French twist creates an ultra-elegant updo that gives timeless sophistication feels. Ideal for both traditional or contemporary weddings, it’s both practical and inherently graceful. One of the trickier styles to perfect, you’ll want hair ties, clips, hairspray and pomade. And probably a lot of time spent on YouTube.

2. Side-Swept

Sweeping your hair to one side frames the face beautifully and lends a contemporary, soft appeal. This style works well with both modern and classic wedding dress styles for a balanced look.

1. Simple, Sleek and Straight

For brides who favour minimalism, smooth, straight hair offers a refined and understated option. This ultra-polished look pairs perfectly with modern bridal gowns and refined accessories on the big day.

Long Hairstyles for Weddings - FAQs

Still got some burning questions? Fear not, our helpful experts are on hand. Here are some of the most common questions we come across when it comes to longer hairstyles for weddings and formal occasions.

What’s the overall best long hairstyle for weddings?

While there’s no one style that will suit every need, the best style is one that enhances your natural beauty and complements your dress. Classic updos (like chignons or French twists) or soft, flowing waves are popular all-rounders that work for most wedding themes and dress types.

Should you wear your hair up or down for a wedding?

It comes down to personal preference and the overall look you want to achieve; updos offer a formal, face-framing effect, while wearing it down exudes a more natural, elegant vibe. But there’s definitely no hard and fast rules for weddings - whatever you find most comfortable. In our experience, down is ever-so-slightly more common.

What’s the best weather-proof long hairstyle for weddings?

We get it, the British weather doesn’t always behave on the big day. A secure updo (such as a French twist, braided bun, or ponytail) is a wise choice if wind and rain set out to ruin those all-important wedding snaps. These styles keep hair under control, resist heat if it gets a bit warm on the dancefloor, and minimise frizz while maintaining an elegant look.