I regret not doing an updo hairstyle for my wedding day. I hated my hair. It makes me so sad that I didn’t do anything about it. Every time I see my wedding photos, I groan about how horrible my hair looked. I had silver bobby pins sticking out, frizzy hair, my curls fell out, and it just looked awful.
So, to help you avoid the same fate, let’s look at why you should do an updo wedding hairstyle. And I’ll share my favorite wedding hairstyles for your big day!
Why I Hated My Down-do Wedding Hairstyle
Originally, I was going to hire a professional to do my hair and makeup on my wedding day. Well, we did a practice for my bridal and first-look photos, and I decided I didn’t like what they did. I figured me and my sister could pull together something I liked better.
But on the morning of my wedding, I was feeling really sick and was running late. We had maybe 20 minutes to do my hair and makeup. I wanted my hair down (or half down) because I felt my face looked fatter with my hair up. But getting married in Peru and having an outdoor wedding doesn’t work well for loose hair.
My curls fell out before the ceremony started. And we realized we forgot to bring our hair and makeup bag to the reception. All we had was my curling iron. So we tried to put some curls back in, but without hairspray, we knew it wouldn’t last.
I also didn’t take time once the reception started to go back and fix it up. However, I wish someone would have told me what it looked like and offered to help me redo it during the party. I also wish my photographer would have helped put my hair in place. That’s one reason why choosing the right wedding photographer is so important. They look at the details.
5 Reasons to Do an Updo Wedding Hairstyle Instead
So, to avoid my biggest regret, here are my reasons why you should do an updo hairstyle instead for your bridal look.
1. Lasts Longer
You have a lot happening on your wedding day. From dips at the altar to dancing, your hair goes through a lot. And whether you have an indoor or outdoor wedding, your hair will get a little ruffled up. When people hug you, they may pull your hair or veil a little.
Your veil may fall out and mess up your style a little, too. So, putting your hair up can help it stay in place and look nice all night. But don’t forget, you’ll need a lot of hairspray either way. By the end of the night, your updo will have a higher chance of looking nice than if you had your hair down.
2. Looks Better
Downstyles look very nice in photos, but if you don’t do it right, they can look casual. If that’s the vibe you want, then no worries! But if you want your hair to look more elegant, put together, or special, an updo hairstyle will likely work best.
You can find beautiful updos to match any style. For example, a boho bride may want a more messy or voluminous look. A modern bride may opt for a more sleek and tight hairstyle. My wedding hair looked like I was about to go shopping, not to the most important day of my life.
3. Holds Up in Elements
Like I mentioned above, humidity and curls don’t mix. Heat, rain, and especially wind will turn your beautifully styled hair into a mess. Updo styles can better withstand these elements.
And if you have enough bobby pins and hairspray, you can lock in that perfect look. This is especially important if you have an outdoor wedding. Either way, you should have a backup plan to fix your hair as needed.
4. Is Different Than Normal
If you normally have your hair down on a daily basis, you may feel inclined to keep it that way on your wedding day. I know I did.
I once heard that you want to look like yourself on your wedding day. So if you normally wear glasses, don’t put contacts in. If you normally have your hair down, do the same on your wedding day.
But I disagree! You only have one wedding, why not make it special? Do your hair in a way that compliments the event. Do something different than normal, especially if you feel you look more beautiful that way.
I thought my face looked fat with an updo style. But you can find hairstyles that keep a little hair framing your face. And now, a few years later, I have tried more updo hairstyles and have realized that I look beautiful in those too. So do something a little new and different and find an updo style that makes you feel gorgeous!
5. Easier for a Veil
Finally, an updo wedding hairstyle is also important for veils and headpieces. Most veils attach to your hair with a small comb. A comb needs to grab onto your hair to stay in place. If you have a down hairstyle, you have a higher chance of the veil falling down or off completely. It won’t have enough to grab onto or hold it in place.
My veil had pearls on it and was a cathedral length. It made it really heavy. An updo could have held that weight a little better.
An updo wedding hairstyle gives the veil comb a place to go and makes it less likely to fall out (if you put it in correctly). But no matter what type of veil you have, an updo works great. Take a look at my favorite styles below to see how different veils and hair accessories work with an updo.
My Favorite Bridal Updo Looks on Pinterest
If you need some ideas for your bridal hairstyle, here are some of my favorite updos on Pinterest. From buns to ponytails, I’ve compiled a list that will work well for any bridal style you want.
Pearl Bun Updo Wedding Hairstyle
Pearls are hot this year, and I think they’ll continue trending next year. This simple and voluminous twisted bun with pearl accents is stunning. It gives a beautiful, elegant vibe. And you can still wear a veil with it. Then, when you take your veil off for the reception, you still get a gorgeous bridal look.
Braided Crown Bridal Hairstyle
This braided crown wedding updo looks like a fairytale. It could look so gorgeous with flowers or greenery for spring. Or you could add berries or pine for a winter vibe.
Sleek Low Bun Wedding Updo Hairstyle
I love this sleek bun. You still get some curls to frame your face and a cute knotted bun at the back. You can easily add florals, accessories, or a veil to match your desired style. You can make it modern with an oversized headband. Or you can add jewels for a glamorous look.
Low Twist Bun With Birdcage Veil
This floral birdcage veil is stunning. But what I love more is how good it looks with this braided low bun in the back. This wedding updo hairstyle would work well with a traditional veil stuck in the back.
Twisted Under With Butterflies
This sleek look would look beautiful on any bride. It would work great if you want to avoid the wind messing it up. And those butterfly clips are so elegant and cute. I think this would also work great on someone with thin hair that doesn’t do buns well, like mine.
Floral Clip Low Bun
I love the slightly messy look of this updo wedding hairstyle. You can add a floral clip like this one or any other wedding hair accessory to dress it up. But this shape also works great for sticking a veil on top or just below the bun.
Vintage 1940s Pinup
I am obsessed with vintage styles, and this 1940s look is so glamorous. It would look stunning with a birdcage veil or hat. This one is also so beautiful on its own that you wouldn’t need a veil or accessory with it. However, this one will likely take some time and practice or a professional to do it.
Braided Bun Bridal Updo
I’m in love with this voluminous braided bun for a wedding updo hairstyle. It has a beautiful texture and frames the face. You could also easily stick flowers, jewels, or other accessories into it.
Modern Sleek Ponytail With Hollywood Waves
If you still want to have your hair down but also like an updo, this ponytail is the best of both worlds. I love how sleek and elegant it is. It keeps your hair tied back but with gorgeous Hollywood waves, too. This would work great for a modern bride. But you can also add tons of beautiful accessories to it, such as flower crowns, tiaras, or pearls.
What’s the Best Wedding Hairstyle for YOU?
An updo wedding hairstyle will keep your veil in place, hold up in the elements, look more elegant, and look good all night. But ultimately, the best wedding hairstyle for you will be whatever YOU want. Additionally, some brides choose to do different styles for different parts of the wedding day.
You can do an updo for the ceremony and formal pictures and let your hair hang loose during the reception. We’ve also seen brides with long hair during the ceremony and chop it off to surprise everyone at the reception.
I also love the half-up, half-down looks because they’re so versatile. But what do you think? What’s the best wedding hairstyle for you?
Love, Laurel
