5 Simple Wedding Hairstyles for Wedding Guests (2025)
In this guide, I’m sharing five simple wedding hairstyles for wedding guests that you can DIY at home with minimal fuss. Whether your hair is long, short, curly, or straight, these styles will help you shine without stress. From soft romantic waves to sleek high ponytails, you’ll find ideas that suit formal, casual, and boho weddings alike. Let’s dive into the looks that are timeless, beautiful, and perfect for your next wedding event!
1. Loose Romantic Waves
Loose romantic waves are the quintessential wedding guest hairstyle—soft, feminine, and effortlessly beautiful. This look is ideal for medium to long hair and can be created using a curling iron, wand, or even heatless overnight braids. The key is to achieve those gentle, flowing waves that frame your face without feeling too done-up. One of the best things about romantic waves is their versatility. They complement almost any outfit, from floral sundresses at a garden wedding to elegant gowns at an evening reception. Adding a delicate hair accessory like a floral clip or pearl pins instantly upgrades the style, making it wedding-appropriate without overdoing it.
Styling loose waves is simple but impactful. Start with a heat protectant spray, then curl medium-sized sections away from your face. After curling, run your fingers or a wide-tooth comb through the curls to soften them. Finish with a light mist of flexible hold hairspray to keep waves in place without stiffness. For a no-heat alternative, braid your damp hair into two or three braids before bed, and wake up to natural waves you can tousle and pin. Romantic waves work beautifully for outdoor or beach weddings, where the breeze can add natural movement to your hair. Plus, this style photographs well from every angle—a major plus when you’re aiming for those Insta-worthy shots!
2. Elegant Low Chignon
For guests attending more formal weddings, the elegant low chignon is a classic go-to that radiates sophistication. This style keeps your hair tidy and polished all day long, which is especially helpful for ceremonies that stretch late into the evening. The low chignon sits just above the nape of your neck, creating a sleek silhouette that pairs well with statement earrings and bold makeup. To create a low chignon, start by smoothing your hair with a flat iron or blow-dryer to reduce frizz and flyaways. Part your hair in the center or slightly to the side—whichever flatters your face shape the most. Gather your hair into a low ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Then twist the ponytail and wrap it around the base to form a bun. Secure with bobby pins, making sure the style feels tight but comfortable.
Want to elevate the look? Add pearl pins, gold combs, or delicate jeweled clips to the side or back of the chignon. These small touches add an elegant shimmer that makes the hairstyle wedding-ready without feeling overdone. Plus, the style’s neatness ensures you won’t have to worry about your hair falling into your face during the celebration. This hairstyle is perfect for bridesmaids or guests who want a timeless look that’s chic and fuss-free. It also holds up well in humid weather and is ideal for venues with air conditioning or outdoor tents.
3. Half-Up, Half-Down Twist
The half-up, half-down twist offers the best of both worlds: the softness of flowing hair with the practicality of having some hair secured away from your face. This style suits all hair types and lengths, and it’s wonderfully adaptable for various wedding themes—from rustic barn weddings to elegant ballroom affairs. To achieve this look, start by curling your hair into loose waves for added texture. Take two small sections from the front of your head (one on each side), twist them back, and pin them together at the back of your head. You can create a simple twist or opt for a more elaborate rope or braid twist, depending on your comfort level.
The half-up, half-down twist is perfect for adding volume at the crown, giving your hair a subtle lift that looks effortlessly glamorous. Plus, it provides a lovely base to tuck in a pretty clip, small flowers, or a vintage barrette to match your outfit or the wedding’s color palette. Comfortable and breezy, this style is ideal for guests who want to keep their hair loose but still maintain an elegant shape throughout the festivities. It’s also easy to refresh during the event—just re-pin or add a little hairspray to keep things looking fresh.
4. Braided Crown Halo
Nothing says boho chic like a braided crown halo—a hairstyle that channels ethereal beauty with a hint of whimsy. This look is especially flattering for medium to long hair and works well for weddings held outdoors, in gardens, or any venue where a natural, relaxed vibe is welcome. Creating a braided crown halo involves braiding sections of your hair along your hairline and wrapping them around your head like a crown. You can opt for a traditional three-strand braid, a fishtail braid, or a loose rope braid depending on your skill and hair texture. Securing the ends with clear elastics and discreet pins keeps the look neat yet soft.
This style is wonderfully versatile—you can leave the rest of your hair down in waves, curl it for added texture, or even tuck it into a low bun at the back. Adding fresh flowers, delicate leaves, or a decorative wire braid elevates the look, making it perfect for a bohemian or rustic wedding. Besides its beauty, the braided crown keeps hair off your face, which is great for warm-weather weddings or dances that last into the night. It also holds up well with minimal touch-ups, letting you enjoy the celebration without worry.
5. Sleek High Ponytail
For wedding guests who love modern, polished looks, the sleek high ponytail is a standout option. It’s chic, youthful, and surprisingly easy to pull off—even if you’re not a hairstyling pro. Plus, it keeps hair secure and tidy, perfect for dancing or warm weather. To create a sleek high ponytail, start by smoothing your hair with a brush and some lightweight smoothing serum or gel. Pull your hair up to the crown of your head and secure with a strong elastic. For an extra touch of glam, wrap a small section of hair around the base of the ponytail to hide the elastic and pin it underneath.
Use a flat iron to straighten the ponytail for a mirror-smooth finish or leave it slightly textured for a more relaxed look. This hairstyle pairs beautifully with statement earrings and bold makeup, making it ideal for evening weddings or cocktail receptions. What’s great about the sleek ponytail is its versatility—dress it up with accessories like jeweled clips or a satin ribbon, or keep it minimal for a contemporary vibe. It’s also a fantastic choice if you’re short on time but want a hairstyle that looks intentional and polished.
Conclusion
Attending a wedding as a guest should be all about celebrating and enjoying the day, not stressing over your hairstyle. These five simple wedding hairstyles prove that you don’t need to spend hours in the salon or break the bank to look stunning. From loose romantic waves to a sleek high ponytail, each style is designed to be approachable, elegant, and adaptable to any wedding setting.
