10 Elegant Wedding Hairstyles to DIY at Home

According to a recent wedding budget study, the average bride spends over $300 on professional hair styling alone. That’s a hefty sum when you consider everything else on your to-do list! Thankfully, elegance doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. DIY wedding hair has become a trending solution for modern brides and guests who want to look polished and photo-ready—without the stress of expensive salon appointments. This guide covers 10 elegant wedding hairstyles that you can recreate at home with ease. Whether you have long waves, short curls, or something in between, there’s a timeless style here to suit every hair type and wedding vibe. Ready to glam up from your own mirror? Let’s get started.

1. Romantic Low Chignon

• Classic and graceful with a soft, timeless finish
• Perfect for formal weddings or vintage-inspired themes
• Works beautifully with hairpins, pearls, or fresh flowers

The low chignon has long been a go-to for brides and guests alike—and for good reason. This hairstyle effortlessly combines grace and structure, making it ideal for sophisticated ceremonies. What makes the chignon so appealing is its adaptability. It can be slicked back for a polished look or teased gently for a softer, more romantic version. To DIY, start with clean, dry hair and add some texture using a light curl wand or texturizing spray. Part your hair in the middle or to the side, gather it into a low ponytail, and twist it into a bun. Secure with bobby pins and lightly tug pieces for a slightly undone, romantic look. Top it off with an embellished clip or silk ribbon for an ethereal vibe.

2. Boho Braided Crown

• Ideal for rustic, outdoor, or boho-style weddings
• Keeps hair away from the face while looking whimsical
• Suits medium to long hair with natural waves or curls

The braided crown screams “boho goddess” and is perfect for that dreamy outdoor wedding. It’s relaxed, feminine, and works best when your hair has a bit of natural wave. Bonus: It also keeps your hair comfortably out of your face, so you can focus on celebrating without fuss. To DIY this style, start by parting your hair down the middle and braiding two sections from each side of your head. Wrap the braids across the crown and pin them in place. You can also loosen a few face-framing strands for a carefree, effortless finish. This style pairs beautifully with flowy dresses, floral arrangements, and natural makeup.

3. Sleek High Bun

• Chic and refined for modern weddings
• Makes a bold, polished statement
• Works best for medium to long, straightened hair

A sleek high bun offers a red-carpet vibe with a modern twist. It’s clean, elegant, and sophisticated—ideal for more urban or contemporary wedding settings. If you’re going for a minimalist bridal look or you want your dress or jewelry to stand out, this updo lets your features shine. To recreate this bun at home, smooth your hair back using a fine-tooth comb and secure it into a high ponytail. Wrap the ponytail into a tight bun, pin it securely, and finish with hairspray for that smooth, flyaway-free finish. For an elevated touch, you can wrap a small braid around the base or add a jeweled comb.

4. Half-Up Twisted Halo

• Feminine and whimsical with a touch of fairytale charm
• Perfect for medium to long hair
• Combines structure with soft, flowing waves

This half-up, half-down style is perfect if you want to keep some hair off your face while still showing off gorgeous curls or natural texture. The twisted halo adds an angelic, ethereal vibe to your look, especially when paired with lace or tulle gowns. To achieve this style, curl your hair with a wide-barrel iron for loose waves. Take two sections from either side of your head, twist them, and secure them at the back of your head with pins or a small elastic. Add a delicate hairpiece or small blooms for that extra romantic finish. It’s low-effort but looks high-end.

5. Loose Braided Side Braid

• Ideal for beach weddings or casual outdoor settings
• Combines a relaxed boho feel with polished detail
• Looks stunning with backless dresses or off-shoulder gowns

A loose side braid oozes effortless beauty. It’s a go-to for brides or guests who want something easy but photogenic. The beauty lies in its simplicity—it’s a braid, but not your average school-day style. To recreate, sweep your hair to one side and begin a loose three-strand braid, pulling gently at the loops to add volume and texture. Secure with a clear elastic or wrap a strand around the end for a polished finish. Let a few curls fall free around your face to soften the look. This braid looks even better as the day goes on!

6. Glamorous Hollywood Waves

• Timeless and luxurious—great for formal or evening weddings
• Best suited for medium to long hair with body
• Pairs beautifully with vintage or Old Hollywood themes

If you’re looking to channel old-school glamour, Hollywood waves are your best friend. They frame the face like a dream and photograph beautifully from every angle. These waves are all about shine, smoothness, and a touch of drama. Begin by parting your hair deeply to the side. Use a curling iron or hot rollers to curl sections of your hair, making sure to curl in the same direction. Once your curls cool, brush them out gently with a boar bristle brush and set with shine spray. Tuck one side behind the ear and add a bejeweled clip for a classic movie-star finish.

7. Messy Textured Bun

• Great for bridesmaids or guests wanting an undone-yet-chic style
• Works well with medium hair and layered cuts
• Ideal for humid or windy settings due to its forgiving nature

Not every wedding hairstyle has to be super sleek. The messy textured bun brings a relaxed yet elegant vibe to the table. It’s quick to create, even quicker to adjust throughout the day, and always stylish. To DIY, start with day-old hair or spritz with texturizing spray. Pull hair into a loose ponytail, twist it into a bun, and secure with bobby pins. Let some tendrils fall naturally around your face. A little hairspray will help set the look without making it stiff. Add a sparkly barrette or leaf clip for some bridal magic.

8. Fishtail Braid with Volume

• Dramatic and intricate-looking—but easier than it seems
• Perfect for medium to long hair
• Great for whimsical or beach wedding themes

Fishtail braids may look complicated, but once you get the rhythm, they’re surprisingly easy to master. Plus, they hold up beautifully for long events and dancing, making them a great wedding-day choice. Divide your hair into two large sections. Take a small strand from the outer edge of the first section and cross it over to the opposite side. Repeat on the other side, alternating back and forth. Secure with an elastic and gently tug at the braid to create volume and fullness. This braid screams boho-luxe when paired with soft curls and floral accessories.

9. Classic French Twist

• Sophisticated and vintage-chic
• Perfect for formal or black-tie weddings
• Ideal for straight or slightly textured hair

A French twist is one of the most elegant hairstyles in the history of fashion. It’s neat, graceful, and makes any outfit look instantly upscale. This style works well if you’re wearing a veil or a dramatic hairpiece. Start with smoothed-out hair and add some light teasing at the crown for volume. Gather your hair as if making a low ponytail, twist it upward, and tuck the ends in, pinning as you go. Finish with a strong hold spray and a pearl comb or vintage barrette. It’s the embodiment of bridal sophistication.

10. Waterfall Braid with Soft Curls

• Romantic, airy, and ideal for outdoor or spring weddings
• Works with most hair lengths and types
• Looks complex but is beginner-friendly with practice

The waterfall braid gives off a fairytale look—imagine a forest wedding or garden party setting. It’s light, youthful, and absolutely lovely when paired with flowing dresses and floral accents. To begin, section off the front part of your hair and start braiding at the temple. As you work across the head, drop one section after every braid rotation and pick up a new one from above. This creates a cascading, waterfall effect. Finish by curling the loose hair beneath for added volume and movement. Add baby’s breath or gold hair pins for a magical final touch.

Conclusion

There you have it—10 elegant wedding hairstyles you can DIY at home without spending a fortune. From timeless chignons to dreamy braids and flowing curls, these styles prove that elegance doesn’t require a stylist’s chair or a salon appointment. With a few tools, some practice, and a sprinkle of creativity, you can walk into any wedding looking—and feeling—like a star.